A LIFESIZE EXPERIENCE

Lifesize Plans has unveiled a unique franchise model, a tried-and-tested business that turns building plans into a full-scale walkthrough experience.

By Sarah Stowe

It’s exciting when a truly original idea takes off and some of the best ideas are a result of spotting a gap in the market through personal experience.

Lifesize Plans all started when the founder’s encounter with council and building plans led him to ditch his own house-building project and invest the money into a unique business concept.

Lifesize Plans does exactly what it says. It brings building projects to life by allowing clients to experience the dynamics of the floorspace before a brick is laid.

A patented full-scale walkthrough technology projects architects’ or builders’ designs onto a warehouse floor.

Lifesize Plans CEO James Hickey says, “It’s ideal for anybody who wants to visualise scale. We’ve got mobile furniture and walls, we help people visualise the space and the functionality. For most people they get the concept, but until it’s blown up they don’t understand the true functionality.

“This is a gamechanger.”

It’s a massive step up from pegging out the footprint with string lines, and the technology is revolutionising the design and construction industries, helping architects, interior designers, builders and the real estate industry, he says.

And while high-end custom builds are an obvious target the service can be used for modest house renovations, smaller kitchen renovations, second storey additions or a deck, landscaping, even design event management.

Getting the scale right before the build starts is a crucial money-saver, says James.

With his career pedigree, he is well placed to understand the dynamics at play.

“I’ve lived my entire life in construction. I started as a carpenter, moved into management, and I’ve been a CEO and in change management,” he reveals.

“This business gives me the ability to blend my love for tech and construction, it’s the ultimate candy store for me. It sings to my heart, the design aspect.

“It means everyone gets the vision right. If you get that wrong, costs blow out.”

The journey to franchising hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2018 the founders appeared on Shark Tank, seeking capital for expansion.

“Everyone loved the concept but they didn’t have it quite right,” admits James, who joined the business a year ago to scale it up.

Now the business has equity backing and has been reorganised and restructured, specialist DC Strategy Franchise Group has primed it for franchising.

“Lifesize Plans is ready to expand into new markets and we believe that – with the help and vision of our investors and partners – our quality franchise business offer will attract huge potential and will succeed around the globe.”

The business model employs a simplistic work flow and has low staffing requirements, with profits based on asset utilisation. Franchisees will operate using a dual model system, with designers showing off their designs to the customer, while the salesperson is out to attract more customers.

It will cost $1 million+ to invest, as franchisees need sites of about 800 square metres to house a 650 square metre showroom floor, a store, and install the projectors.

“The main cost is the set-up, there are low ongoing costs. This is a very sound business model,” says James.

It’s territory-based and a full job management system will track leads and link to finance systems.

“There is a huge amount of IP but it’s simplicity is its beauty,” says James.

At the same time as the domestic market is being amped up, the Lifesize Plans Group is looking to fulfil its global ambitions. It is on the search for sophisticated business executives to take on international master franchises all around the world, including the US. n