The BLDUP Spotlight is a weekly feature where readers gain insight into developments and get to know industry experts. BLDUP recently sat down with Marcos Romero of VE-Europe to discuss the sourcing, specification, and procurement of interior finishes from European fabricators for the US market. European-designed finishes have long been known for their beauty, craftsmanship, and custom fit and finish but not always for their ease of procurement. VE-Europe’s unique supply chain optimization process puts boots on the ground in Europe to take the guesswork out of purchasing directly from a European supplier. 

BLDUP: Marcos you have spent the last 20 years providing European interior finishes to the US market tell us a bit about VE- Europe.

Marcos Romero: Value Engineering Europe (VE-Europe) based in Spain, has perfected the art of providing European construction finishes to the US market at extremely competitive prices. We provide a direct source, a one-stop shop for real estate developers, builders, and general contractors looking to enhance their projects with European design and quality directly from European suppliers without the fear of dealing with overseas suppliers. Our English-speaking team provides consultancy and procurement services tailored to your project's needs to source the best products for US projects directly from the manufacturer all while achieving a cost reduction. Our product lines can suit a variety of project types, multi-unit, multifamily projects, mixed-use, built-to-rent, commercial & hospitality, and our goal is to find the best product to meet design and quality standards. 

Our mission is to provide the highest quality European construction finishes, with pain-free sourcing, at the best price. Our boots-on-the-ground team is the key to improvements in the supply chain process, so that the product we help source goes directly from the manufacturer to the job site, without having to go through additional importers, distribution chains, warehouses, etc that traditionally drive product costs. 

BLDUP: Marcos please tell us about the project types you work on and the types of finishes you procure.

Marcos Romero: At VE-Europe, we specialize in multi-unit, multifamily projects, mixed-use, built-to-rent, commercial & hospitality projects. The VE-Europe team can help to source several different construction finishes, but among our product specialties are: ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, mosaics, wooden, laminated, or vinyl flooring, bathroom furniture, kitchen cabinetry, countertops, solid surface, shower trays, sinks, etc.

BLDUP: Talk a bit about lead times and cost optimization that VE provides its clients

Marcos Romero: Every client and project are different, this is why we provide personalized service, and, depending on product lead time we use a different shipping method based on the deadline. Of course, the cost will vary depending on the shipping method but as we source directly from the manufacturers, there are still significant savings passed on to the client.

BLDUP: Marcos take us through the typical buying process and how it works for a US customer to work with you and your team

Marcos Romero: We can be engaged at different times throughout a project's life cycle, from the beginning with the design team, or once the finishes have been already specified. 

The client sends us the project specifications, including any additional technical specifications, aesthetic design requirements and their target cost. Then, utilizing our extensive manufacturer database, we review with target vendors the market for a similar product with the same or better quality, that can be sourced directly from a European manufacturer. 

We generate a report with the alternatives found, comparing them to the original project specification, confirm compliance and show the client how much they will save by utilizing VE Europe. Once an option is selected, we meet with the supplier and develop a procurement plan,  send physical samples for Client approval and then work with the supplier throughout order fulfillment. 

VE Europe will work with our client or the assigned contractor/subcontractor during the entire sourcing process (submitting PO to the customers, reviewing contracts, payment terms, fabrication update reports, shipping and logistics, etc.) until the product is delivered to the job site.

BLDUP: Your products are sourced directly from the manufacturer and/or fabricator do they meet US testing standards and are you able to produce submittals in Imperial vs metric standards

Marcos Romero: We source products that will meet the US project’s specification standards. When shop drawings are needed, they always come in both imperial standards and metrics. This allows us to ensure there are no discrepancies between the production in Europe in metric, and the client need in imperial.

BLDUP: As VE provides “boots on the ground” tell us what a US client can expect to receive in terms of documentation from you as their order moves from design/fabrication/shipping/delivery to a US Jobsite  (Marcos tell the story and some pics of you following an order through the fulfillment and shipping process) 

Marcos Romero: Before placing an order, our customers will always receive the technical specification, pricing, and physical samples. Next, an order confirmation from the supplier with the lead time for production and shipping will be provided.

Once an order has been confirmed, we constantly keep our clients updated with regular communication and even pictures of the production process for custom products. We provide updates as the product is ready to ship with the proper packaging, once the product has been picked up from the manufacturer and the expected arrival time to the US and site delivery. 

BLDUP: Finally, what are the values/goals that VE Europe strives to uphold in your business?

Marcos Romero: Our goal is to make the decision to utilize VE Europe vendors seamless for our customers. Since we are their purchasing and logistical arm, we are taking a lot off of their plate, assuring they get the best product and price for their project needs, allowing them to concentrate on what is important, the BUILD!

Our business model is based on total transparency and disclosure. We ensure all clients know firsthand all costs and fees before making the purchase directly from the manufacturer, avoiding middlemen and hidden fees.