A Mountainous Installation in Colorado | Case Study

In 2021, Cadogan Tate completed a complex and large-scale installation project at a luxury hotel in Aspen, Colorado. The property features 100 guest rooms and 12 expansive suites (with each suite offering the scale and detail of a three-bedroom residence). The project spanned 14-16 months, from the initial receipt of items to the final warehouse clear-out. It was an extensive scope of work that comprised countless complex logistical challenges, all managed with ease.

Items started arriving 6-8 months before installation, requiring careful coordination, tracking, and storage. After the primary install, our team spent an additional three months managing late-arriving items, missing pieces, and final adjustments. Ongoing construction issues compounded these delays and our crew frequently worked alongside active construction teams, installing furniture, hanging artwork, and placing headboards while other parts of the building were still in progress.

Our team installed approximately 300,000 pounds of FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment), OS&E (Operating Supplies and Equipment), and OFCI (Owner Furnished, Contractor Installed) materials. This included items like beds, desks, lighting fixtures, room-specific essentials like coffee makers, carpets, drapery, and wall-mounted lighting.

The scale of deliveries was immense with items arriving in bulk, often on pallets. There were 5-8 distinct room types, each with slight variations. Many items arrived without clear labeling, making it difficult to immediately identify which pieces belonged to which rooms. This required close collaboration between Cadogan Tate’s project manager, Cody Pace, and the purchasing team to accurately match inventory to room specifications.

Operationally, efficiency was key. Our crews managed not only the delivery components but also the full installation. This included assembling furniture, placing items according to design specifications, and ensuring each room met quality standards. Beyond that, working in an active construction environment required strict adherence to safety protocols.

Coordination extended beyond logistics and into constant communication. The team managed near-daily shipping updates, ensuring that all stakeholders remained aligned. Flexibility was essential, particularly when accommodating last-minute requests from the general contractor. Despite frequently including OFCI items to the delivery schedules on short notice, Cadogan Tate consistently adapted without disrupting overall progress.

Completing detailed punch lists facilitated quality control after each room installation. These lists ensured the safe delivery and correct placement of every item without damage. In the event of any discrepancies,—whether related to missing items or damage to furnishings—our team addresses them promptly.

The final stages of the project, as is often the case in large hospitality installations, proved to be the most prolonged. The last 10% of the job extended over several months due to delayed shipments, unaccounted-for inventory, and identifying unmarked items. Throughout this period, Cadogan Tate remained on-site, completing installations and resolving outstanding issues.

The suites, in particular, required an elevated level of attention. Crews worked closely alongside designers to ensure every detail met the intended vision, reflecting the expectations of high-end clientele. Collaboration ensured we stayed precise and adaptable while delivering a final product that met both aesthetic and functional standards.

For a complex hotel installation of this scale, success depended on meticulous planning, seamless coordination among multiple stakeholders, and the ability to adapt to evolving conditions. Despite delays and logistical challenges, Cadogan Tate played a critical role in bringing the project to a successful completion, demonstrating expertise in managing both the scale and nuance of high-end hospitality environments.

Planning a large-scale hospitality or residential installation? Get in touch with our team to discuss your project.