Circa Showroom: Created for the Builder

An Interview with Dalila Yorke, Circa’s Manager

How did Circa come about?

Circa was an idea by John Bowen many years ago. His goal was to create a selection space for small to medium sized builders to help guide and assist their clients with the selection of finishes.

How does Circa assist Bowens account holders?

Circa helps streamline the selection process for Bowens’ account holders. These include Builders, Builders Clients, Architects, Developers and Designers. We can assist with a wide range of products including flooring, internal doors, entry doors, door hardware, interior linings and skirtings.

 

Custom American Oak V-Joint clad Entrance Door with matching edge strips and American Oak entrance frame. Build by D5 Building Group.

This collaboration aims to support the builder. As we meet with their clients, builders can continue to build, confident that their clients are being looked after.

“This collaboration aims to support the builder. As we meet with their clients, builders can continue to build, confident that their clients are being looked after.”

One of the key benefits of Circa is our ability to guide clients through the decision-making process. This not only ensures that clients are well-informed but also builds a sense of comfort in their choices for their new homes.

What is the process at Circa?

Initially, we invite the builder to visit the space and gain an understanding of what we can offer their clients. This firsthand experience provides them with a snapshot of what Circa can deliver.

The builder shares plans and an idea of finishes the clients are interested in. After receiving this information, we arrange for the client to visit the showroom. The selection process is curated and driven by the boundaries the builder sets. Following the client’s visit, we generate a quote with client’s selection and send it back to the builder via their Bowens account.

How do you ensure you’re catering to the Builders needs and budget?

We’re guided by the builder. We don’t try to upsell but if the client wants a certain product, of course we’ll put that forward to the builder. But we do try and stay in the realms of a budget because if we go outside of that, it doesn’t work for anyone. We really are working tightly with the builder to make sure they get the best result at the end of it. They’re our main priority as a Bowens account holder.

“We really are working tightly with the builder to make sure they get the best result at the end of it.”

What are the most common products clients come to CIRCA for?

Builders most commonly send their client’s to Circa for a flooring consultation, but they often walk away impressed with our range of European door hardware from brands such as DnD, Formani and Buster & Punch. Entry doors and customised doors are also popular selections within Circa.

Do you hold any events, workshops or demonstrations in the space?

Yes. We hold a range of events for new products, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for architects, builders and designers, internal training for staff or events for innovative products. We also do a walkthrough of the space after the event to show builders what we can offer their clients.

“We hold a range of events for new products, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for architects, builders and designers, internal training for staff or events for innovative products.”

What would you say to builders who are wanting to work with Circa?

We know builders are time poor and I think the hardest thing we struggle with is to get them to visit the showroom initially. But they only need to come once for an understanding of the space, and then we’ll look after their clients from there. You will get a lot in return for that one hour.