Starting a business is a bit like designing a 6-storey building in South Kensington—it sounds exciting until you realize how many floors there are. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through it with a step-by-step guide that will not only make you laugh but hopefully give you some ideas too. Let’s take a walk down memory lane to when we designed Be Lounge, a luxury serviced apartment complex with a restaurant and lounge bar that’s still turning heads today. It was 2017, and boy, did we learn a lot!
Step 1: Dream Big (But Start Small)
Everyone loves the idea of running a massive, six-floor empire in Kensington. But when Be Lounge came to us, they had an even bigger dream: transforming their space into luxury serviced apartments with a killer restaurant and lounge bar. The key here is to dream big, but start with something manageable. Our first conversation with Be Lounge was not about how to install chandeliers on every floor (though that did come later), but about understanding their brand, their audience, and what would make their space unique.
Takeaway for Business Owners: You want to rule the world? Cool. Start by ruling your niche.
Step 2: The Crazy 'What Ifs' (Spoiler: They're Not Crazy)
Designing Be Lounge required a lot of "what ifs." What if we turned the top floor into private penthouse suites? What if the lounge bar had a retractable roof? What if we could combine the timeless elegance of South Kensington with a vibe that felt like a secret members' club? At first, these ideas felt wild, but it’s those "crazy" thoughts that turn into features your clients will love. Spoiler alert: the retractable roof idea didn’t make it into Be Lounge—but the private suites did, and the blend of old-world charm and modern luxury made the entire building feel like a sanctuary in the city.
Takeaway for Business Owners: Don’t be afraid to throw crazy ideas into the mix. Even if they don’t all stick, they’ll lead you to something memorable.
Step 3: Hustle (There Will Be Tears)
Every business owner knows the hustle—late nights, caffeine-fueled brainstorms, and that one moment where you seriously consider running away to the mountains. With Be Lounge, there were plenty of those moments. We were managing multiple floors, different concepts, and a demanding timeline. In the middle of it all, Lina and I had this moment of sheer panic over whether we could really deliver everything in time. There may have been tears, possibly some wine, but guess what? Hustling through those tough moments is part of the magic.
Takeaway for Business Owners: The hustle is real, and it’s tough, but it’s where the real progress happens. Keep going, even when you want to hide under your desk.
Step 4: People, People, People
While the design of Be Lounge was complex, one of the most important lessons we learned was that it wasn’t just about the building—it was about the people. Who were the guests? What did they need from their stay? What would make them book again? The same applies to any business. Focus on your customers. We designed Be Lounge to cater to business travelers and leisure guests alike, making sure that whether you were there for a meeting or a weekend escape, you’d feel pampered and at home.
Takeaway for Business Owners: It’s not just about the product or service; it’s about understanding the people you’re serving.
Step 5: Celebrate! (Then Start Again)
When Be Lounge finally opened its doors, we threw a huge party (and by huge, we mean champagne was flowing, and we may have danced a little too much). That moment of seeing everything come together is what makes all the sweat and late nights worth it. But here’s the thing: as soon as you’ve achieved your goal, there’s always the next one. The hustle doesn’t stop—it just evolves. Today, Be Lounge continues to thrive, and we’re on to the next big challenge.
Takeaway for Business Owners: Celebrate your wins, but don’t get too comfortable. There’s always a new opportunity around the corner.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Dream Happen
Starting a business is hard, designing a 6-storey building in South Kensington is harder, but nothing is impossible. With a little bit of hustle, a lot of creativity, and the willingness to dream big (and maybe cry a little), you can make anything happen.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories from our design adventures and tips on how to build your own success!
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