Basics Of Interior Designing

What is interior designing:

• Interior designers work closely with architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and construction laborers and helpers  to determine how interior spaces will function, look, and be furnished. Interior designers read blueprints and must be aware of building codes and inspection regulations.
• Although some sketches or drawings may be freehand, most interior designers use computer-aided design (CAD) software for the majority of their drawings. Throughout the design process, interior designers often use building information modeling (BIM) software to create three-dimensional visualizations that include construction elements such as walls or roofs.
• Many designers specialize in particular types of buildings, such as homes, hospitals, or hotels; specific rooms, such as bathrooms or kitchens; or a specific style. Some designers work for home-furnishings stores, providing design services to help customers choose materials and furnishings.
• Some interior designers produce designs, plans, and drawings for construction and installation. These may include construction and demolition plans, electrical layouts, and plans needed for building permits. Interior designers may draft the preliminary design into documents that could be as simple as sketches, or as inclusive as construction documents with schedules and attachments.

The following are examples of types of interior designers:

• Corporate designers create interior designs for professional workplaces from small office settings to large-scale corporations within high-rise buildings. They focus on creating spaces that are efficient, functional, and safe for employees. They may incorporate design elements that reflect a company’s brand in their designs.
• Healthcare designers use the evidence-based design process in designing and renovating healthcare centers, clinics, doctors’ offices, hospitals, and residential care facilities. They specialize in making design decisions based on credible research to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients, residents, and the facility.
• Kitchen and bath designers specialize in kitchens and bathrooms and have expert knowledge of the variety of cabinets, fixtures, appliances, plumbing, and electrical solutions for these rooms.
• Sustainable designers use strategies to improve energy and water efficiencies and indoor air quality, and they specify environmentally preferable products, such as bamboo and cork for floors. They may obtain certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the U.S. Green Building Council. Such certification indicates expertise in designing buildings and spaces with sustainable practices in mind.
• Universal designers renovate spaces in order to make them more accessible. Often, these designs are used to renovate spaces for elderly people and people with special needs; however, universal designs can benefit anyone. For example, an entranceway without steps may be necessary for someone in a wheelchair, but it is also helpful for someone pushing a baby stroller.

2) What is the role of a designer:

Interior designers typically do the following:

• Search for and bid on new projects
• Determine the client’s goals and requirements for the project
• Consider how the space will be used and how people will move through the space
• Sketch preliminary design plans, including electrical and partition layouts
• Specify materials and furnishings, such as lighting, furniture, wall finishes, flooring, and plumbing fixtures
• Create a timeline for the interior design project and estimate project costs
• Place orders for materials and oversee the installation of the design elements
• Oversee construction and coordinate with general building contractors to implement the plans and specifications for the project
• Visit the site after the project is complete, to ensure that the client is satisfied

3) What is the design process:

Interior Design Process

The design process is the road map to realizing our vision for each of our clients, in a planned, organized, and coordinated documentation of all design elements, selections, and decisions made along the way. It ensures the contractor thoroughly understands the design plan and specifications.

PROGRAMMING:

This is our design exploration and brainstorming phase. The starting line for any interior design project. During this phase, we learn everything about YOU. Your lifestyle, your preferences, likes and dislikes, your needs, goals, and wishes for your new space. It’s important for us to see through your eyes if we want to create something you love.

Throughout the programming process we:
• Discuss your project in detail, document all areas involved,
• Discuss your style preferences and ideas. ( We encourage you to gather tear sheets from a magazine or online sources to better communicate your ideas.)
• Conduct a site visit to measure, photograph and record existing conditions.
• Establish a preliminary budget
• Obtain, if available, a set of architectural plans from you or your architect.

SPACE PLANS & DESIGN CONCEPT:

Space planning is a prerequisite of any well-designed space. We meet and talk many times throughout this phase of the project. Meetings are held with clients to discuss various elements of the design.

Throughout this phase we:
• Establish interior design concept and overall creative direction.
• Create sketches and gather tear sheets to communicate and clarify design intent.
• Create preliminary floor plans
• Select the finishes we will be using.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT:

During the design development phase, the approved design concept is refined and developed into more detailed drawings to include:
• Floorplans
• Elevations
• Reflected ceiling plans
• Selection of materials and finishes
• Furniture Plans
• Selection of furniture and furnishings

FINAL DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS PHASE:

Once the design plans have been approved, we will start preparing final design drawings and specifications.

This phase includes:
• Making all required changes or revisions to drawings
• Generating final drawings with all specifications
• Creating all material and finishing schedules.

CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION:

The final stage of the project. After all of the planning, sketching, and meetings, we finally begin construction and remodeling work on the space! We turn our concepts and pictures into the real thing. This phase of the design project can vary in length depending on the extent of the work needed.

Throughout this phase, we:
• Review drawings with the builder or general contractor that we choose
• Review all orders with clients. If required, we place orders on their behalf
• Visit job sites periodically to address any problems arising, answer any questions related to design or drawings, and ensure that the construction is proceeding in general conformity with the approved design drawings,
• Schedule and coordinate delivery and installation of wallpapers, window treatments, area rugs/carpeting, furniture, accessories, and artwork.