Knowledge
Planning figures, answers and terms.
Reference material for owners, architects, engineers, PMCs and operators planning kitchens, laundries and back-of-house. Figures are indicative. Every VCD programme is built from the project's own covers, cuisines and service styles.
Owners and developers
When should we appoint a kitchen and back-of-house consultant?
At feasibility, before the architecture is fixed. Back-of-house area and adjacencies are hard to buy back once the structural grid and service cores are set.
Do you sell or supply equipment?
No. Vital Concept Design is an independent consultancy. Our tenders are open-brand, vendors compete on price and merit, and the savings stay with the owner.
How do you control capital cost?
Through right-sized area programmes, open-brand specifications, competitive tendering and value engineering of vendor bids against the design intent.
Do you work outside India?
Yes. Projects in 15 countries, including the Maldives, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Uzbekistan, Portugal and several African countries.
Architects and interior designers
What do you need from the architect to start?
Massing or a block plan, the intended F&B mix and covers, key count, and service core locations. We return an area programme, adjacency plan and block loads.
What drawings do you issue?
Area programmes, adjacency diagrams, equipment layouts, wall, plinth and recess drawings, MEP service points, block loads, equipment schedules and BOQs, in AutoCAD and Revit.
How do you coordinate with the interior designer on show kitchens?
We set station sequence, hoods, counters and service points around the menu, then detail finishes and guest-side elevations with the interior designer.
MEP and structural engineers
When do you issue block loads?
At concept stage, before equipment is selected, so electrical, gas, water, drainage and exhaust capacities can be reserved early. They are refined at each design stage.
Do you specify exhaust and fresh air?
We give hood sizes, exhaust and make-up air quantities and duct take-off points for each kitchen. The MEP consultant designs the system.
What floor provisions do kitchens need?
Sunken slabs or raised floors for drainage, floor traps, trench drains and waterproofing, coordinated on our civil and plumbing drawings.
PMCs and procurement
What is in a VCD tender package?
Open-brand equipment specifications, a priced or unpriced BOQ, layouts, MEP drawings and commercial terms ready for vendor bidding.
Do you evaluate vendor bids?
Yes. We prepare a techno-commercial comparison, check compliance with the specification and recommend award.
Do you review shop drawings and installation?
Yes. We vet fabrication and installation drawings, visit site during installation and take part in testing, commissioning and handover.
Hotel operators
Do you design to brand standards?
Yes. We have designed for Marriott, Hyatt, IHCL, Oberoi, ITC, Accor, Radisson, Shangri-La, Six Senses and The Leela, and work to each operator’s technical standards.
Can you plan around an existing operation during a refurbishment?
Yes. We phase kitchen and back-of-house works so outlets close for the shortest possible time, as at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu.