As anyone who has ever embarked on a construction project knows, things always take longer than expected. This post is an update on my new Studio location and where things are at the moment. I am personally always interested in these types of projects and assume it’s fun for everyone else to get a behind the scenes sneak peek on what’s happening right now, too.

If you’re new to this news, be sure to check out my previous post about the Studio move here: https://www.nlalorphotography.com/blog/announcement-studio-is-moving-to-westport.

Update on the timeline

We finally have approval from the Health Department (which is required for Kelsey’s Salon) and the floor plans have moved on to Planning & Zoning approval. We are working with incredible team on the buildout and things have been moving along as well as one could expect during this time of Covid slowdowns and surprise snowstorms.

We also submitted our signs for the appropriate town permit and are waiting for that to be approved before they can be manufactured and installed (which will take about 4 weeks). So far this has been a lot more involved than my last Studio, but also a lot more exciting as a result!

In terms of the interior, there’s definitely still a lot of work to be done..

This is what the space looked like after the demo work was done. An office area was removed in the far corner as well as two dressing rooms. About a year ago, this space used to serve as a retail store location for a surf shop.

The images below show the current progression.. the walls have been framed out and the electrical and plumbing work is under way. There will be an office area in the middle of the floorspace for Kelsey’s hair color work and a space for her washing stations in the back that offers the most privacy. My area is right by the two large windows, immediately to the left as you walk into the space, which is currently acting as a place to store all of Kelsey’s Salon furniture and items while the build out is completed.

The next step is Zoning approval, inspections, drywall going up on all the walls, lighting getting purchased and installed, painting (we are buying my favorite 100% non-toxic paint from a local Green Building store), and furnishing!

Looking ahead

I will be taking sessions in my Greenwich Studio until February 25th, after which I will be moving all of my things over to the new Westport Studio. While we don’t have exact timing on when the Westport space will be fully done, we are hopeful that we will have walls and the ability to move in at that point.

I estimate about two weeks to set everything up after the move and make sure the new space is working well for portraits and headshots. So around mid-March for resuming Studio sessions. In the meanwhile, I am fully available for on-site work and Personal Branding photoshoots.. so don’t hesitate to reach out!