Spazio Ideale Creates Iconic Workspaces For Technology Companies Such As Paystack And ULesson
Spazio Ideale creates iconic workspaces for technology companies such as Paystack and uLesson
Numerous studies have established a link between how a space appears and how a person lives or works. With changes in our perception of our environment, there is now a growing demand for thoughtful space design. However, this was not always the case.
In Africa, for example, pitching space designs is more prevalent today than it was a decade ago, as more people are concerned with the aesthetics of their spaces. Notably, we are discussing a $115 billion industry that is expected to reach $121 billion by the end of 2021. And it becomes even more exciting as a result of the numerous options available through innovation.
Acceptance of space design in Nigeria occurred concurrently with the emergence of interior design startups such as Spazio Ideale — an Italian expression loosely translating as 'Ideal Space.'
Tomi Bamgbelu, Spazio Ideale's Founder and Creative Director, has always had an affinity for architecture and computers. She earned a bachelor's degree in computer science before pursuing a master's degree in interior design to pursue her passion for design.
She quickly decided to turn her passion for interior design into a business. Her entrepreneurial journey began by accident.
The rise of Spazio Ideale
After completing her postgraduate studies in Italy in 2014 and a stint in Ghana, she returned to Nigeria and was unable to find a suitable design company to join. They all clashed with the designs she favored, among other issues. As a result, she began informing others about her work.
“Typically, when students enroll in a design school, they are required to create a design portfolio of their work. And when I returned, I distributed it to a few people for their viewing pleasure. They saw what I enjoy doing and how I enjoy creating.”
And she eventually persuaded a few members of her circle to patronize her.
She completed her first project, a living space for a friend, in June 2015. Since then, the startup's scope of services has expanded, and it is now more of a commercial space design company.
Bamgbelu is proud of the company's progress thus far, revealing that it has completed over 50 projects spanning residential, commercial, hospitality, and educational facilities.
However, the majority of them are in commercial spaces — with over 30 clients — most notably in the technology sector. With the majority of its business coming from referrals, the startup touts itself as the first in the tech space, claiming to have designed office spaces for popular Nigerian startups.
Kuda Bank, Softcom, Heritage Bank, Paystack, Reliance HMO, uLesson, Techpoint Africa, and Max.ng deserve special mention.
Bamgbelu fondly recalls how the team came up with Paystack's recognizable workspace design.
“During our initial conversation with Paystack, we attempted to understand who they are and what they do, and we discovered a friendly organization that, while small at the time, felt like a family and provided a fun work environment. And we designed the space accordingly.”
A customer-centric approach
Between initial contact and delivery, the team follows a five-step process known as the Spazio Way. A 60-minute meeting is the first step, followed by conceptual design, detail work, execution, and after-sales care.
However, delivery time is dependent on the project's scope.
Although Bamgbelu managed the startup's initial projects personally, the founder's current role is to provide overall creative direction from design to execution.
This is simple, as she is supported by a dependable team of 14 highly skilled professionals, including interior designers, architects, civil engineers, and building technologists. This instills confidence in her as they all work collaboratively to complete each project.
Additionally, the startup collaborates with muralists, furniture makers, and plumbers. In essence, Spazio Ideale's work frequently necessitates completely re-structuring a space, from ceiling to floor.
Bamgbelu demonstrates how a team develops a design for any project.
“It depends on a few factors; we design based on the client's objectives. We begin by asking, "Why aren't you doing this yourself?" Why would you require the services of an interior designer? That is the only way for us to create value.”
Bamgbelu discusses why people contact Spazio Ideale.
“For some people, it's in an attempt to save money because they're unsure where to obtain the items they desire. Others are seeking expertise because they have an idea but are unsure how to proceed. Others seek to enhance the employee experience or brand association.
“As a result, each design is typically unique, even if they share some elements. Occasionally, it is determined by the company's culture — whether playful or reserved — or by the functional and aesthetic requirements of the organization.”
According to the founder, the most difficult project over the last six months was establishing uLesson's Abuja office with less than two months allocated for design and implementation.
“We were able to complete it within two months. As a result, it was challenging to ensure that occurred due to the project's size, which was 1,000 square metres, and the fact that there were so many unique pieces.”
Cost is determined by the client's budget; however, no quality is sacrificed in the process. Bamgbelu is frequently endorsed by customers who are satisfied that projects are completed without their intervention following initial discussions. And this results in repeat clients seeking a redesign or who have relocated or opened new offices.
If anything, this has aided in the growth of the business. Prior to 2019, the startup saw a 50-70 percent increase in revenue. Between 2019 and 2020, revenue increased by 150 percent, and the company is aiming for a similarly successful 2021.
Thinking outside the box
In a market crowded with other interior design firms such as Space Finish, the founder believes Spazio Ideale stands out because it is not motivated solely by the desire to make a space look good.
Apart from exceptional execution, there is conceptualisation and design. The team creates one-of-a-kind designs that integrate seamlessly into the client's organizational structure, facilitate communication and interaction, and leave an indelible impression on visitors.
To illustrate Spazio Ideale's competitive advantage, Bamgbelu recounts how the firm was hired to design Paystack's first office in 2016, just one year after the payments company launched in 2015.
Although unusual at the time, the founder chose a unique design for the office space.
“Typically, a reception area will feature the company logo and lighting, most likely made of acrylic or glass. By delving into Paystack's culture, we discovered that these guys are anything but rigid. Thus, their initial point of contact as visitors enter the reception area should reflect them. That is why we created the 'Welcome' wall, on which we wrote welcome in various languages."
This choice would immortalize Paystack's history and influence the company's decision to invite Spazio Ideale to design its second office.
Bamgbelu describes how the wall influenced some foreign visitors to the office to view them as welcoming and heartwarming individuals because they felt at ease seeing the word 'Welcome' in their native languages.
Despite similar success stories, the startup has encountered a number of difficulties, many of which are unique to Nigeria.
Bamgbelu anticipates a time when electricity and the Internet, inflation, and talent development will no longer be stumbling blocks for creative businesses attempting to remain competitive.
Other difficulties inherent in working in the creative industry "include access to high-quality partners who assist us in completing our projects." For instance, it is difficult to obtain highly skilled artisans and laborers. And, as a result of our commitment to excellence, we frequently have to redo things until they are perfect. Regardless of these factors, we are crystal clear about what we want to deliver to our clients.”
Changing seasons and what the future’s like
When campaigns for social distancing and working from home (WFH) became prominent during the coronavirus's peak in 2020 — with the idea of having a physical office frequently debated — Spazio Ideale had a relatively successful run, albeit with a few client losses.
Bamgbelu emphasized the startup's 150 percent revenue growth. One might reasonably inquire what was available to do during a lockdown and office closures.
“Throughout the time we were working from home, we were churning out designs. And the design phase is lengthy,” she adds.
Essentially, interior design is a highly creative profession that has yet to be fully appreciated in this part of the world due to widespread ignorance about its impact on living and working environments.
Bamgbelu explains it as follows.
“Organisations provide tools, and individuals typically possess tools that enable them to be productive. The physical space in which people work is a tool for ensuring that the organization achieves its goals. Thus, if the staff is content with their workspace, it benefits the business.”
As a result, she recommends educating individuals and organizations about its significance. Nonetheless, only those who are interested contact interior designers for consultation or design and execution.
Bamgbelu asserts that remote work does not pose a threat to the growth of the business, particularly in Nigeria, noting that the unique challenges associated with WFH — electricity and Internet — would only encourage businesses to operate a hybrid model.
Surprisingly, Spazio Ideale's clientele remains predominantly commercial.
“The reality is that organizations want to get their spaces up and running as quickly as possible. Everybody is considering alternatives to COVID-19. Yes, there is a strategy for working from home that we recommend. However, we believe the office will remain,” she asserts.
By Q4 2021, the startup intends to expand into additional African and international markets. Even though foreign organizations with offices in Nigeria have undertaken projects, obtaining jobs from these companies for their offices outside Nigeria would be a significant step forward.
