What the Best Partnerships Look Like

THE MARIS METHODOLOGY:

Our philosophy centres on the rigorous implementation of the BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association) Soft Landings framework. At Maris Interiors, we use this definitive methodology to seamlessly bridge the gap between design expectation and operational reality. We ensure that performance outcomes are strictly defined at the briefing stage and rigorously protected throughout the entire project lifecycle.

The Soft Landings process dictates that we remain engaged with your organisation long after the physical build is complete. During the pre-handover phase, we dedicate significant resources to training your facilities management teams so they completely understand how to control the new environment. Following occupation, we initiate an initial aftercare period where our team is physically present on-site to resolve any immediate teething issues and assist occupants as they settle into the space. Finally, we execute an extended aftercare programme that lasts for up to three years. During this extended phase, we conduct systematic Post-Occupancy Evaluations (POE) to measure building performance against the original success criteria. This highly collaborative approach fosters a no-blame culture that replaces siloed working with shared accountability and continuous improvement.

The COO’s Corner:

For the Chief Operating Officer, mitigating operational disruption is paramount. Let us look at the operational balance sheet of a workplace handover.

The Liability: The conventional construction industry is plagued by a fundamental flaw. Involvement ceases the moment practical completion is achieved. Facilities management teams are left completely unsupported as they attempt to operate complex mechanical and electrical systems. This creates a severe performance gap where actual energy consumed far exceeds theoretical predictions.

The Asset: Implementing a BSRIA Soft Landings approach translates directly into smoother handovers. By appointing a Soft Landings Champion to resolve operational issues proactively during the pre-handover phase, you avoid severe productivity losses.

The Investment: To achieve this, you must ring-fence a percentage of your Capital Expenditure budget specifically for Post-Occupancy Evaluation activities. This guarantees your strategic partner remains financially incentivised to fine-tune building systems and maximise your long-term return on investment.

MARIS TOOLS:

• The Soft Landings Champion: A dedicated specialist nominated to coordinate all aftercare activities, ensure traceability of the process and protect the project’s core success criteria from inception through to extended occupation.
• Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) Matrix: A comprehensive diagnostic toolkit deployed between 12 and 36 months post-handover to analyse quantitative energy meter readings alongside qualitative occupant satisfaction surveys.
• Pre-Handover Readiness Audit: A structured reality-checking workshop conducted before practical completion to verify that all mechanical interfaces are fully operational and that the client’s management team is adequately trained.