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Reviving a Coastal Gem: Sylvia Beach Hotel 352 196 Alexxis Plata

Reviving a Coastal Gem: Sylvia Beach Hotel

Reviving a Coastal Gem: VIP Hospitality Group Partners with PPM to Transform Sylvia Beach Hotel

An Iconic Hotel Revitalized While Preserving its Literary Soul

Reviving a Coastal Gem: VIP Hospitality Group Partners with PPM to Transform Sylvia Beach Hotel

An Iconic Hotel Revitalized While Preserving its Literary Soul

Positioned on the stunning Oregon Coast, Sylvia Beach Hotel stands as a unique, historic property that has been a beloved destination for book lovers and travelers alike. This 21-room hotel, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the ocean, was acquired by and is now under the management of VIP Hospitality Group, a company known for its focus on independent, boutique-style properties. With a deep respect for the hotel’s history as well as a vision for its future, VIP has begun a project to revitalize Sylvia Beach Hotel while preserving its distinctive charm.

As-Built Scope of Work

  • Revit Model
  • Floor Plans
  • Roof Plan
  • Exterior Elevations
  • Still Photos

VIP Hospitality Group's Vision

VIP Hospitality Group has a clear vision: to manage unique, independent properties that blend bed and breakfast charm with upscale hotel amenities. Sylvia Beach Hotel, with its oceanfront location and literary-themed rooms, fit perfectly into this vision. Acquired in May 2024, the hotel complements VIP’s nearby properties, the Inn at Nye Beach and Ocean House. These locations share a similar charm and are close enough to share resources, which is the ideal situation for VIP’s specialized approach.

Unique Project Plans

Since acquiring the property, VIP Hospitality Group has been operating Sylvia Beach Hotel as is, planning major renovations for the fall and winter months. The goal is to reopen in the spring with a refreshed look and feel, while preserving the unique elements that have made the hotel a cherished space for guests to unplug, relax, and enjoy the serene environment with a good book.

VIP plans to maintain the author-themed rooms while enhancing the guest experience with high-end amenities and expanded event spaces. The group is particularly excited about the potential to host weddings, anniversaries, and corporate retreats, leveraging the hotel’s large dining space and breathtaking ocean views. They also plan to standardize high-quality bedding and linens across all rooms, enhancing the comfort of the stay.

Collaborating with PPM for Accurate As-Built Plans

VIP Hospitality Group’s decision to engage us for their As-Built plans was driven by their previous positive experience. They value precision and detail in their renovations, making accurate As-Built plans and a 3D Revit model essential for their architects and designers. Sylvia Beach Hotel, like many older buildings, lacked proper documentation of its existing conditions. By partnering with PPM, they ensured that their team had the exact measurements and the detailed model needed to plan the renovation with confidence.

VIP Hospitality Group logo

“Working with PPM has been great. The surveyors were professional and fast on-site. I was impressed with how they can work around a busy, operating hotel. They were accommodating getting in and out of spaces with minimal disruption to the guests and did a great job.”

VIP Hospitality Group | Portland, OR

Project Management Insights

Colin Maloney, PPM’s Pacific Northwest Regional Director, served as the Project Manager for this endeavor. He was struck by the serenity of the hotel, the picturesque setting, and the beautiful coastal location. He also appreciated the cooperative nature of the hotel staff, which allowed our team to complete the necessary scans efficiently and without disrupting the tranquil atmosphere.

A Seamless Survey

Ben Johnson, our lead surveyor responsible for capturing the hotel’s data, minimized impact by coordinating closely with the hotel staff and by using the GeoSLAM ZEB Revo RT scanner for the survey. The software used with this scanner can merge scans seamlessly. This was a crucial feature for this hotel, since stopping and starting was necessary to reduce guest disruption.

Quality Assurance

Christina Keddington, our Quality Assurance Specialist for this project, emphasized the importance of accuracy, especially in a building as old and rich in character as Sylvia Beach Hotel. She meticulously compared the 3D model against point clouds and photos to ensure that every detail was captured correctly, from the alignment of the floors to the intricate exterior elements.

The unique architectural features of the hotel, including its balconies, railings, and stonework, made the QA process both challenging and rewarding. Keddington took satisfaction in ensuring that each of the 21 guest rooms were accurately represented in the model. The result was a detailed 3D Revit model that faithfully reflected the hotel’s structure, even though she never visited the site in person.

Precision and Partnership

VIP Hospitality Group’s vision for Sylvia Beach Hotel is to honor its storied past while enhancing its future. By partnering with us, they’ve ensured that their renovation plans are based on accurate and detailed information. This project demonstrates the importance of quality As-Built plans for preserving the unique character of historic properties. To learn more about VIP, visit their website at www.viphgroup.com.

Innspace Elevates Hotel Guest Experiences 352 196 Alexxis Plata

Innspace Elevates Hotel Guest Experiences

Innspace Elevates Hotel Guest Experiences

An Innovative Hospitality Renovation

Innspace Elevates Hotel Guest Experiences

An Innovative Hospitality Renovation

Innspace, a leading national hotel renovation company, has mastered the art of elevating guest experiences through comprehensive in-house capabilities. A 138,000 square-foot project dating back to 1969 demanded a transformative approach to renovation. With a commitment to accuracy and innovation, Innspace utilized our advanced LiDAR scanning and Revit BIM modeling to navigate decades of changes. In this article, we explore how this cutting-edge technology reshaped the property and supported Innspace’ high-end designs.

Innspace’ Unique Methodology: Designing and Building Together

What is unique about Innspace is that they not only design projects, but they also build them. This gives them the advantage of every team member being engaged in collaboration throughout the process of a project. They bring the full experience of their client into one space, from design and project management, to procurement, logistics and construction. Innspace’ specialty is taking outdated buildings and completely transforming them in ways that attract guests.

The Motivation Behind the Remodel: Aiming for Success

The property was struggling with having a very outdated and tired feel, so InnSpace’s client made it their goal to formulate a new brand for this hotel that would spark excitement and attract people. With the property located Washington’s capitol and near a highway, they hoped they could attract heavy government-affiliated foot traffic.

As-Built Scope of Work

  • Revit Model
  • Electrical Plan Sketch
  • Still Images of MEP
  • 360° Photos

Meet Nayive: The Creative Director Driving Design Excellence

Nayive Kalkach is a creative director at Innspace and focuses on the design and documentation of projects. Her work is to make sure that each property they work on has a design story. Her involvement in this project was to create the interior design while making sure that all the documentation of those design decisions crossed the finish line.

Nayive Kalkach, Creative Director at InnSpace.

“Even though we approach design from a conceptual perspective, we make sure that we are designing to reality, which is where PPM comes in. We want to make sure anything we're proposing fits within the boundaries of the building, and this is only possible if we're working with an As-Built model.”

– Nayive Kalkach, Creative Director at Innspace

Design Inspirations: Nature's Influence in Reviving Spaces

When it came to designing, the Innspace design team’s touches evolved around bringing a fresh and revived feel into the space. They took influences from the beautiful nature surroundings, and the local tradition. For example, upon entering the new lobby guests would be greeted by vibrant elements that effortlessly coalesce with the earthy tones, patterns, and organic materials inspired by Olympia’s natural surroundings, establishing a strong connection to the environment. Large windows were part of the design to instill relaxation by showcasing gorgeous views of the Pacific Northwest.

Achieving Milestones: Transitioning to a Voco Hotel

It is significant to note this hotel’s approval to be built into a voco hotel. Voco is an international hotel brand owned by the IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) and this hotel was the first voco on the West Coast in the United States. This was exciting for the team because of the extensive process involved in receiving approval to become a voco. Currently, there are voco’s located in the UK, Singapore, Australia, and more, all offering upscale lifestyle hotel experiences.

Advantages of As-Built Technology in Project Management

Our advanced point cloud data and Revit BIM models are used by all of Innspace’ teams. They use our 3D scans and As-Built plans to collect important information such as the material square footage and ff&e quantities. This is then translated into budgeting and construction time-management logistics.

In addition to internal use, Innspace uses the Revit model to communicate ideas to their client by moving the model in different angles and virtually walking through the space. This use of visuals helps the client make decisions in a more accurate, efficient, and confident manner.

Revit Model: the Right Choice for Design and Build

For Innspace, this is a no brainer. They want to be in control of the full project from beginning to end and provide accurate information. Because Innspace takes full liability for the accuracy of the information they provide to their client, they come to us to document their existing conditions. Our use of the most forward technology that exists, LiDAR, allows Innspace the ability to propose plans, materials, and elements with confidence.

Unveiling Hidden Insights: Discoveries Invisible to Photography

There were several conditions that were not able to be documented through photographs or by viewing the site in-person. When the As-Built BIM model was completed, Innspace was able to view the full and true conditions of the property.

To give one example, hotels typically have two to four floor levels of similar heights; what Innspace discovered through the help of the BIM model was that the hotel had half levels and a restaurant located between levels one and two. This is very important information to have on hand and would have posed a challenge to accurately document this data without the use of LiDAR technology.

The Partnership with PPM: Ensuring Accuracy in Documentation

Nayive received As-Built plans from a different provider who did not include enough detail regarding lighting fixtures. InnSpace discovered several discrepancies between the documentation they received and the actual locations of items. Nayive’s colleague, Dennis, had worked with PPM at his past company and liked the proximity of our Seattle office to his business, so he reached out for us to partner with them on this project.

When it comes to As-Built drawings and models, any inconsistencies between the measurements and actual building elements pose a massive risk to the success of the project. At PPM, our QA process involves 14 steps, including verifying measurements, element placement, and more before we send it out for use.

Behind the Scenes: Angelo's Dedication to Detail

When we interviewed the modeler for this project, Angelo Maldonado, he commented on the unique lobby and restaurant area. Angelo impressively modeled this building completely on his own and was motivated by his enjoyment of seeing the model come together floor by floor.

Angelo Maldonado, Production Lead at PPM.

“I paid close attention to every detail and made sure to reach out for help when I wasn’t sure about any part of the model. I’m grateful to have been able to model on the entire project on my own.”

– Angelo Maldonado, Production Lead at PPM

Integrating Innovation and Precision in Hospitality Renovation

Innspace’ renovation journey exemplifies the seamless integration of creativity and precision. From conceptualization to execution, their commitment to accuracy and innovation has resulted in a transformative guest experience. As we reflect on this project, let us carry forward the lessons learned about the power of collaboration and the importance of embracing technology in shaping interior design abilities and the future of hospitality.

Using As-Built Plans to Renovate Hilton’s DoubleTree Hotel 352 196 Alexxis Plata

Using As-Built Plans to Renovate Hilton’s DoubleTree Hotel

Using As-Built Plans to Renovate Hilton’s DoubleTree Hotel

The Importance of As-Built Plans in Hospitality Renovations

Using As-Built Plans to Renovate Hilton’s DoubleTree Hotel

The Importance of As-Built Plans in Hospitality Renovations

In the dynamic world of the hotel industry, maintaining consistent brand aesthetics is a must for major players like Hilton and Marriott. Renovations, usually required every seven years, are necessary to keep up with evolving trends and standards.

This article explores an extensive renovation of a 335,000-square-foot DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Sacramento, California. The project sheds light on the art of implementing Property Improvement Plans (PIPs), the collaboration between architectural firms and As-Built providers, and the critical role of accurate plans in the design and remodeling phases.

PIPs and Architectural Collaboration

As part of the regular remodeling cycle, hotel owners collaborate with architectural firms to bring their properties in line with new brand specifications. The DoubleTree Hotel in Sacramento, facing a major renovation, sought the expertise of AO Architects in Orange County, California, to execute the required changes outlined in Hilton's Property Improvement Plans (PIPs). Brenda Gutierrez, a Senior Project Manager at AO Architects, highlights the fundamental role of As-Built plans in this process.

Streamlining the Design Process

AO Architects, responsible for translating brand guidelines into tangible renovations, relies on PPM for As-Built surveys. The As-Built plans provide a comprehensive foundation for the design process, enabling architects to explore structural details and plan modifications efficiently. Brenda emphasized the time-saving aspect of partnering with us and ensuring accurate and reliable deliverables.

“It helps us work efficiently when PPM completes the As-Built survey. We’ve worked on several projects with them and their accurate deliverables free up time for us to focus on the design process.”

– Brenda Gutierrez, Senior Project Manager at AO Architects

As-Built Scope of Work

  • Floor Plan
  • Electrical Plan
  • Interior Elevations
  • Reflected Ceiling Plan

MEP Plans and Investigative Work

AO Architects uses MEP, or mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans, to determine what can and cannot be done while keeping important building components in place. Once they compile this information, they release the drawings to the rest of the team to begin designing. For this remodel, they removed the coffee bar and replaced it with a full-service bar, which made it important to know where the drains were located and where electrical components ran through the area. The As-Built drawings enabled AO Architects to do investigative work to let engineers know where to make their new MEP connections.

The DoubleTree Hotel completely renovated the reception desk from one long piece into three standalone pods. They also completely gutted and renovated the restaurant.

Unveiling Architectural Discoveries

During the renovation, architectural nuances came to light. The team discovered a hidden 1970’s-style glass ceiling while implementing new ceiling designs. The As-Built plans guided the architects through navigating unexpected elements and adapting the design to accommodate existing ventilation systems. Such revelations underscore the importance of thorough As-Built documentation in minimizing surprises during the renovation process.

Efficiency and Reliability: The PPM Difference

Brenda praised PPM’s efficiency, citing the checklist-driven approach that ensures all project requirements are met. Scaling plans onto single sheets, as opposed to dividing them into quarters, streamlines readability and reduces ambiguity. She noted our commitment to addressing specific concerns demonstrates our dedication to providing comprehensive and accurate As-Built plans.

Quality Assurance Insights From PPM: A Glimpse Into Drafting Challenges

Colin Maloney, PPM’s Seattle Regional Director, not only managed the scheduling of this project but was also the Quality Assurance specialist for this project. We interviewed him about his experience, and the memory of this massive project remained fresh in his mind.

Colin Maloney, Seattle Regional Director at PPM

"The sheer scale of the place and all the work to be done would be intimidating if we didn’t have experience working on so many large hotel projects. You have to compartmentalize each section, work patiently on one at a time, and be sure to not sacrifice quality - all while trying to meet the overall deadline!"

- Colin Maloney, Seattle Regional Director at PPM

Q&A With the Quality Assurance Specialist

What did you most enjoy about working on this project?
The onsite contacts were AWESOME at this place. They were super cooperative, so that made the field portion much easier. My favorite part about working on large-scale projects is looking at the finished plans when everything is complete.

What was the most important element to QA on this project?
Making sure that all the requested areas were included and that the information was complete within those areas was critical. We measured only a small amount of guestrooms, but we did all of the common areas, which was a major part of the project.

We had to closely check that each scope of work was correctly layered as well, so the command “Layerstate” in AutoCAD could be used to view each scope segment by itself.

What was most unique about this property?
The shape of the building was wild, and there were height/elevation changes throughout it. So, we needed to make sure that all the angles were correct and that all the information in the building made its way onto our plans.

As-Built Plans Make Hospitality Renovations Possible

In the intricate dance of hotel renovations, As-Built plans emerge as silent orchestrators, facilitating seamless communication between architects and engineers. The DoubleTree Hotel project exemplifies the precision required for navigating complex structures and ensuring efficient collaboration. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, the need for accurate As-Built plans remains indispensable in designing spaces that blend aesthetics with functionality.