New Development Services Firm Takes on Retail and Hospitality Spaces

A new development service firm Fathom has launched to focus on retail and hospitality spaces. The firm will bring a creative perspective to these projects, working with developers on everything from site selection to build out. The firm has experience in architecture and branding, allowing the firm to help with a broad range of development needs, from construction and design management to budgeting.

“Fathom Development Services was created as an external owner’s representation to help support startup businesses and established brands that are rolling out new locations or otherwise scaling-up,” Anthony Dimaggio, SVP of development services at Fathom, tells GlobeSt.com. “We have a broad understanding of real estate, site evaluation, leasing, design and construction, so we look at each project in a unique way with our combined experience to not only support the project but also direct them throughout the process.  We immerse ourselves in each project so we have a full understanding of our clients’ needs, and they can rely on our direction and advice.”

Retail and hospitality has evolved in the last decade. Fathom intends to create bespoke spaces that reflect the needs of today’s users. “Many of the spaces we work on have bespoke design that is tailored for each space and use,” says Dimaggio. “We work with our clients, interior designers and architects to develop a plan that meets a program for the space.  The design aesthetic is woven into each space and aligns with the brand while maintaining the overall target budget and schedule.  Our process is an iterative one; we go back to schedule and cost at each step to develop the best functionally designed spaces.”

Of course, the pandemic has also changed retail and hospitality strategy. “The pandemic will shift retail and hospitality strategy as businesses revisit the locations and square footage initially,” says Dimaggio. “Most of our clients are looking beyond the pandemic and staying true to their core business, but they’re conscious of the economic impact that may linger in the future.  Therefore utilizing space differently and allowing for future flexibility as needs and opportunities may change.”

The firm is already underway on a handful of projects that represent its vision. This includes veterinary service shop Modern Animal and acupuncture services ORA in North Hollywood. “Fathom has been fortunate to work with retail, fitness, wellness, food and beverage and medical facilities initially,” says Dimaggio. “We have established a reputation as a firm that dives deep and gets it done. This translates to any type of project that we work on.  In the future we plan to develop a team that continues to serve existing clients, while expanding into residential, hospitality and larger scale non-tenant improvement projects.  We are also looking to collaborate with developers and retailers to connect the two and deliver an overall brand experience for both parties on a project.”