Community Lifestyle Agency Inc

In 2021, Warren Thorpe and the Total Fitouts Wide Bay team had the pleasure of working on a unique project in one of the main streets of Maryborough QLD. Their team of talented local designers and shopfitters was given the task of transforming a run-down carpet retail shopfront into a multi-functioning disability services space. Their talented team of in-house designers worked closely with the owners of Community Lifestyle Agency, which provides a range of individuals and their families with service delivery support in the local area, to create a usable, modern, and multi-functional space that is both welcoming and accessible to all.

Warren says, “Before we got started on the project, the outdated space was in dire need of a complete overhaul. The carpet was worn and stained, and the walls were covered in peeling paint. It was large, neglected and functioned as a basic shopfront and storage space for a carpet retail business. However, we saw the location, growth and commercial design potential in the space and were excited to get to work with their Business Manager Jason Smith and the CLA support team.

“Our first step was to create a detailed design plan that would make the most of the space available. We worked closely with our client to understand their specific needs, requirements, and the regulations around the new space. After several rounds of revisions and consultations, we had a plan that everyone was happy with. The scope included extra wide doorways for easy access, a warm welcoming reception area, a giant multifunctioning boardroom with partition walls to allow for individual rooms and an oversize party space too (with DJ booth and lighting), offices, kitchen, chillout space, a functioning café (for training and lifestyle skills development) and high-tech sound system too.”

“One of the biggest challenges of the project was ensuring that the space was fully accessible to people with disabilities. We worked closely with disability access consultants to ensure that every aspect of the design was compliant with the relevant regulations. This meant creating wider doorways, installing wheelchair-friendly ramps, and ensuring that there were enough grab rails and handrails in all the necessary areas.”

Once the team had the design plan finalised, it was time to get to work, sourcing specific fixtures and finishes to meet regulations and engaging with their team of local builders, electricians, plumbers, and carpenter. The job was epic, and the team worked tirelessly to bring the design to life. 

Warren says, “We installed new flooring, painted the walls and created partitioned rooms for offices, interactive tech rooms, a board room, a kitchen and several break out rooms. We even installed a chill room and a DJ booth for those much-needed parties!”

“One of the standout features of the new space is the use of interactive technology. We installed large touch screen monitors in several areas, allowing visitors to interact with the space in new and exciting ways. Sound clouds and special lighting were installed for sensory experiences alongside a video conferencing area, allowing for remote communication with clients and colleagues.”

“Another important aspect of the design was creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for everyone who uses the space. We installed comfortable seating areas, and created a calming colour scheme that is both inviting and soothing. Colour and personality was added with a bright, eye-popping mural at the entrance to the building, which offers invaluable services for locals with a variety of disabilities.”

“Overall, we are extremely proud of the multifunctional, life changing, commercial fit out that our team has done on this project. We were able to take a run-down carpet retail space and turn it into a beautiful and functional disability services space. We are grateful for the opportunity to work on such a meaningful project, and we look forward to helping more businesses and organisations create spaces that are welcoming and accessible to all.”

The ongoing project doesn’t stop there for Warren and the team either. The client has already engaged the design team for the next stages of the evolution of the service provider. More ramps, the Fab Lab and a roof top experience are on the horizon and the Total Fitouts team agree that repeat business is the best compliment, thanks Jason and the gang.