Explore how Meraki Design used Programa to modernize a Victorian townhouse on Eldon Road, blending Wabi-Sabi Japandi elements with traditional architecture.

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Meraki Design x Programa: Blending Victorian Charm with Japandi Elegance on Eldon Road
In the second installment of our "Made with Programa" series, we delve into Meraki Design’s stunning transformation of a townhouse on Eldon Road, Kensington. This project perfectly encapsulates the studio’s ethos of blending historical authenticity with contemporary design, creating spaces that are both timeless and serene.
The Project: Merging Heritage with Modern Minimalism
The Eldon Road project involved modernizing and reconfiguring a tired Victorian townhouse. Inspired by the client’s Japanese heritage, Meraki Design sought to fuse the traditional elegance of Victorian architecture with the minimalist, calming essence of a contemporary Wabi-Sabi Japandi interior. The brief was clear: create a home that honors both the client’s cultural background and the historical character of the property, resulting in a design that feels both modern and timeless.
Challenges and Solutions: Seamless Integration with Programa
The project presented unique challenges, including managing communication with a client based overseas and balancing the stylistic blend of Victorian and Wabi-Sabi Japandi elements. The solution lay in leveraging Programa’s robust project management features, which facilitated real-time updates and approvals, ensuring a seamless design process despite the geographical distance.
Programa played a critical role in keeping the client closely involved, allowing them to approve furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) remotely, with full visibility into prices and timelines. This level of transparency not only kept the project on track but also helped maintain the harmonious balance between traditional and modern design elements.
Harnessing Programa’s Features for Efficient Scheduling and Specification
Meraki Design utilized several key features within Programa, including scheduling and specification management, to streamline the Eldon Road project. The ability to organize all FF&E in one centralized location allowed for easy review and approvals, enhancing the team’s workflow and keeping the client engaged at every stage.
For this project, Programa’s shared dashboard was invaluable in bridging the communication gap created by the client’s location. By providing real-time updates, Meraki Design ensured that every decision aligned with the overall vision, keeping the project within scope and on schedule.
Client and Team Feedback: Building Confidence through Transparency
While the adoption of Programa has been smooth for Meraki’s team and suppliers, training clients to use the platform effectively required a more hands-on approach. Regular calls and walkthroughs of the client dashboard helped build confidence, allowing clients to approve items in real-time and reducing the potential for surprises on installation day.
The clear approval history provided by Programa also offered a safeguard against misunderstandings, enabling Meraki to refer back to past decisions and maintain full transparency with clients and stakeholders.
The Impact of Programa on Design and Project Success
Programa has been a game-changer for Meraki Design, influencing not only the success of the Eldon Road project but also the studio’s broader approach to design. By streamlining project management, facilitating collaboration, and enhancing communication, Programa allowed Meraki to focus more on the creative aspects of their work.
For Eldon Road, the integration of all FF&E selections, schedules, and client approvals in one place ensured efficient project execution, despite the challenges of distance. Programa’s structured yet flexible platform enabled Meraki Design to maintain strict adherence to timelines and budgets, fostering a smoother and more innovative design process.
Explore More in Our Made with Programa Series
Discover how Meraki Design uses Programa to overcome challenges, streamline processes, and create stunning spaces that blend the best of historical and modern design. Read the full article and see how Programa can transform your projects.