O'sullivan: making a statement on london's south bank

When brothers Martin and Tim O'Sullivan decided to open their fifth O'Sullivan Concept Salon, they looked to London's South Bank - an area that has seen some serious reinvestment in recent years.

After exploring numerous sites in the area they came across the ideal spot: on a new development called The Blue Fin building, which is next door to the Tate Modern.

The Blue Fin building proved the perfect spot for a salon, with more than 8,000 people due to reside in the block by the end of year, including a media business employing 3,500 people, "of which 70% are female - our target clients," adds Martin.

Because the shop was part of a new building, it was the perfect blank canvas to work with. "It was an empty shell and needed absolutely everything - ceilings, walls, sprinklers, the lot," says Martin.

As this would be the group's new flagship salon, they opted for a fresh look that would fit in with its new state-of-the-art surroundings.

A company called Circle Thirtysix was drafted in to complete the project. It managed the entire development, right through to handing over the keys of the finished shop. "We decided on a classic look with an aesthetic quality to it, which was especially important being next to the Tate Modern," says Martin.

The result is a bright and airy salon that makes full use of its 1,000sq ft.

Fact File Name: O'Sullivan Concept Salons Address: 3 Sumner Street, Bankside, London Owners: Tim and Martin O'Sullivan Size: 1,000sq ft Staff: 12 Clientele: Media professionals and South Bank passing trade Styling stations: 10 Budget: £205,000 Financing: Self Design: Circle Thirtysix Features: High ceilings, cascading lighting, wallpapered feature wall Budget Box Shop fitting: £105,000 Furniture: £20,000 Ceilings and walls: £17,750 Sprinklers: £7,500 Flooring: £6,000 Doors, décor and signage: £12,500 Air conditioning: £7,500 Lighting and power: £10,000 Plumbing: £3,700 Design and project management:£15,500 How to Achieve the Look Designers: Circle Thirtysix - 020 8342 9198 Furniture: Salon Services - 020 7713 5300 Backwashes: Takara Belmont - 020 7515 0333 Top Tips Order your equipment as soon as possible and store it if necessary Try keeping to a budget Get at least two quotes for everything Trust your instincts Read the small print.