Interior designer needed to reconfigure office space

Request for Proposal (RFP): Essex Cigar Interior Design & 3D Rendering Services Project Overview Essex Cigar invites qualified interior design and 3D visualization firms to submit proposals for the design and rendering of a phased renovation and build-out of a premium cigar retail and lounge destination in Belleville, New Jersey. The project seeks to create a sophisticated environment that integrates premium cigar retail, public lounge amenities, and private membership experiences. Project Team Property Owner / General Contractor: Rich Arrabito Business Partners: James McGuire and Jim Babai Municipal Approvals Coordinator: James McGuire Building Information Location: Belleville, New Jersey Building Size: Approximately 6,000 square feet Existing commercial structure Ground floor includes former garage bays converted to showroom space Upper floors require renovation and modernization Detailed measurements, photographs, and existing-condition documentation will be provided to the selected firm. Scope of Work The selected firm shall provide interior design, planning, material selection, lighting concepts, and photorealistic 3D visualization services for the following project phases. Design Objectives The design shall reflect the character of luxury cigar lounges, private social clubs, high-end hotel lounges, and modern classic interiors. Proposed concepts should incorporate warm lighting, rich wood finishes, leather seating, stone, brick, metal accents, and comfortable gathering spaces while maintaining an upscale, welcoming, and functional atmosphere. Phase 1 – Retail Showroom (Ground Floor) Required components include: Premium cigar retail showroom Glass-enclosed walk-in humidor Product display shelving Customer browsing areas Cash wrap and checkout area Enhanced storefront presentation Indoor seating area Outdoor seating area adjacent to the building Recessed lighting throughout HVAC integration Additional requirements: No smoking within the retail showroom Potential conversion of an existing garage door opening into finished interior space Layout optimization for customer flow and product visibility Phase 1 – Public Lounge (Second Floor) Required components include: Customer-accessible cigar lounge operating under an admission-fee model Lounge seating groups Club chairs and sofas Television viewing areas Conversation and social spaces Coffee and beverage station Humidor display opportunities Hospitality-focused atmosphere Phase 2 – Private Members Lounge (Third Floor) Required components include: Members-only lounge environment Luxury private club atmosphere Premium seating arrangements Dedicated member gathering areas Smoke ventilation and management strategy High-end finishes and furnishings Additional considerations: Potential roof and mechanical system upgrades New HVAC and smoke-management systems anticipated Deliverables The selected firm shall provide the following deliverables, including a clearly defined revision process and the number of revisions included. General Deliverables Concept design development Floor plans Furniture layouts Material and finish recommendations Lighting concepts and plans Photorealistic 3D renderings Retail Showroom Deliverables Floor plan Furniture layout Lighting concept Material selections 3D renderings Public Lounge Deliverables Floor plan Furniture layout Lighting plan Material recommendations 3D renderings Private Members Lounge Deliverables Concept plan Furniture layout Finish recommendations 3D renderings Timeline Proposals shall include: Estimated project schedule Key project milestones Design development timeline Rendering production and delivery schedule Revision timeline Availability to commence work Respondents should identify the anticipated overall project duration. Budget Range Proposals shall include: Fixed-price fee proposal Itemized pricing by phase and deliverable Number of revisions included Optional services and associated fees Assumptions and exclusions affecting pricing Submission Requirements Proposals must include: Company profile and team qualifications Relevant portfolio examples Experience with commercial hospitality projects Experience with restaurants, lounges, cigar lounges, or private clubs Proposed project timeline Fixed-price fee proposal Revision policy and included revisions Primary project contact information Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be evaluated based on: Relevant experience and qualifications Quality of portfolio and design approach Experience with hospitality, lounge, and retail environments Understanding of project goals and requirements Quality and realism of 3D visualization work Proposed schedule and responsiveness Cost competitiveness and overall value Project Goal The objective of this project is to create a premier cigar retail and lounge destination in Northern New Jersey that delivers an exceptional customer experience while maintaining practical construction budgets, operational efficiency, and effective customer flow.