"DEA is a Melbourne based boutique Design practice, locally and Internationally creating aspirational contemporary and traditional Design. We specialise in Retail Design, Restaurant Design and Bar Design. Established in 1989, DEA's progression is based upon a solid foundation of impressive clientele diversification and Shop fitting experience. We are a progressive team understanding current global retail trends, and believe retail should have a sense of theatre.

DEA understands the psychology of Retail. We know how to create the external vacuum required to draw immediate attention; to exploit the given environment. Retail Design must create intrigue, create an experience, linking subconsciously the Architectural, Interior, Graphic and Merchandising ambience to motivate the customer emotionally. At DEA we believe that 'perception is virtual reality' and that reinvention is the key to continued growth. Our Retail based scientific method considers Layouts, Space Planning, Traffic Flows, Lighting and Colours, all combining to ensure a Customer's Comfort.

It is of critical importance for us is to understand the Operational rationale behind each Project to ensure a positive working environment and give as much back to the Retail space as possible. We combine our pragmatic approach with a determined flair to formulate a well considered, user friendly environment. We like to exploit external sightlines and internal space utilising every cubic millimetre to our clients' advantage.

The team at DEA creates your individual Brand Image by way of blending the Architectural elements with the Interior Design and Graphic elements. This palette of information becomes the identity of the Retail space or, its' 'Brand Image'. We constantly source new materials and finishes to create innovative and effective solutions ensuring client Image individuality. As a Brand grows and new Stores are Designed, there is an evolutionary process at work, injecting freshness and excitement as a progressive way forward."

Michael Bankes
principal

Design projects delivered in 2009

• - Aireys Inlet Residence
• - freshGrill
• - King Furniture Annandale
• - Baraonda World Trade Centre
• - Hoyne Design
• - King Furniture Chatswood
• - Brotherhood of St. Laurence Malvern
• - Inner Circle cafe Altona
• - King Furniture Richmond
• - Brotherhood of St. Laurence Dandenong
• - Jasper Junior Chadstone
• - Lincoln Hotel Carlton
• - Chimmeys Bakery St Kilda
• - Jasper Kiosk Chadstone
• - Link bar/lounge Burwood
• - MCC Hall of Fame
• - Porter Davis Homes
• - South Melbourne Residence
• - Raffaele Ciuca Brunswick
• - Tutti In Piazza Collins St

The team at DEA can create your individual identity or 'Brand image' beyond architectural consolidation. Our Brand capabilities include the creation of your Brand name, designing the Brand logo and associated 'catch phrase' and support material. Support material carrying the brand could include uniforms, ticketing and stationary, posters and product support elements such as take away coffee cups.

We consider the build ability of your Brand when it comes to 3D signage where external elements or internal lighting are concerned. Your Brand logo is considered as a 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional elements so as to exploit the best opportunity to clearly and strongly convey the Brand message.

For the past 20 years, DEA has offered the complete package to all its' clients to provide innovative design and construction solutions combined with successful and proficient construction management in order to deliver the highest quality turnkey fit-out projects on time, on budget.

The confidence our new clients quickly realise often extends to DEA Project Managing the build or becoming the head contractor when assembling a team of contractors and artisans specific to a project.

We provide our Clients with a single point of contact and handle all aspects of the project including Tendering, Centre Management Administration, Contract Administration, Programming, Liaising with all sub-trades, overseeing the installation, facilitating the final handover of the project, and post construction management of the defect and rectification/warranty period.

We also take care of all your Permit requirements, liaising with local Council Planning and Health Departments, external Architects, Engineers and Surveyors with documentation packages, Submissions, Application and Reports.

DEA has built an extensive national list of professional Retail savvy and Union accredited Contractors and Artisans.

DEA does not carry the overheads and as a boutique, sharp and efficient team, offer very competitive quotations. Clients appreciate the time saving, cost saving attitude an organisation passionate and flexible about Design, Branding and Construction offers. DEA has an envious record of handing over on time without variations, and on budget continually.