Architecture and Interior Design Articles

Interior Design . . . Defined!

 

HERE'S A SUMMARY of a typical design process to get you in the mood to start that project you’ve had in the back of your mind and get it rolling!

 

Programming:  Identifying your scope of work is critical before you start any project.  Good designers evaluate the existing, assess the limitations, and review life, safety and building code requirements . . . which all help to determine your budget and your design and construction schedule.

 

Schematic Design:  In order to use your space efficiently, interior designers will formulate concepts and measure existing spaces in order to best develop the space for function you desire.  Otherwise called “space planning,” this process precedes incorporating aesthetic, ergonomic, accessibility, acoustical and psychological considerations. 

 

Design Development:  Interior designers will design, select, and specify interior architectural elements and architectural finishes suited specifically to your lifestyle, tastes and needs.  Often labeled ‘the fun part’ this process includes specifying everything from architectural details, millwork, plumbing, lighting, furniture, wall & window coverings, etc., and presenting it in a visual way via plans, elevations, sketches and/or renderings.

 

Construction Documents:  Contractors need quality drawings in order to efficiently and economically build out any space.  A ‘set of plans’ include all the drawings to make this happen and to submit to the local building department to obtain a building permit.  Think of it as a very detailed recipe for success.  These construction documents are also the ticket to being able to bid the construction to multiple contractors and know they are bidding exactly what you want and exactly the same work.

 

Construction Administration:  Interior designers are experts at overseeing the work in progress.  This is one of the most important phases of any project.  With multiple subcontractors working at the same time, the designer keeps an eye on all the work in order to make sure your goals are not only met, but completed with quality construction down to the last detail. 

 

Move Management:  This phase is one that runs simultaneously through the whole process, but with most of the legwork done at the end of a project.  After obtaining a certificate of occupancy, furniture, equipment and personal items are ready to be moved into the project space, arranged and connected.

 

I hope this shines a little light on a project phase for you!  Initial consultations with a designer are often at no charge, so don’t hesitate to get the guidance you need for a smooth running project.  You’ll be glad you did!

 

Build Me Up . . . Interior Design Construction

 

Hiring a contractor to repair or renovate your home or workplace?

 

My first suggestion, of course, is to hire an interior designer who has the appropriate experience and references.  An interior designer is a key asset to any construction team, lending knowledge and taking responsibility for critical features that protect a client’s health, safety and welfare such as meeting accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, installing lighting and equipment for compliance with applicable fire safety and other building code requirements and specifying sustainable products.  Ask your preferred interior designer if they have passed the NCIDQ (National Counsel for Interior Design Certification) exam.  This exam requires minimum education and experience to sit for it and covers all aspects of the interior design and construction process for all avenues of design including commercial, residential, industrial, hospitality and educational.

 

A designer can help you narrow down your programming objectives and provide a design plan that suits your needs, saves time, money and headaches.  It’s always good to be able to envision early in the game exactly what your space is going to look like finished and how much it will cost to obtain it.  A good interior designer can provide you with plans, color sketches, finish samples and photos illustrating the final design of your specific castle.  Interior designers work hand in hand with contractors on a regular basis.  Contractors are responsible for constructing a client/designer’s masterpiece so it’s a safe bet that your designer is going to watch over the process very carefully to make sure everything is done just right, in budget and on schedule.

First of all, your designer can recommend a contractor with a tried and true experience and references.   You see, designers are closely networked with other designers and architects and even though they compete on jobs, they are always anxious to share great sources, suppliers and contractors.

 

Interior designers have short listed their favorite contractors and for good reason!   References are important but they don’t say it all.  A good designer has seen the contractors’ work up close and personal and dealt with the satisfaction level of the client.  Nearly all states, Colorado included, require contractors, electricians and plumbers to be licensed.  Not just a business license, a contractor’s license is a specialty license obtained through testing or apprenticeships.  It’s critical to have the owner’s name and license number on file.  Counties often have requirements on top of state requirements and the contractor’s license is normally only good in their own jurisdiction unless there are reciprocating laws in place.

 

So, continue on with your dreams and ideas, just do it wisely.  And if you need help locating an interior designer or architect feel free to contact me . . . there’s no charge and there really are no stupid questions!

 

Novel Idea