MOHAMMED CASE 4A

Mohammed completed a self-paced carpentry skills program in record time and then

went to work for a company that makes custom kitchen and bathroom cabinets. He has been

there long enough to know that kitchens and bathrooms will not be his life work. Instead, he will

be opening his own business. The Big Picture will be a picture framing service that will sell

framed posters and prints. As well, it will provide framing for the customers own pictures and

re-finish old frames.

Mohammed has found a vacant store in a medium sized suburban mall in a slightly

upscale neighbourhood. The store, as it currently stands, is a 25' x 40' rectangle with one end

opening into the mall and a small door at the back that opens to the outside delivery area. The

only fixture is a sink in one back corner.

Mohammed is negotiating with the mall owner who is willing to share the costs of the

leasehold improvements that will be required to make the store suitable for The Big Picture.

Already, Mohammed recognizes that the store will have to be divided into two distinct areas: a

front sales area and a backroom work area. But the details are still to be worked out.

The sales and display area where customers can browse work ready for sale, will have to

contain a sales desk for the cash register and another work desk to show completed work to

customers and inspect work they bring in for repair or refinishing. There will also have to be an

area to display the various choices in frames and mattes.

The work area will have to include a large 5' x 8' work table with various clamps. Space

will be needed for a sanding machine as well as a bench with a vice for hand sanding. There will

be a paint table and an area to hang drying frame parts that will need to be as far away from the

sanding area as possible. An area around the sink will be needed for mixing stains and for cleanup. There will also have to be storage areas for pre-manufactured frames, for various wood

mouldings and for various sizes of wood stock. A storage area for paints and various finishes

will also be required as well as a storage area for hand tools.

1. Sketch a detailed layout for The Big Picture and explain your choices for placing things.