Sometimes I think about some of the projects that I get to be a part of as an owner’s representative, and I cannot imagine doing anything else. One of those projects (or should I say three of those projects?) was L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon.
If you want to get a good idea about what an owner’s rep does, the work we did with our client on L’Atelier is an excellent example.
What Does an Owner’s Representative Do?
During a typical project, above all else, an owner’s representative serves as an advocate for their client. Depending on the client’s needs, the owner’s rep provides direction so that the client can maintain control over the project’s budget, timeline, and objectives. Some of the responsibilities that often fall under the owner’s representative’s purview include materials procurement, construction management oversight, design management oversight, and cost control.
While Quadra Consulting was a part of the L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami project, we managed many of these areas to make sure that our client, Invest Hospitality, was in a good position to reach their goals.
As I mentioned above, this project was actually three distinct yet connected projects.
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon is the most famous restaurant concept of the late, great Joël Robuchon. It currently has 10 distinct locations across the world, including Paris, Tokyo, and now, the Miami Design District. With signature counter seating that faces directly into the kitchen, L’Atelier is an experience like no other.
We came on board two-thirds of the way through completion of L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami. The project was completely halted. There was a problem during the construction planning phase that made it so they didn’t have enough power coming into the space from Florida Power & Light. So that caused a big problem. We were brought in to find solutions for the client, Invest Hospitality, in the role of owner’s representative.
There was a lot of baggage on that job—unresolved change orders, unresolved bills, lots of things that needed to get sorted. When we signed on, we did all that in concert with the general contractor and found solutions for the power issue. We oversaw and managed the completion with minimal additions to the budget. We also interfaced with the landlord, Dacra, and the people of the Miami Design District to make sure everything went smoothly.
Le Jardinier
The space that houses L’Atelier has two levels. On the upper level, diners can experience the sights and sounds of Joël Robuchon’s signature concept. If diners are looking for more vegetable-inspired fare, however, they might want to check out the restaurant on the lower level—Le Jardinier.
Where L’Atelier is a more artisanal venture, Le Jardinier, a concept dreamed up by some of Robuchon’s proteges, focuses on elevating fresh vegetables and their flavors.
La Boutique de Joël Robuchon
When we were finishing L’Atelier and Le Jardinier, Invest Hospitalities came to us with another concept called Le Boutique de Joël Robuchon. Another of the famous chef’s inspired concepts, La Boutique offers customers all-day bakery and café items. This third project is located across the terrace from the other two restaurants, making the decision of where to eat even more difficult for patrons.
As an owner’s representative firm, Quadra Consulting worked to help our client, Invest Hospitalities, get what they needed so that they could complete these projects on time and on budget.
Are you interested in learning more about what we do at Quadra Consulting? Reach out to us today so we can discuss your needs.