News & Innovations

Espresso Insights: Three questions over coffee with Willy De Carvalho, Project and Layout Manager, JENSEN France

1. How do you approach designing a laundry layout that meets customer needs while staying efficient and flexible?

When designing a laundry, my priority is to fully understand the project. This starts by carefully listening to the customer and their goals, services, and budget and technical constraints, since every project is unique and this initial discussion is essential for establishing a solid foundation. I then analyze the available space to optimize the process, ensuring a smooth, intuitive customer journey and an efficient layout that supports daily operations. Design tools like technical drawings and 3D models are essential to visualize the project, anticipate constraints, and help customers confidently validate decisions.

Finally, I design with the future in mind and integrate flexibility into every design. Laundries may need to evolve, so the layout must allow for expansion, service updates, and continuous optimization. The goal is to combine immediate efficiency with the flexibility to adapt over time.

2. What are some hidden challenges in laundry layout design, and how do you turn them into effective solutions?

When designing a laundry facility, seemingly imperceptible constraints can have a major impact. These can include, for example, energy networks (gas, electricity, steam, etc.), exhaust steam or gas requirements, machine drainage systems, and internal ventilation. Poor planning of these technical elements can lead to additional costs or operational limitations, particularly in terms of ergonomics, energy consumption, and equipment capacity.

Architectural elements like load-bearing walls, columns, pits, or unusual layouts can also complicate equipment placement. Rather than seeing them as obstacles, I integrate them into the design and turn them into advantages through creative solutions, such as optimizing process flow or selecting machine configurations that better fit the space. User experience is another key factor. Circulation, machine visibility, and overall comfort directly influence customer satisfaction, so addressing these early allows constraints to become opportunities.

My approach is to anticipate these challenges early and work closely with all stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation and a reliable, functional, and sustainable solution.

3. What part of your work gives you the biggest sense of satisfaction?

What I find most rewarding is seeing a project come to life, from the initial idea to its final realization. The moment the customer discovers the finished project is especially satisfying. I also value contributing to the success of an entrepreneurial project. A well-designed laundry is not just functional, it must attract, reassure, and retain customers. Knowing my work supports this is a strong motivation. 

Finally, the diversity of projects makes the job truly enriching. Each challenge is an opportunity to learn, innovate, and deliver more tailored solutions. The combination of technical expertise, creativity, and customer interaction gives my work its full meaning, while JENSEN’s international network allows us to share and adapt best practices at a local level.

Thank you, Willy, for sharing your expertise and perspectives with us.