Urban fitness is a fiercely independent personal training outfit based in Coventry led by the talented Phia Barnes. Urban Fitness had been training her clients in shared gyms and in her garage but Phia wanted a unique base to call her own.
Having her own space would enable her to build a brand and create a relaxed studio gym for her clients to train in, whilst also building a health-conscious community/ movement.
Phia had no idea where to start but knew what she wanted to create – just couldn’t connect the dots. After seeing the work Black Ivy Design had created at the Jacobean Hotel, she knew the studio would understand the direction she wanted to take her studio gym.
In 2018 Luke Truslove took over a hotel on Holyhead Road, Coventry which was essentially stuck in the ’80s. Then called the Brooklands Grange, the hotel was run down and unkempt.
Eventually, over a long period of time, work was carried out bit by bit but Truslove recognised that to get the return on his investment quicker he would have to outsource the renovation.
He saw the perfect solution in Black Ivy Design to take on the design and project management of the bedrooms. They knew the building had potential but didn’t have the time or skills to facilitate the renovation.
Phia had seen the results we achieved for The Jacobean Hotel and knew that Black Ivy Design could help to bring her vision to life. She also recognised that Black Ivy Design was aligned with her goals of sustainability.
After several intense meetings and in-depth research, Black Ivy Design knew exactly the look and feel Phia required. She wanted to be high-end without being luxurious. Relaxed yet motivating. All whilst promoting health and well-being.
To achieve this, Black Ivy had a very considered approach to the design concept at The Basement choosing natural, sustainable materials and colours combined with clean lines to promote well-being by creating a calm, motivating space where clients can change their mindset and build their bodies.
Bringing plants into the environment would be an essential part of the journey due to the psychological effects they have upon a person.
