Three projects recently completed by Douglas Wallace, were short listed in Ireland's prestigious IDI Design Awards. Their freshest design for Peter Mark hairdressing salons scooped the Interior Architecture/Design-Commercial Interior prize in the 2003 Awards, held on Friday 17th October in Belfast City Hall:

Hugh Wallace, Director Douglas Wallace said: "We are absolutely delighted to have received this Award, and feel very proud of the designer who had the vision behind the project, Brian Jennings, Director. Douglas Wallace has designed over 40 premises for Peter Mark over the past decade, using a continually evolving design concept. We try to be just as familiar with the latest retailing trends in hairdressing as we are with the elevations and construction materials that we use for the salons! A real passion was injected into this particular design for Peter Mark and we're delighted to hear that the space is a real success for both employees to working there and the clients who visit".

Douglas Wallace has worked with Peter Marks since 1988 in a long-term relationship that has seen the hairdressing company grow from one to over 65 salons throughout Ireland. Peter Mark aim to provide clients with a luxurious and relaxing hairdressing experience, whilst also being affordable.

When Peter Mark opened a new 2,500 square foot salon in the nearby Pavilion Shopping Centre it inevitably had an impact on their Main Street store. As such they decided to invest in a total refurbishment of the Main Street Swords branch to draw in new clientele.

Douglas Wallace was issued a design brief wherein they were asked to project the Peter Mark corporate image but also to provide a store that would be distinctive and look subtly different from the Pavilion outlet. In addition, the retail representation of the Main Street shop was to be improved.

Brian Jennings first decided to extend the 1,200 square feet premises to 1,300. Removing a recess at the front of the store meant that the shop front could be extended towards the street, so creating further space on the inside and a more welcoming first port of call.

Extensive glazing was used for the shop front in order to make the bright luxurious interior as visible as possible from the street, both during the day and at night. Unusually the signage was not positioned outside but was stepped back by about 30cm behind the glazing, again drawing the potential clients eye in to the salon.

The waiting area was moved from inside the front door to a separate upper level. This not only drew customers in to the salon but also allowed greater space for retailing products and facilitated sales advice for clients by stylists. Brian Jennings also suggested incorporating a coffee bar into the store, which further contributes to the luxurious and relaxing feel of the salon. It has indeed had the desired effect of clients spending more time considering salon retail products and booking in future appointments.

Each salon interior is expected to last up to 10 years. As such solid walnut was used in the reception area and laminates in the salon area, where aggressive chemicals are used. An inspiring pale lime green background colour was used as a background colour, which has a calming and relaxing effect.

The Peter Mark livery is black and white, so combining almond-white ceramic floor tiles and plastered white painted walls created a smart look. Stainless steel also features in many fixtures and fittings too.

Each Peter Mark ceiling design is unique. The ceiling in this salon was made from plasterboard, which was skimmed and painted white.

"In these creative environments, excellence in salon lighting is a key consideration. The lighting has to be functional for staff, and flattering for the client. We have installed wall lighting to ensure that there aren't any shadows and have included spotlights in the ceilings that show off the crown of the hair. In this way stylists can see their customer's head and hair in clear detail" Brian Jennings, Director

Clever use of lighting is further enhanced by new mirror designs, sourced from Germany. The mirrors incorporate rear lighting that visually lifts the mirrors away from the wall.