Hotel (re)construction without disrupting daily operations

Robin Albersen built his company Building Retail - with which he supervises (finishing) construction projects from start to finish - from a one-man business to a thriving company with six employees. Besides exclusive shops and offices, Albersen increasingly focuses on the hospitality sector. 

Albersen's career did not start with hammer and nails, but with supervising and managing construction projects. His expertise grew during his time at a project management agency that worked closely with Albert Heijn. Here, he learned the importance of accurate preparation and efficient execution - skills he would later apply in his own company. 

In 2016, armed only with a strong network and a wealth of experience, Albersen decided to follow his own path and founded Building Retail. His company grew rapidly through projects for big names such as Swiss chocolate shop chain Lindt and by differentiating itself with a focus on process efficiency and quality management. "I started seven years ago as a small self-employed person. I didn't really have a big ambition or a set plan, but it's great to see that we now have a company taking on international projects for big brands."

It was the diversification in market segments that also brought Building Retail into the hotel and hospitality industry. Albersen's approach, which emphasises minimal inconvenience and maximum efficiency, proved a perfect fit for the needs of hotel renovations. By organising renovations in phases and using a 'trains' methodology, he managed to complete projects without disrupting daily operations.

At the heart of Building Retail's success lies the efficient and systematic approach that Albersen has developed over the years. This approach is inspired by his experiences in the retail sector and has proved extremely effective in both retail and hotel renovations.

Albersen explains the importance of minimising inconvenience: "With every project, whether it is a shop or a hotel, we make sure that day-to-day operations are affected as little as possible. We plan the work so that we work quickly and efficiently, always keeping safety and accessibility for customers and guests in mind."

Building Retail's methodology is characterised by a high degree of flexibility and implementing projects in phases. This ensures that parts of a shop or hotel can remain operational while other sections are tackled. Robin describes this process as follows: "We break up large projects into smaller, manageable sections, allowing us to work effectively without having to close the entire property."

Building Retail's approach makes little distinction between renovating shops or hotels, making it an exception in the industry. "The shop must remain open and safe for customers, just as a hotel must for its guests. This approach helps us understand and address the specific challenges of each project type," says Albersen. He says this leads to consistent application of best practices across different property types.

Another important aspect of their approach is the emphasis on communication and continuity. "We keep the lines of communication short with our customers and all parties involved. This ensures quick decision-making and adjustments where necessary," Robin emphasises. This approach allows Building Retail to respond more quickly to unexpected challenges and minimise the impact on clients' operations.

Sustainability is a core part of Building Retail's philosophy. The company strives to reuse materials and minimise waste. This approach is not only environmentally friendly but also economically beneficial for their customers. Despite the challenges that sometimes arise from customers sticking to traditional methods, Albersen continues to innovate and propose sustainable solutions. "We try to think about materialisation and reuse of materials. We don't just throw something in the dustbin, but try to create awareness about what is possible with sustainability."

Its efficient and thoughtful working methods have made Building Retail a trusted partner for many companies within the retail and hotel sector. The methods employed by Albersen and his team not only guarantee a high quality end result, but also ensure a process that puts the customer first and their operational needs first.

A unique aspect of Building Retail's philosophy is the integration of top sports mentality into their projects. This philosophy is reinforced by collaborations with leading top athletes such as sailing star Marit Bouwmeester and beach volleyball player Katja Stam. These collaborations emphasise the importance of discipline, focus and teamwork, which are crucial to the success of both sports and business projects.

Albersen explains: "Our collaboration with Marit and Katja is a perfect mirror of how we work. Just as they prepare for the Olympics, we prepare for every project; with the same precision, the same teamwork and the same determination to win. This is not just a sponsorship model, but a mutually inspiring partnership where we learn from each other and lift each other to higher levels."

These collaborations are more than just a metaphor. They are integrated into Building Retail's working culture, applying the principles of top-level sport to project management. This has led to a corporate culture where continuous improvement and the pursuit of excellence are central. Robin emphasises, "Working with Marit and Katja inspires our entire team to strive for the highest level in everything we do. It shows us that with the right preparation, teamwork and focus, we can deliver any project as if it were a gold medal."