J. F. McKenney, President
For over 35 years, Jim McKenney was the owner of JFM Design Center an interior design and contract furnishings company for the hospitality industry.
He was involved in all areas of planning, purchasing, shipping and installation of all aspects from supplies to complete interior furnishings.
Mr. McKenney also has experience as a food and beverage manager and general manager for various hotel operations. This experience included the upgrading
and restoration of unprofitable operations. He also was an East coast motor hotel consultant for a major chain.
Having a B.S. Degree in Hotel & Food Service Management, he applied his knowledge to gain management experience then went on to serve as an instructor and Department Head of Hotel and Food Service Curriculum at Manchester Community College in Connecticut, a program of which he was a co-founder, that received National recognition.
Article in The Commercial Flooring Report May, 2008
DESIGN PLANNING FOR PROPER RESULTS – By Jim McKenney
Interior design has become not only fashionable but critical in the hospitality world of today’s marketplace. Upscale and boutique hotels, theme restaurants, night clubs and grand casinos are all part of the travel world that needs that finished designer look to make a property stand out; giving the customer an experience that keeps them returning. Even the Mom and Pop bed and breakfasts and the roadside motor inns need these services to keep up with the fierce competition of today.
In dealing with interior designers and decorators there are many areas of concern. Things like budget, availability, delivery schedules, brand requirements and serviceability are usually standard procedures. However there are various areas that are sometimes overlooked. One concern is that the designer does not seek out and converse with housekeepers, engineers and other department heads. These individuals can many times provide critical input for the designer. Simple but overlooked things like high traffic areas causing soil and wear spots, storage needs, service stations, HVAC and AV needs, etc. Overlooking these concerns can cause an expensive and frustrating redo of what should have been a finished project.
Another area of concern is the lack of knowledge of product construction and serviceability demand. For instance, public areas require much more durable carpeting than the typical guestroom. Service areas from the kitchens into the dining and banquet areas may need special attention to their walk-off areas. What is the durable life of the product for these areas and how are they best maintained for longevity and appearance? What type of installation? Should it be with padding, double stick, special backing or direct glue? Would some areas be best suited for carpet tiles or other materials for quick frequent replacement and maintenance? Are there design element considerations that can best be accomplished by using a particular type of carpet product? How important are colors and their influence on the performance and life of the carpet? How do you choose the proper flooring to prevent problems and premature replacement? Are there special considerations for a particular property or part of it that must be paid special attention to? All of these questions and many more have to be answered and kept in mind while striving to satisfy the client.
At times something as basic as the fire rating is overlooked. Any product that does not pass local, state and federal codes can keep a certificate of occupancy from being issued, not to mention the cost of replacing the initial installation. On the subject of replacement, consideration must be given to the disposal and/or recycling of the product removed. Land fills are no longer the answer. In the same vein, the new products should be using as much recycled components as possible. Also, determine if the product is recyclable after its service life. Try to keep it as “green” as practical and possible without compromising performance.
And the list goes on. I’ve covered only a partial list of concerns to be aware of when preparing for an interior upgrade of a property. Suffice it to say, “Your project manager in conjunction with your designer needs to involve key personnel in drafting a checklist of vital issues for a successful project”.
