The Ultimate Spa Design

Salus Per Aqua

The conception and design of a Spa needs to incorporate elements based on principles as opposite as fire and water. One needs to conceive a floor plan with a traffic flow based on strict technical requirements , maximizing the potential revenue per square foot, within a welcoming , peaceful and calm environment, while respecting the owners vision as well as the projected clients experience, and all that within a defined budget. Imagine being on the shore , facing the ocean. As far as you can see , there is the water and there is the sky. We couldnt survive without the oxygen, and the fish would die out of the water. Yet, look at the horizon, and see how the ocean and the sky melt into each other, becoming ONE.

Lets create together your perfect horizon!

THE DESIGN PROCESS

The conception and design of a Spa is based on six principles
The Purpose of the SPA
Day Spa, Medical Spa, Salon & Spa, Fitness Spa, Resort, Destination Spa Each structure has its own purpose and philosophy, which will define the type and the size of the structure, the number of rooms, the type of treatments, the services, as well as all of the specifics of this SPA to be. The expression of this purpose is the first principle in the design process. the number of rooms, on the available space. Building codes can also limit the can do.

The Traffic Flow

The Owners Vision

When deciding to create or redesign a SPA, the owners want it to be perfect. This perfection is subject to his/her visions, including his/her tastes, feelings , experiences , dreams , desires , etc. The expression of these elements creates an image which becomes part of the design process.

Sometimes, we go to a place for the first time, and with no apparent reason, we feel inpatient, uncomfortable, just not at the right place, and dont know why. Sometimes, we go to a place for the first time, an d with no apparent reason, we feel comfortable, calm and welcome, and we dont know why.

The clients experience

When a client comes back to a SPA, one of his/ her strongest ties with this specific SPA is the memories of what he/she experienced there, and expects to feel again. This experience is based on the feeling created by the space conception and the interior design of the SPA.

In every culture, there is a philosophy about how to live in harmony with our environment, whether it is natural or man-made. Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art, possibly the most comprehensive one, which teaches how to create the most harmonious environment , depending on our purposes and goals. The incorporation of these principles and techniques in the SPA conception and design have a considerable influence in the conception process , on the architectural Design , as well as on the Interior design. These principles play a fundamental role in the business model of the SPA.

The Budget
Besides the technical requirements, the budget is the other major can do or cannot do element. When the budget bracket is clearly established from the beginning , it becomes a working basis of the design process, allowing us to propose the most compatible design to our clients.

The Technical Requirements

Some important technical requirements are the can do and cannot d o elements in the conception of a Spa. It depends on the location, if its an existing building or if the building is to be built. It depends on the type of treatments, on

Some Past projects

Pantages Hotel Suites and Spa, Toronto, ON, Canada Mont Gabriel Golf Resort & Spa, Mont Gabriel, Canada Beauty Therapies, Brookeline, MA, USA Laser center and Spa, Germantown, AL, USA Wisconsin Vein Center and MediSpa, WI, USA The Lindsey House & Q Spa, Rochester, NY, USA The Grand Blanc Spa and dental clinic, Grand Blanc, WI, USA Acqua Di Roma, San Francisco, CA, USA Health Quest Clinic and Spa, Tulsa, OK, USA Facets Medical Day Spa, Indianapolis, IN, USA Frdrique Institute, Hong Kong. AMO Studio, Kitchener, ON, Canada Academie de Massages, Drummondville, QC, Canada The Cocoon, Prince Edward Island, Canada Persona Day Spa, Houston, TX, USA Sanctuary, Saratoga Springs, NY, USA The 9th House, Boston, MA, USA Aquatica, Oldbridge, NJ, USA Frederique Deleage Institute, Hong Kong Esthetic Services, NJ, USA River Rock Spa, Woodstock, NY, USA The Mayflower Inn & Spa, Washington, CT, USA Aria day spa, Brampton, ON, Canada Manoir Le Belvoir, St Aguathe, Canada Corona Rejuvenation Centre & Spa, Edmonton, Canada Laser Center and Spa, Portland, VA, USA Dvine medical spa, Waterloo, IA, USA The St. Christopher Hotel & Spa, Grandby, Canada Narcisse Medical Day Spa, FL, USA Taupo Springs, New Zealand Rain Spa, Hotel Place dArmes, Montreal, QC, Canad a Spa Sublime, Burlington, NC, USA Lucille Dicaire Intitute, Lasalle, QC, Canada Mariannas, Boulder, CO, USA Pacitto Salon & Spa, Terre Bonne, QC, Canada Mila European Spa, Atlanta, GA, USA Spa Be True, Shelby, MI, USA St Thomas DermSpa, St Thomas, Virgin Islands Valentia, Carmel, CA, USA Aquamedica, NY, USA Rome, Houston, TX, USA Dr. Bishop, Florida, USA The Right Touch, North Attelboro, MA, USA Absolute Wellness Center, Burlington, VT, USA

CONCEPTION & DESIGN A2Z

STEP ONE:
1.

Consulting service

Development of the general profile of the future spa including: - Definition of the purpose of the spa, the vision of the owner and the projected clients experience. - Definition of the structure of the spa from the treatments perspective, as well as from a business and marketing perspective. - Assessment of the equipment needs for the treatments of the spa involving special structural requirements. - Development of a potential income schedule based on the projected structure and treatment types at 25%, 45%, 65% and 85% utilisation rate.

STEP TWO: Architectural design: Conception and Design

1. Development of the general profile of the future spa including: - Development of the purpose of the spa, the vision of the owner and the projected clients experience. - Development of the structure of the spa from the treatments perspective, as well as from a business and marketing perspective. - Assessment of the equipment needs for the treatments of the spa implicating special structural requirements. 2. Development and conception of the traffic flow and the space design, including the following scaled plans: 3. Detailed surface plan Lighting system including lights, switches, jacks and outlets Plumbing fixtures positioning and specs. Reflective ceiling and material types definition Flooring material types definition HVAC zoning repartition

Collaboration with the clients architect for the development of the architectural conception and plans, as well as for the development of the mechanical plans including electrical, plumbing, computers, phone, waterproofing, HVAC and sound system.

STEP THREE: Interior design and decoration: Conception and Design

- Definition of the style and physical identity of the Spa. - Identification of all materials to be used in every space of the Spa including flooring, walls, ceilings, colors, styles, according to the vision of the owner, to the projected clients experience as well as to the spa needs. - Conception of specific designs and layouts required for design purposes (i.e.: tiles layouts, textured painting, customized water falls, etc). - Providing professional discounts when possible for design materials used in the interior design of the spa (i.e.: tiles, carpeting, furniture, accessories, lighting, etc) - Collaboration with the companies installing the interior design materials. - Meeting and collaborating with the general contractor as well as with all of other companies involved in the project.

FLOOR PLAN

XPRESS

In todays economy, it is paramount, more than ever before, for spa consultants and spa owners to create a floor plan that will support the development of the spa business and not restrict it. Too often, floor plans conceived by architectural or design firms not specialized in the spa industry, are limiting the operations and traffic flow capacities, with utilization rates of the surface below 50%. For every new spa project, spa consultants and spa owners are faced with spending efforts and a lot of time, trying to teach architects and designers about the needs of spas for experience, business, operations, traffic flow and aesthetic. Realistically, it is impossible to teach in a few hours all the knowledge acquired by spa professionals during years of studies, trainings and experience. Floor Plan Xpress by ATMOSPHERE SPA DESIGN is a service designed to allow spa professionals to develop a floor plan that will meet all of the specific spa requirements, allowing the best traffic flow while utilizing the space at its best, where aesthetic, operations, business and marketing perspectives are equally valued. It is called Xpress because the detailed floor plan is completed within two weeks and for a very affordable cost. With over 15 years experience in spa conception and design, Sam Margulies has participated in the development of more than 120 spas, Med-spas, and resorts around the world. With Floor Plan Xpress, he offers a highly efficient, affordable and cost effective service, optimizing spas floor plans conception and design with one goal: Making certain the spa has the best structure for a thriving business where clients will have a unique experience.

Floor Plan Xpress: The Service

Step 1. A two hour phone meeting for the development of the general profile of the future spa including:
Definition of the purpose of the spa, Definition of the vision of the owner Definition of the projected clients experience. Definition of the structure of the spa from the treatments perspective, as well as from a business and marketing perspective. - Assessment of the equipment needs for the treatments of the spa involving special structural requirements.

Step 2. Analysis of the location plans. For this step, the client will email a CAD copy of the space,
building or land plans, or send a scaled hard copy of the blueprint

Step 3. Development of a first skeleton of the surface plan, within maximum 5 days following the first
phone meeting. Additional phone meetings for evaluation and analysis of the first skeleton. Up to 3 revisions

Step 4. Development of the detailed floor plan including:

- Traffic flow definition - Reception, retail, treatment rooms, consultation room, corridors, locker-rooms, relaxation room, utilities, staff room, administration, booking room, waiting space, etc. - Placement of retail showcases, reception desk, manicure and pedicure stations, treatment tables, sinks, showers, special equipment, cabinetry, lockers, etc. - Location of special water features (fountains, waterfalls, etc.) - Up to 3 revisions - 3D aerial view of the plan - Dimensional plan

The final plans will be emailed to the client in PDF as well as in CAD form for the local architect and general contractor. The entire process, from the first phone meeting to completion of the mandate, will be completed within 2 weeks maximum.

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SPAnalysis
In every spa project, spa consultants and spa owners spend efforts and time, trying to teach architects and designers about the needs of spas for experience, business, operations, traffic flow and aesthetics. Too often, floor plans are limiting the operations and traffic flow capacities, with utilization rates of the surface well below 50%. SPAnalysis by ATMOSPHERE SPA DESIGN is designed as a tool for spa owners and consultants to make sure their floor plans meet all of the specific spa requirements, allowing the best traffic flow while utilizing the space at its best, where aesthetics, operations, business and clients experience perspectives are equally valued. SPAnalysis gives you a detailed analysis of your floor plan within a few days and for a very affordable cost. SPAnalysis offers a highly efficient and cost effective service, allowing you to optimize your spa floor plans with one goal: Making sure the spa floor plan has the best structure for a thriving business, where clients will have a unique and memorable experience.

SPAnalysis
The Service
Step 1 . Reception of the floor plans: Digital CAD copy by email or a scaled hard copy of the blueprint. Step 2 . A 60 minutes phone/SKYPE meeting to define the general profile of the project including:
Definition of the purpose of the spa, Definition of the vision of the owner Definition of the projected clients experience. Definition of the structure of the spa from the treatments and operational perspective, as well as from a business and marketing perspective. - Assessment of the equipment needs for the treatments of the spa involving special structural requirements.

Step 3. Analysis of the overall floor plan and traffic flow including the following:
Definition of the IG (Income Generating) and of the NIG (non Income Generating) areas Assessment of the surface allocation and square footage utilization rates Analysis of the traffic flow from management and operational perspectives Analysis of the traffic flow from the client experience perspective Analysis of the traffic flow from the business and revenue perspective

Step 4. Analysis of each space of the floor plan including:

Reception - Retail - Corridors - Locker rooms - Treatment rooms - Manicure area Pedicure - Salon - Waiting area - Lounges - Relaxation area - Saunas - Steam rooms Pools - Utilities - Dispensaries - Staff rooms - Laundry - toilets - showers - Changing Consultation area - Administration - Call center - Amenities - etc -

Step 5. General assessment and Improvement plan :

The analysis report includes a general assessment of the existing floor plan with its strengths and weaknesses, as well as a detailed space by space analysis. The report presents also the necessary improvements needed to reach a floor plan that will actively support the potential income of the spa, its operations, retails, traffic flow, treatments and clients' experience.

The floor plan analysis report will be emailed to the client. The entire process, from the first phone meeting to completion of the mandate, will be completed within 1 week maximum.

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DESIGNING YOUR SPA RETAIL POWER

Spa Design is not just about colors, materials, beauty, accessories, etc It is about creating a structure and an environment which will support the business in all its aspects, including retail sales. Design is an essential tool in generating business and revenues. The most important element in selling retail products in a spa is not the product real value, but its perceived value. The commercial value of a product is not based on its cost to manufacture and market, but on how we want it to be perceived by the consumer. The way it is perceived by the consumer is created by the product itself, its packaging, the way it is marketed, and by the way it is presented in the retail areas of the spa. Unless it is a private label or a private line, spas dont have control over the products (but they have the choice), the packaging or the marketing, but they do control the presentation and promotion inside their spa, and this is where Design has a crucial role to play.

With over 15 years of experience in this specialty, Atmosphere Spa Design offers

The Science of Retail Design

This consulting service in 12 steps, is designed to help spas achieving the highest possible retail sales level
1. Analysis of the existing sales and marketing structures for retail products 2. Definition of the existing perceived value of the retail products in the spa 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Definition of the desired perceived value of the products according to the spa, the products and lines, and the targeted clientele Definition of the Essence: Visibility, voice-ability and verify-ability Definition of the supports: Products and marketing materials Definition of the Market-Ability of each space in the spa Definition of the 5 Senses in relation to each space in the spa

8. Coordination of the Essence, the supports and the 5 Senses for each space in the spa 9. Development of the new Retail Sales Strategies of the spa 10. Implementation of the new strategies and policies

11. Staff training

12. Follow-up program ____________________________________________

ABOUT SAM MARGULIES

He conceive and design floor plans including lighting systems, plumbing, etc, as well as the interior design of the structure, allowing the best traffic flow while utilizing the space at its best. All these services have the same goal: Making sure you have all necessary tools to have a thriving enterprise where clients have a unique experience. Sam Margulies is regularly invited as a keynote speaker at the I-SPA conferences in the USA and Asia, Medical Spa Summit conferences, IECSC, HBA, Face & Body, Spacifically, Spa & Resort Expos, Nouvelles Esthetiques, Day Spa Conference, to name a few in the USA, Canada and Asia, where he presents series of lectures. Sam Margulies is also known for the educational articles he writes about spas, resorts and medical spas conception and design where both esthetic and business perspectives are valued. His articles are regularly published in trade magazines as SPA MANAGEMENT JOURNAL, SKIN INC, MEDICAL SPA MAGAZINE, SPA CANADA, SPA QUEBEC, TODAY SPA MAGAZINE, to name just a few. Sam was one of the 5 selected members of the jury for the 2002 Salon of Year Award organized by the magazine SALON TODAY across North America. In 2006 and 2007, he was a member of the editorial advisory board of SKIN INC magazine in the USA, as well as of LES NOUVELLES ESTHETIQUES magazine, in Canada. He was also member of the educational board of the DAY SPA ASSOCIATION. Sam has a well established international reputation in the spa industry. He is recognized as a world leading expert in spas, resorts and medical spas conception and design.

Sam Margulies is a designer from France. In 1988, Sam moved to Montreal, Canada. After working for two different design firms, he relocated to Burlington, Vermont, USA in 1994, where he opened his own firm: ATMOSPHERE SPA DESIGN. Since March 2003, Sam operates his company from Montreal, Canada. In the early 1990s, Sam began to study different environmental arts for energy flow and balance that play an important role in his approach to design and architectural conception. Because of his growing international reputation, Sam has been a guest speaker in a variety of venues, and had a bi-monthly interactive column on design topics in the Burlington Free Press. Sam is involved in the spa market since 1995. He collaborates on projects in the USA, Canada and Europe as well as in Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Rim. He proposes consulting services to help his clients defining the profile and identity of their future spas from business and marketing perspectives, as well as from structural and aesthetic perspectives.

Our Commitment
The implementation of our services is guided by our commitment to assist Spas and Resorts owners, creating profitable businesses as well as positive and memorable experiences for their guests

Atmosphere Spa Design

Tel: 1(514)332-8941 SKYPE: atmospherespadesign Email: atmospheredesign@hotmail.com Website: www.atmospherespadesign.com