The Gabriel Project by Metropolitan Developments

Overview

Kitspace played a crucial role in creating the interior design strategy for the Gabriel Project, a multifamily condo development by Metropolitan Developments in San Antonio, Texas. Faced with a desire to differentiate the development in the Helotes Park area, Kitspace was brought on board to develop a design strategy that would optimize unit layouts, maximize functionality, and appeal to a diverse range of buyers. By focusing on creating a unified, high-value experience, Kitspace helped Metropolitan Developments raise the bar for design and functionality.

Kitspace's scope of work included updating the suite layouts, detailing the kitchens, bathrooms, closets, utility spaces, and creating custom storage solutions. They also took responsibility for manufacturing the presentation center to support pre-sales efforts and collaborated closely with key stakeholders, including Pappageorge Haymes Partners (architects), Derive Developments (marketing), and Metropolitan Developments.

The Challenge

Metropolitan Developments aimed to stand out in the market by offering exceptional interiors that would cater to a diverse group of buyers, ranging from young professionals to downsizers and empty nesters. The key challenges included:

  • Site constraints: The tight geographical site required creative approaches to maximize the use of space while maintaining design integrity.
  • Diverse buyer needs: The development needed to offer layouts and features that appealed to a broad range of potential buyers, from families to single professionals.
  • Coordination of stakeholders: With multiple teams involved in the project, including architects, developers, and marketers, it was crucial to have a well-coordinated interior design plan to meet timelines and cost goals.

Kitspace’s Solution

  1. Design Strategy & Unit Optimization Kitspace’s primary role was to reimagine the unit mix and typologies, optimizing the floorplans to create more functional and appealing living spaces. By applying their expertise in modular design, Kitspace was able to:

  • Refine floor plan layouts: Maximized natural light, enhanced traffic flow, and created flexible, adaptable spaces to accommodate varying lifestyles.
  • Customizable interior features: Introduced design elements that could be personalized to appeal to different buyer segments. For instance, kitchens were designed with high-end finishes, and bathrooms featured space-saving double vanities to maximize both function and style.
  • Storage solutions: Emphasized storage by integrating built-in closets, utility cupboards, and other features to optimize space in smaller units.
  1. Collaboration for Fast-Track Delivery Kitspace worked in tandem with the architects (Pappageorge Haymes Partners) and marketing team (Derive Developments) to ensure that the design vision aligned with both the branding and functional goals of the project. This integrated approach was instrumental in:

  • Fast-tracking the permitting and pre-sales process: With well-coordinated design documentation, Kitspace enabled Metropolitan Developments to streamline their pre-sales and marketing efforts. The custom-built presentation center, designed and manufactured by Kitspace, became a crucial tool in engaging prospective buyers and investors.
  • Known costs and lead times: Kitspace's involvement early in the project allowed Metropolitan to lock in costs and lead times for interior elements, enabling more accurate project bids and smoother project execution with the general contractor.
  1. User-Centered Design Approach The project focused on aligning the interior design with user personas created to reflect the lifestyles of potential buyers in the Helotes Park area. Kitspace ensured that the interiors catered to:

  • Young professionals: Focused on smart layouts with functional office spaces and entertainment areas.
  • Empty nesters: Emphasized comfort, ease of use, and storage, appealing to older buyers downsizing from larger homes.
  • Families: Created flexible spaces with multi-functional rooms that could adapt to growing family needs.
  1. Manufacturing & Execution Kitspace was responsible for the manufacturing of interior components and the presentation center. By using modular construction methods, Kitspace ensured that all materials and features were produced with precision and delivered efficiently, minimizing on-site installation time and errors.

The Outcome

Kitspace’s involvement in the Gabriel project not only resulted in a highly functional and desirable product but also set a template for future developments by Metropolitan. The key achievements of the project include:

  • Optimized unit designs that maximized space and functionality while appealing to a wide buyer demographic.
  • Reduced project complexity by providing well-coordinated, cost-certain interior elements before going out to bid with contractors.
  • A successful pre-sales strategy, enabled by the high-quality presentation center and design renderings, which allowed potential buyers to envision the final product.

Why Kitspace Was the Right Partner?

Kitspace’s ability to align interior design with buyer needs and coordinate across multiple stakeholders ensured the Gabriel project was both functionally optimized and market-ready. Their expertise in reconfiguring layouts and streamlining production allowed for a well-coordinated design scheme with known costs and lead times before going to bid. Kitspace’s attention to detail and collaborative approach helped fast-track the project to permit and pre-sales, ensuring that Gabriel stood out in a competitive market.

Kitspace’s combination of modular design expertise, strategic planning, and manufacturing capability made them the ideal partner for Metropolitan Developments. Their ability to coordinate across teams, streamline the design process, and deliver high-quality interiors at known costs enabled Metropolitan to fast-track the project and create a market-leading product in the San Antonio condo market.

Conclusion

Kitspace’s role in the Gabriel project illustrates their ability to balance design innovation with practical execution. By creating a user-centered design strategy and aligning it with broader architectural goals, Kitspace helped Metropolitan Developments deliver a project that not only met the diverse needs of buyers but also set a new standard for design and value in the San Antonio market​.

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