CASE STUDY
Who Sarah Gamtcheff & Neroli Hutchinson
What Studio Tonic
Where Adelaide, SA
Web www.studiotonic.com.au
Sarah Gamtcheff and Neroli Hutchinson started their interior architecture and design consultancy, Studio Tonic, in Adelaide in early 2010. Having worked for some large national firms they felt it was time to set out on their own and have more flexibility in their work hours.
In those early days, Sarah and Neroli actively utilised the cool heads at the Eastside Business Enterprise Centre. They obtained advice about how to set up the structure of their business, insurance requirements and even who might be suitable as an accountant.
‘These were very useful basic matters to be addressed,’ Neroli says. ‘We found that the Business Enterprise Centre was a great place to go to for general advice and clarification. Both Sarah and I are still utilising the training available including things like IP, workplace health and safety through to information about various marketing and accounting software.
‘The networking evenings are also a great way to share information about Studio Tonic and find out more about businesses in our area.’
Studio Tonic bases its business on close client relationships, which are imperative when large office designs can take nine months to one year from concept to completion. ‘The relationship with the client becomes very important through an intensive period of change,’ Sarah says.
‘We often find we are guiding our clients through change-management progression with their staff. We keep them informed and involved in the concept, design and right through the construction process.’
Growing their business strategically
Like many business owners, Sarah and Neroli are continually challenged to obtain project prospects and then convert them into new work. Studio Tonic has recently achieved government prequalification with the Department of Planning, Transport & Infrastructure, which the team hopes will open more doors and design project opportunities.
With client recommendations being a major part of the prequalification process, this milestone highlights their success and high level of design acumen.
‘By being small and having low overheads, we have enjoyed some benefits during these recent tough economic times,’ explains Neroli. ‘Studio Tonic has been able to diversify its portfolio to include areas of growth, such as aged care and health. Both Sarah and I have a breadth of experience in many areas, so we are lucky to be able to make our business flexible enough to capture whatever markets may have opportunities.’
Keeping connected with clients is really important and Studio Tonic has more followers than some of our larger competitors.
Studio Tonic has managed to achieve growth in its business over the past three years. While initially working from home, for the past year the team has shared an office space with some other creative companies such as marketing businesses, web and graphic designers.
‘Our ongoing marketing strategy is to build upon our recent government prequalification, continue with electronic newsletter marketing and increase our Facebook and Twitter following,’ says Sarah.
‘Keeping con
nected with clients is really important and Studio Tonic has more followers than some of our larger competitors. We feel that social media is an important part of a low-cost marketing program.’
The team at Studio Tonic aims to expand its workforce over the next two years and is looking for more great design projects. You can see more of Sarah and Neroli’s work on their website at www.studiotonic.com.au.
Amelia Martin, Eastside Business Enterprise Centre, Newton SA
