P360 Concepts

While design takes center stage of aesthetic appeal in a luxury hospitality project, procurement plays a critical behind-the-scenes role, ensuring the seamless marriage of style, budget, schedule and functionality.

Given the narrow margin for error and high demand for customization, procurement necessitates extensive knowledge and exceptional resourcefulness to integrate diverse elements and achieve the envisioned sophistication.

This is where P360 Concepts shines with their exemplary leadership in the domain.

A creative procurement firm, P360 Concepts was conceived by design and procurement professionals Heather Jim and Christiane Sattler during their tenure at the Four Seasons Hotels in Toronto. The duo observed a shortage of Canada-based purchasing agents in the five-star hospitality sector, leading them to conceptualize a service aimed at a niche market. Today, their market has significantly expanded to include projects in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.

Bringing in Extensive Hospitality Experiences

P360 Concepts has extensive experience in the development of luxury hotels and resorts and a range of smaller development projects. The team has worked on some of the industry’s gold standards, including Four Seasons, Rosewood, Belmond, Pendry and Thompson Hotels, to name a few. Through these experiences, they have developed a clear sense of the international standards against which a high-end property is judged. This experience is matched by a network of vendor relationships the company has built over 20 years to consistently find the highest quality products for the best price.

Blending the Operators’ Perspective

Prior to establishing P360 Concepts, part of the founders’ experience included extensive in-house work for Four Seasons Hotels, something that has given them unique insights into their procurement strategies. This experience has been vital in enabling them to discern optimal functionality, longevity, comfort and style on fixtures and equipment (FF&E) and operating supplies and equipment (OS&E) items. They have also learned to consider the long-term operational requirements of the owner and make purchasing decisions that maximize the asset value of FF&E/OS&E investments.

A Holistic Project Management Expertise

P360 Concepts’ procurement services are enhanced by in-depth experience in all aspects of a project, including the architectural and interior design process, budget development, schedule control, construction management, cost analysis, logistics and installation. They have supervised numerous international projects and have led design and procurement teams through every stage of renovation and new development.

Their procurement strategies extend well beyond supplying top-quality products in a timely and cost-effective manner. Efficiently combining purchasing with project management services, P360 Concepts guarantees a smooth and cohesive project workflow from inception to completion.

Making no compromises in technology investments, they also leverage a cloud-based purchasing software called Sigma, which allows clients to access and approve project details in real time. This eliminates the need for back-and-forth communication and reduces potential misunderstandings and information lag.

As a proud woman-owned and managed firm, P360 Concepts celebrates its 20th anniversary; its achievements in the hospitality industry highlight the importance of blending expert procurement services with sophisticated project management and technological innovation. This has enabled the creation of unparalleled luxury experiences, from large-scale to boutique hotels, restaurants and members’ clubs to golf communities and residential condominium tower amenities, positioning P360 Concepts and its clients at the forefront of the hospitality sector.

The “How”

While every procurement company essentially performs the same function, P360 Concepts difference is in the ‘how’ of purchasing.

A standard transactional approach taken by some purchasing agents is to simply price specifications, and issue purchase orders to complete the project. While effective for smaller simpler projects, the same strategy does not meet the needs of four- and five-star luxury projects, which require more holistic planning to maximize the project’s potential.

P360 Concepts takes a strategic approach that prioritizes understanding and translating a client’s vision into operational strategies. Taking accountability for the client’s investments, they carefully consider resource ownership and budget. This is rooted in a commitment to ensuring clients’ funds are used most responsibly and effectively, providing the best solution for each project.

“We aim to strike a balance between four key factors in any project—design, budget, schedule and quality,” says Jim, founding partner and principal. “We remain actively engaged in the industry by conducting thorough research to stay informed about market trends, vendor capabilities, newcomers and offerings, ensuring we create a tailored purchasing supplier list that aligns with the project’s needs rather than our own preferences.”

This knowledge is then used to develop an optimal procurement strategy, drawing on both design experience and familiarity with the distinctive concerns of the owner, operator and developer.

Providing an Extra Layer of Assurance

In contrast to a larger procurement firm model in which the work assigned to project managers and principals becomes detached, P360 Concepts’ principal involvement is immersed in the project from start to finish. This ensures direct communication lines to upper management, who bring their more than 35 years of experience to the table. While Jim has an extensive background as an interior designer, Sattler brings profound expertise in engineering and international project management.

Clients and team members have direct access to Jim or Sattler’s extensive knowledge base for their queries. Their hands-on involvement also allows their team to consistently learn and grow from the best. The result demonstrates success in maintaining strong, active relationships and extra assurance with stakeholders and vendor partners for smooth project execution.

Their growth is primarily driven by personalized involvement, well-organized structure, and clear communication. This is further enforced by a process-oriented approach that emphasizes strict project, infrastructure and system management. Prioritizing technology and investing heavily in software and infrastructure, P360 Concepts truly enhances client interactions.

A Foundation Built on Strong Relationships and Trust

P360 Concepts embraces a philosophy influenced by marketing veteran Seth Godin, who advocates, “Instead of chasing big numbers, businesses should look for the smallest viable audience of fans and build meaningful relationships and dedicated communities around them.”

Emphasizing quality over quantity, P360 Concepts’ capacity for substantial undertakings remains consistent. This is evidenced by their successful completion of notable projects such as the recently opened 295-room Pendry Newport Beach and multiple Belmond properties.

The collaboration with clients and designers is the priority that has earned the trust and reputation for building long-term relationships, acquiring referrals and maintaining longevity.

Strategic Partnerships

P360 Concepts’ successful start was a testament to the remarkable execution of their maiden project.
The client was a small boutique hotel and was the owner’s first foray into hospitality. By exhibiting expertise in multiple aspects of a hotel project, P360 Concepts’ role and scope grew during the process to include the curation of the OS&E Brand standards program, acting as construction managers, and also client’s liaison for the development of the private residences. After 15 years they were tasked again to complete a full renovation of the property.

This trust and respect has established their role as strategic partners with a prestigious client base.

Raising The Bar

P360 Concepts’ determination is to solve all challenges resourcefully and efficiently, resulting in a highly satisfying process and experience for their clients.

P360 Concepts constantly seeks to refine their approach and explore new avenues in hospitality, where their expertise can further benefit clients. By offering services like developing brand standards programs, the firm leverages opportunities to broaden its scope and flex its creative muscles. Their ongoing expansion to regions such as Mexico, for instance, gives them the opportunity to harness local artisan talent and stay at the forefront of industry innovations, techniques and sources.

The drive extends beyond just procurement; it’s the pursuit of resourceful and innovative solutions that define their core. Their relentless passion for exceptional design and the joy of turning visionary concepts into reality fuel their commitment to work with clients who share the same enthusiasm and appreciate the extra attention.

Today, P360 Concepts is imbued with profound pride and gratitude, not only for the privilege of contributing to numerous award-winning projects but for the deep satisfaction derived from seeing these endeavors through to completion and recognition. The hard work and dedication invested in each project are mirrored in the success and accolades they garner, a testament to their integral role in all achievements.

With experts who know the ins and outs of luxury hospitality procurement, P360 Concepts continually raises the bar, proving that with passion, experience and excellence, the possibilities are boundless.