Getting Started

Lynfield College Business Manager, Robert Skeen, and Sebel Account Manager, Michael Hellyer, have collaborated on many projects over the years. So, when Robert told Michael about the admin refurbishment, he was excited to help. 

Product Requirements

At Lynfield College, the A Block is home to the office reception and waiting area, meeting rooms, the careers and international departments, student services and a health center. Each department within the A Block had diverse furniture needs to be met. For example, Robert said, “The health center must meet certain legal requirements and health standards, so we involved the nurse in furniture discussions for their space, and the counselling space prioritises privacy and confidentiality, so we needed to tailor the products accordingly.”

Michael spoke with each division of the A Block to assess their individual needs and provide tailored solutions. For example, in the counselling spaces, they discussed whether tables and chairs or ottomans and couches would better meet their needs. Michael was able to source furniture solutions that met the needs of each space.

Design and Aesthetics

The colour scheme was a crucial element of the refurbishment, Robert trusted Michael to match the school’s existing look and feel. The new buildings’ wall and carpet tones allowed bright pops of colour to be introduced through the furniture. Michael kept the desks uniformed and chose to colour the soft seating. This approach was aimed at futureproofing the furniture while still adding a touch of colour. 

The Process and Installation

The refurbishment was planned within the school in 2020 to replace the old admin building which had served its time. The school organised to have the building gutted and rebuilt, taking roughly 5 months from start to finish, with furniture being delivered in April 2022.

Michael worked closely with each faculty to tailor their furniture solutions. He was also aware the new spaces were smaller than the original, so he considered how to best utilise the space. 

The project faced delivery delays. However, Robert managed to accommodate some of the furniture temporarily, ensuring the project stayed on track. The longstanding relationship with Sebel, characterised by trust and understanding, played a crucial role in overcoming these hurdles. 

Service and Support

Robert described Sebel as the school’s “Strategic partner and preferred furniture supplier”. He said, “Michael is well known around the school and talks to the actual people who will be using the products. He knows how we think and understands our vision and direction. He’s seen as an extension of our faculty team and is a real asset to the school.” Michael said the relationship works because, “They trust us. They know what we can do and what we offer.”

Outcomes

The new spaces received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both staff and students. The vibrant and functional design has also encouraged better maintenance and care from students.

The staff love the new A Block and comment on how the variety of furniture meets their individual needs. A number of other schools have checked out the building and furniture, and according to Robert, they’ve been impressed. 

“It makes life easy when you’ve got people who understand where we’re going, who want to be part of the Lynfield brand, and who want to see our success”, says Robert.