Within the last 10 years, Parla spread its wings from being a company catering to projects of all sizes in Turkey, some in Eurasia and the Middle East, to a brand recognised as one of the ‘go-to’ choices for high-end luxury hospitality projects all over the world.
As we have grown into a global company, we needed to develop ways of keeping our values alive. We are a furniture company based in Istanbul that has its roots dating back 4 generations, with a starting point of serving the Ottoman Imperial family. We believe in fostering the family environment in the business, while letting the young and ambitious employees take its lead, and we want to become a partner rather than just a supplier in every project we take part in.
How do we stick to these ideals while delivering results in the US, UK, Europe and the Middle East? This is a question that keeps our directors excited and ready to take on the next challenge every day.
Parla stays true to itself while still growing, by employing and nurturing a team of young, creative minds with excellent formations in design, alongside craftsmen who have been continuing their forefathers’ line of work for generations. This diverse talent is then guided by seasoned business managers with the vision to create reliable and intriguing offers to clients.
What do we prioritise to achieve a seamless service?
– We want to feel present and part of projects, as if we are based next door to our client.
– We have to deliver products that fit within the standards and expectations of each region.
– We need to coordinate operations very skilfully in each region where we deliver a project.
What do we do to ensure that?
We lock in to make sure we are involved in all aspects of a project from the initial philosophy to the ‘handing of the keys’. From the project manager to the designer and to the project assistants, everyone obsesses over the details and approaches the project with excitement and wonder. In addition, we set up teams in each of the regions we operate in, so that we have a strong network of local teams and suppliers who can help us deliver what we envision.
We thrive on research and development; not only do the designers want to find the best way to bring the client’s dream alive, but the craftspeople in the factory are also enthused to see how they can fuse their skills with the latest experimentation in ideas for fixed and fitted furniture. We believe that strong communication and reliable networks are the two pillars of business. That’s why we cultivate respectable working relationships with employees and partners who are committed to delivering the results we aim to achieve.
And, ‘the proof is in the pudding’! Some of our latest high-profile projects include:
Swissotel – Jeddah
Crowne Plaza – Jeddah
Beef Bar – Doha
Roka – Istanbul Galataport
Four Seasons – Istanbul Sultanahmet
Fredericks Restaurant & Bar – Berlin
Hotel Amano Covent Garden – London
Nusret – London
Amrit Ocean Wellness – Miami
Mandarin Oriental – Beverly Hills
We have found that ever since our company started producing for upper-scale hotels and fine-dining restaurants, the quality of production in our 15000 square metre factory and our end products has become much more sophisticated.
Within the day-to-day, the growth we have achieved at Parla in the last 10 years has had a positive influence within the company; while challenges are consistently there, the buzz of being in the thick of it and being part of developing the brand has been exhilarating.
Deniz Albayrak, Senior Project Manager in the UK, says, “I have been with Parla for over 10 years; starting as a new graduate, I was taken under the wings of the company and its family culture. I savour what Parla stands for; it allows you to find your voice, listening to you, taking your lead, but guiding you at the same time. As well as that, the honour of working with internationally renowned architects and designers means that we are all learning from the very best every day, being inspired by their minds, and illuminated by how they are setting the latest trends in hospitality interiors”.
Until now, we have only talked about what we have envisioned and what we have achieved. However, gaining the trust of clients and growing the business to a factory with hundreds of employees was no easy feat. We remain thankful to every member of staff who pushes us that extra mile to become more than we were yesterday. Their determination and skill have allowed us to not only offer bespoke project design but also beautiful pieces for our collection. Our facilities have become more and more used to producing for different geographical locations, consequently, crafting items that are tolerant, robust and resilient. Amid all the developments and projects we are working on, it has been crucial to take part in international shows; not only to highlight our presence but also to take a breather, celebrate and display our latest achievements, whether a project or a collection of furniture.
So, what is next for Parla? We will be deepening our knowledge of working and stabilising services in all regions, while continuing to strengthen our ethos in each local environment, increasing the number of projects in all regions, and delivering projects in the new sectors.
Let’s see where the next 10 years take us!
