Retail shopping is changing and Miele–the German-based manufacturer of high-end domestic appliances and commercial equipment–is a premium brand that’s leading the transformation. Its retail stores have been redesigned to engage customers through more than just sight (looking at products) and sound (listening to staff imparting information).
At a Miele Experience Centre, you can taste samples of food and beverages that have been prepared using Miele appliances. Or, feel freshly washed fabrics cleaned by one its washers and dryers. Dating back to 2005, Dalton has worked with Miele to enhance and expand its presence in several Canadian cities.
This timeline visualizes the five projects we’ve delivered for the company as project and construction managers.
Dalton CEO Andrew Dalton has overseen each Miele project over the years, ensuring the company’s rigorous branding standards, which are captured by its mantra, Immer Besser (Forever Better), are upheld.
We spoke to Andrew about the program that we have developed for Miele over the years, which has successfully managed the construction of approximately 59,000 square feet of retail space.
What would you say is the secret behind our success working with Miele over the years?
“One of the key reasons is that Dalton and Miele share the same high standards for quality. Working from this core principle, we understand how to stay focused on priorities that effectively deliver Miele’s brand in a consistent manner. Over the years, we have taken the time to understand their systems, processes, design standards and approval protocols, and we refined our approach to managing projects to accommodate these requirements.
“Another key point is that we are an extension of Miele’s brand in our role as a project or construction manager, and we make sure that the entire project team adheres to the standards that Miele has established. At Dalton, we call this a project’s Definition of Success. We have Miele articulate their definition of success for each store and then we hold ourselves accountable to their definition throughout the project.”
What are some of the priorities that you help the teams stay focused on?
“Miele’s Definition of Success for each project is always clear and concise. Each project is similar in that Miele determines the cycle and timeline for program roll-outs and then Dalton executes based on the timelines, approved budget and brand standards. And Miele’s priorities become the project team’s priorities, which we execute through our Alternative Approach to Building–the project delivery model we have developed. It places the priorities–the client’s Definition of Success of the project–front and centre, which should always be the case. “
What are some of the highlights from the Miele program so far?
“One highlight for me on every project is the way Miele’s vendors from Germany and our trades in Canada work closely together to deliver such a high level of craftsmanship in every store. It requires a considerable amount of communication and coordination that we’re well-suited to manage, and I think the long-term relationship we’ve developed with Miele is a testament of our leadership, skills and experience.
“The new Miele Experience Centre Yorkdale ranks near the top. Miele has never built a store like it anywhere in the world. It’s actually the model store for their growth in retail in the future. Watching the unique façade design evolve from concept to execution was definitely a highlight.
"We also built a living green wall that features several different species of plants, including actually herbs that are used by chefs who prepare food for customers to sample right there in the store.”
Read more about other projects we have executed in the retail sector.