With so many innovative construction, manufacturing and interior design projects coming up, we caught up with the Managing Director, Matt Burrows to find out more about what we can look forward to in 2020 from TJM Projects.
Here’s what Matt had to tell us:
Along with celebrating your 15th year in business, which projects have defined the last twelve months for TJM?
The last year has certainly been memorable for TJM and filled with many exciting projects, people and experiences that have made it very special anniversary indeed.
The defining project without a doubt has (and is) our ongoing £10m fit-out work at Heron House in Manchester, for the combined clients of Manchester City Council and Bruntwood.
The full £2m refurbishment of Phoenix House on Cross Street (Manchester) also was an exciting challenge, working in an iconic building in such a vibrant location.
When you start exciting projects such as these, what are the most important factors you consider?
Discussing a new project for the first time is always fantastic. While the possibilities may seem endless, there are many vital things to take into account from the outset.
From location and surroundings and the architectural solutions we need to incorporate or overcome, how the new design utilises different spaces and materials, through to the flow and function of each area as well, and ultimately of course how the occupiers and visitors will use the building.
With all this to bear in mind, as well as budgets, schedules and logistics, it’s safe to say every project is as unique as our clients themselves.
What construction challenges did the TJM team face along the way and how did you overcome them?
In business, as in life, there’s always a solution, it’s just about finding it.
The main challenges we faced revolved around logistics (as always) in such locations and of course the nature of Manchester City Centre itself, whether that be the crowds, security, protest marches – the list is endless!
With such a strong team of skilled and dedicated staff at TJM we like to prove to clients that complex or (what appear to be) daunting problems don’t always have complex answers. It’s all about choosing the right people for the job and allowing them to identify, implement and complete that answer.
For a first-time visitor to one of these projects, what experience do you hope they have?
At TJM we like to create spaces where visitors feel both welcome and inspired.
Whether they are hard at work, learning new skills or relaxing with friends and family, they should always find stimulation as well as support.
We hope whatever TJM project it is the end result leaves happy lasting memories.
What, for you, have been the standout themes and influences this year, and where do you continue to draw inspiration from?
Like many of us, as both an individual as well as a business owner, I’ve become a lot more conscious about the things I consume over the past year and I believe sustainability will be an even bigger buzzword in 2020.
We are already seeing within our industry, at trade events such as London Design Festival, big changes being made in response to two of the toughest challenges that our time faces: our ever-growing need for urban space and the absolute urgency to fight climate change.
I personally believe the environmental challenges we are facing can be addressed through innovative design, affordable construction and local manufacturing.
It’s up to companies like TJM to lead the way.
Thanks for taking the time to chat Matt, here’s to the next 15 years.
If you would like to find out more about TJM Projects as well as see more examples of Matt and his team’s inspiring work, visit the website, email info@tjmprojects.co.uk or call 01744 21212.
