Turning Vision into Reality
At VLVLK, we pride ourselves on delivering unique, hand-sculpted surfaces that embody both artistic vision and functional elegance. In this blog post, we take you through the journey of a recent project with Layla (not her real name), a talented designer, illustrating how we manage custom orders from start to finish. In this blog you’ll get a transparent look into the realities of bringing a complex ceramic surface from concept stage to its final installation halfway around the world.
1. Initial Inquiry: Starting the Conversation
Our collaboration with Layla began with a simple yet essential question—she wanted to know if we had a distributor or office in Dubai to view our collection.
"Good afternoon, I just wanted to ask if you have a distributor or office in Dubai to view the collection you have?"
– Layla, Designer
We informed her that while we don’t have a physical office in Dubai, we have completed numerous projects in the region and offer worldwide shipping of our custom designs.
"We can export our beautiful creations worldwide. Please have a look at our website for our full range of products."
– VLVLK Team
Layla was particularly interested in our hand-sculpted ceramic tiles for a high-end restaurant in Dubai, which set the stage for an evolving conversation.
Project Overview:
- Client: Layla (Designer, name changed for privacy)
- Project Location: Dubai, UAE
- Design Focus: Black hand-sculpted ceramic surfaces
- Key Communication: International collaboration via email
2. Sample Request: Enhancing Client Vision
Layla soon expressed her desire to receive mood boards to help her visualize the designs and ensure that they aligned with the project’s aesthetic. View our selection of mood boads. These can be bought and inspiration for many different uses.
"Is there any chance we can get those beautiful mood boards shipped out here? Maybe we can choose a few that we feel fit into our designs."
– Layla
Our team quickly arranged to send sample tiles and mood boards based on her selection. By providing tangible samples, we gave Layla the opportunity to evaluate textures and colours in person, an essential part of our process.
"Please let me know which mood boards you'd like, and we’ll work out the logistics."
– VLVLK Team
Sample Shipment Details:
- Tile Samples Requested: Metallic Bronze and others from our latest collection.
- Mood boards shipped to Layla’s office in Dubai
- Client feedback on samples: Positive, with interest in specific tiles for a variety of projects.
3. Managing Multiple Projects and Orders
As our relationship developed, Layla's projects expanded, including specifications for a secondary project in the Philippines, for which she requested additional samples of a previously selected tile.
"We are specifying one of your tiles for a project in Cebu. I'd love to get 2 more pieces of the samples as we need to send the sample board to the Philippines."
– Layla
At this stage, our team maintained clear and timely communication, ensuring that all sample requests were fulfilled according to her evolving project needs. With the demand for additional samples and custom pieces, we emphasised flexibility and responsiveness.
4. Customisation & Production: Perfecting the Design
Once samples were approved, we moved into the R&D and production phases. A unique aspect of this project was the customisation required. Layla had specific requests regarding the tiles' finishes, textures, and colours for various projects, including the Cebu and Dubai projects.
Challenges Addressed:
- Customisation: Layla requested slight adjustments in colors and finishes for different projects.
- Technical Details: Requests for technical data sheets were promptly fulfilled to ensure compliance with consultant specifications.
In addition to the standard production process, our team carefully monitored feedback regarding sample variations, especially in colour hues and textures. Although our team is at the leading edge of glaze and colour development in the world. It is important to understand that there are virtually no absolutes in ceramic arts. Hues, and final surfaces should be seen in terms of spectrums and not in rigid definitions. Our pieces have a very strong wabi-sabi influence. Embracing unique hand-made art is where it all begins.
"For the cinderblock, the green we recently received is of a different hue than the one we received before."
– Layla
Production Timeline & Details:
- Custom Tile Code: EG6 434 A1 (for a specific dark-textured tile)
- Lead time: 6-8 weeks for production, with an additional 3 weeks for samples.
- Shipping Challenges: Unpredictable shipping times due to weather and logistical constraints.
5. Final Installation & Feedback: Bringing the Vision to Life
After the final samples and tiles were shipped, Layla confirmed that the received samples matched her expectations, with glowing feedback on our team's craftsmanship.
"We received the samples, and they look great as we expected. Thanks for sending us more variations on the texture."
– Layla
We remained in close contact during the installation phase, ensuring smooth coordination with shipping agents and contractors involved in the project.
The collaboration concluded with Layla’s satisfaction, as the tiles not only met but exceeded her expectations for each project.
Client Feedback:
- Project Success: Layla was highly satisfied with the results, praising the variation in textures and the timely delivery.
- Follow-up: Ongoing communication ensured that any issues were swiftly resolved, such as variations in tile hues and specific material finishes.
Conclusion: Clear Communication, Customisation, and Client Satisfaction
At VLVLK, we strive to create a seamless experience for our clients, no matter how complex the project or how far the location. From Dubai to the Philippines, our process is driven by collaboration, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering unique, high-quality surfaces. This project with Layla highlights our ability to turn a vision into a tangible reality through careful customisation, frequent communication, and expert craftsmanship.