GET TO KNOW US 

OUR STORY 

THE CREATION OF HANDBUILT was born from the vision of an architect and interior designer. Our inception arose from a widespread absence in the industry:  lack of a company that could blend the design team’s perspective with the procurement and fabrication team’s expertise to provide unmatched insight into the critical factors essential for functionality, durability, budget compliance, and design fidelity. Custom is our specialty, and we’ve established a robust system of checks and balances to ensure that all items endure the demanding nature of a high traffic environment.

HANDBUILT CREATOR

Handbuilt was created by architect and interior designer, Allison Whitt, principal of the San Diego based studio, DesignX Architecture + Interiors. Allison’s vast experience in the hospitality and contract design and purchasing industry have provided valuable insight into how to transform design concepts into reality, and when to procure vs. custom fabricate.

Allison’s low-key demeanor lends to carefully listening to clients, attention to detail, patience and a strong sense of integrity.  She has a passion for many style of design and believes in its power to affect mood, well-being and experience. 

Allison is currently a board member of the San Diego Architectural Foundation.

OUR SECTORS

We deliver differentiated solutions to meet our client's program, project scope and budget. Focusing on four key sectors that complement our skills, experience and industry knowledge, we are experts in these sectors.

HOTELS + RESORTS

RESTAURANTS

MULTI-FAMILY

COMMERCIAL

FAQs

  • FF+E is an acronym for furniture, fixtures and equipment and refers to the products that Interior Designers specify to furnish a project. FF+E products are typically all the loose items that are not fixed directly to the building, including products such as sofas, chairs, tables, beds, headboards, table lamps, curtains, accessories, etc. A popular explanation suggests that if you could turn the building upside down and shake it, all the FF+E items would fall out.

  • OS&E is another acronym and this one stands for operating supplies and equipment. OS&E in hotels includes all the loose operating items that enhance the guest’s stay or are used by the hotel team and include items such as bedding, towels and linen, glassware, crockery and cutlery, hairdryers and ironing boards, small kitchen appliances and cleaning supplies, amongst other items.

  • FF+E Procurement is the sourcing, budgeting, purchasing, delivery and installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment in hotel, luxury residential and workplace projects. It is a specialist discipline that requires significant furnishing industry experience, solid financial acumen, strong negotiation skills, complete with a global supply chain and logistics capability.

  • OS+E Procurement is the sourcing, budgeting, purchasing and delivery of consumable goods that require regular reordering in hotels, luxury residential and workplace interiors. OS+E includes not only items such as tableware, glassware and silverware, it also includes products such as housekeeping equipment & supplies, guest room amenities, uniforms and office supplies, amongst other items.