DESIGN EXECUTION

The completed design package must clearly convey the design intent. The contract documents provide the information necessary to implement the design. These documents include:

1. Statement of Work (SOW) - A brief but thorough
description of the work to be performed by the contractor. The
SOW is used by the contracting agent to synopsize the project
in the bid advertisement.

2. Architectural Floor Plan - Demolition plans, new floor
plans, and reflected ceiling plans.

3. Finish Schedule and Color Legend - The matrix indicating
which finishes are used on specific interior surfaces, and the
list identifying each finish by pattern, color, number, brand
and manufacturer.

4. Finish Floor Plan - A drawing typically used to clarify the
placement of patterns, borders, or combinations of floor finishes
in an area.

5. Elevations, Sections, and Details - Drawings used to
further clarify a design feature. Elevations are drawings which
typically illustrate placement of wallcovering as well as height
of chair rails, bumper guards, plumbing fixtures, and other
design features permanently attached to the walls. Sections
and details generally illustrate how a particular feature is
constructed or attached to another surface or feature, and of
what generic materials it is made.

6. Miscellaneous Drawings - Electrical layouts, enlarged floor
plans of rest rooms and repetitive areas (e.g., dorm rooms),
and construction drawings for built-in cabinetry, etc.

7. Furniture Floor Plan - Scaled layouts showing placement
of existing and new furniture and equipment. Separate
drawings may be required for conventional furniture (modular
or “freestanding” items) and systems furniture (panel mounted
workstations, generally prewired). These drawings provide
references for changes or decisions required during project
construction.

8. Installation Plans - Drawings indicating the placement of
systems furniture panels, electrical connections and power
layouts, and components. Installation plans and/or elevations
may also be required for artwork and signs

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What Can I Expect?

There is literally no limit to how much money you can earn as an Interior Designer. Of course a lot of that depends on what type of position you plan to have in the field as well. An assistant interior designer can start at $20.00 an hour, a certified interior designer can start anywhere from $50,000-$60,000 annually, and a partner can make as much as $200,000 annually.

These are really general estimates, but they are as was listed in 2003 in Decorator’s Home Journal. Every person that is interested in Interior Design as a career can expect to make as much or as little as they want. You can virtually decide your financial potential on your own.

Extra Information: Many Interior Designers create their own products and product lines. They design everything from furniture, to furniture accessories. It can be a great way to promote your design services, and make a little bit of extra money. It’s relatively common practice among designers, you may want to consider it.

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CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

As the user’s requirements become clear, the interior designer begins to formulate solutions for the design. In the concept development phase, those ideas begin to take form through:

1. Space Planning

 What happens within a space determines the perception and experience that the user will encounter. Some important considerations for space planning include:

a. Personal space - Provide for the personalization of each user’s space for display of personal items within limits.Provide individual lighting whenever possible.

b. Functional relationships - Take into account the different groups of people and their working relationships.

c. Adjacency priorities - Identify and prioritize which
employee groups need to be located adjacent to each other.


d. People relationships - Identify the relationships and
interactions of individuals within a group.

e. Status and function - Identify special requirements for
circulation, public/private space separation, VIP areas,
informal gathering spaces (coffee bars, break rooms, and
shared equipment space), and storage (filing, coats,
supplies, etc.). The occupant’s rank or position will
influence the square footage and selection of materials.

f. Equipment usage - Identify all equipment and its users
within each facility or each area of the facility.

g. Efficient use of space - Maximize the use of all spaces
for their functions.

h. Flexibility within the space - Recognize that future
modifications and function changes may require
adjustments within a space to accommodate staff size
changes and new technology.

i. Aesthetics and comfort - Create an atmosphere that
increases human comfort and efficiency (i.e., ergonomics)
in a pleasing way.

2. Architectural Design


a. Codes and regulations - Life safety and fire codes and regulations must be followed in all designs.

◆ Identify all applicable codes early in a project to
minimize the need for reselections or rework.

◆ Be aware that codes apply to furnishings as well as finishes.

◆ Ensure that all designs meet Uniform Federal
Accessibility Codes and comply with the Americans
with Disabilities Act.

b. Location influences - There may be site specific factors
which influence design solutions. It is the designer’s
responsibility to identify which factors need consideration
and determine the best method of addressing each. These
include, but are not limited to:

◆ Architectural compatibility with existing facilities - The
local parameters determining a facility’s exterior features
will affect the size and type of windows, the ceiling
heights, and to an extent, the materials carried into
lobbies, foyers, and other internal spaces. The designer
must work with the project architect to ensure the
complete coordination of interior and exterior designs for
the best interest of the user and the function of the space.

◆ Historical preservation requirements - The National
Historic Preservation Act requires federal agencies to
consult with the State Historic Preservation Officer and
the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation reguarding
proposed changes to properties listed on or eligible for
listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Secretary of the Interior Standards for the
Treatment of Historic Properties provides guidelines
for making sure that selections do not compromise a
facility’s historic integrity.

◆ Cultural beliefs and customs - Many nationalities and
religious groups attach significance to certain colors,
patterns, and materials. Some are considered sacred, good
influences, and prestigious, while others are considered
taboo. For instance, most Western cultures consider black
the color of mourning. Eastern/Oriental cultures associate
white with mourning. Some Middle Eastern groups wea



CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

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DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

At this point in the process, the interior designer should have a clear picture of the design intent. Through the design development process, the designer must complete the following:

1. Design Narrative : Write an explanation to help the user understand the design and selections that have been made.

2. Design Illustration :  Provide floor plans, elevations, perspectives, and detail drawings.

3. Color Schemes and Material : Provide finish boards or books to illustrate the color scheme.

4. Furnishings Selection : Provide furniture and accessory boards or books to illustrate the color concept.



DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

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Material Selection

Encourages innovative and creative use of finishes and furnishings. New products are always being introduced on the market and often offer increased performance and aesthetics to the product line. Continuing education in product knowledge and research into product development are essential when making finish and furnishing selections. When making selections the designer should
consider:



a. Durability - The function of the space will determine
the degree of durability required. The aesthetics and how the
finish/material relate to the other design elements must also
be considered, as well as cost justification.

b. Maintenance - The use of easily maintained finishes is critical. While certain finishes may provide excellent durability, the designer also must give serious consideration to maintenance requirements.

The maintenance plans of many facilities are minimal, so finishes that wear well and are lower in maintenance requirements perform best.Establishing a maintenance schedule is the user’s responsibility, but designer input is essential. The designer can assist by:

◆ Supplying manufacturer suggested maintenance
information

◆ Emphasizing the importance of a regular maintenance
schedule

◆ Indicating special products required for the maintenance
program

c. Life cycle cost and appeal - The designer must consider
product performance and longevity of appeal, as well as
initial cost when making selections. If the appeal of a
surface or furniture item degrades, the user will want to
replace it prematurely. A product that keeps its appearance
and shape longer may be a better choice over time.

d. Product quality and performance - Numerous studies show that quality does not necessarily have to cost more. Quality products perform better and wear longer. Usually these products are backed by manufacturers’ warranties to assure the customer’s continued satisfaction after installation is complete.

e. Environmental factors - Designers today must consider the effects their selections have on the environment over time.

◆ Consider products that are made from recycled materials,or are easily recycled.


• Carpets made from recycled plastics
• Walk-off mats made from old tires

◆ Avoid the use of finishes, adhesives, or furnishings that
emit toxic fumes or pollutants during installation and
curing.

◆ Specify durable items that require less frequent
replacement.

• Loop pile carpet tile vs. cut pile broadloom in office
areas or heavy traffic areas.

◆ Specify easily cleaned materials that do not require
special chemicals or cleaning solutions.

• Latex vs. oil-based paints


Material Selection

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DESIGN OBJECTIVES

 Integrate engineering, architectural, and interior design considerations to create a “seamless” interior. The structural, electrical, and mechanical systems enhance the architectural and interior design features and vice versa. The goal is to create a fully integrated environment where the occupant loses sight of “how” and “why” the facility works and simply enjoys being there.

A. FUNCTION
Functional interior design ensures that each aspect of the interior environment performs efficiently for the user. A good working relationship between the user and designer will help accomplish this goal. Each facility type presents unique functional requirements that will ultimately affect the selection of finish materials and furnishings. It is important for the designer to investigate all aspects of these requirements through the user.

B. COST EFFECTIVENESS
All interior selections must reflect the “best buy” for the Air Force in terms of aesthetic value and life-cycle costs.
Inexpensive, short-term solutions do not necessarily produce
cost savings over time.

C. DURABILITY
Durable designs and finishes help facilities pass the “test of
time.” The designer must be concerned with material
durability and wear as well as cost. Select quality materials and
products appropriate to the function and level of use. Extra
consideration must be given to products specified in heavy-use
areas and specific functional areas.


D. MAINTAINABILITY
The use of easily maintained finishes is critical. While certain finishes may provide excellent durability, the designer must give serious consideration to maintenance and the effort required to maintain the appeal of certain products. It is critical to be familiar with finishes that wear well with low maintenance requirements.

E. COMPATIBILITY
The designer must be familiar with the base’s architectural and environmental compatibility plans to achieve a unified sense of scale, tradition, and
compatibility. The design team needs to
understand that occasionally conditions exist which may limit
the ability to meet the compatibility standards, especially when
dealing with historic buildings.


Facilities must meet as many “human” needs at as many levels
as possible, especially the need to feel good about one’s
surroundings. Work and living environments are increasingly
within the control of those who design and build them. In the
work place, the design team’s responsibility is to provide a
facility which fosters productivity and job satisfaction. Welldesigned
interiors can provide an environment that contributes
to achievement at work and enhances pleasure and relaxation
in recreational facilities.

G. CREATIVITY
Budget constraints place increased importance on design
creativity. Proper planning and research of innovative design
features will help the designer provide quality facility interiors
within restricted budgets.



DESIGN OBJECTIVES

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The Selection of Furniture

Trying to re-decorate the home is in itself an interesting challenge, because everyone wants to spend as little as they can while creating a unique design that really works for their lifestyle. This is the reason people from all over the world go out of their way to find inexpensive and unique furniture to accentuate their homes.

How does one know if it truly is a fabulous furniture find? Read on.





Cheap and Great Potential

Furniture that is inexpensive is usually found at rummage sales, furniture fairs, discount stores, salvage yards, and flea markets. This is why designers use the phrase “flea market finds”, and why there is great truth to the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!”

When visiting these flea markets, sales, and discount stores, haggling and asking for a lower price is a common occurrence. Look for cheap furniture that is still in good shape and will not require major structural repair. Pay attention to ornate details, architectural designs, and interesting structures. Many of the unique period designs of the 1950s, for example, have found their way to these thrift stores and bargain areas. For a relatively small cost, they be repaired, updated, and re-upholstered to bring them back to life.

More importantly, remain open-minded when picking out various items that may be used for entirely other purposes than those for which they were originally intended.

For example, sturdy wood in a rich color that was used formerly for a door or a window pane will work well as a coffee table or desk in your home.

Don’t be afraid to go to salvage yards and look for wood, excess metal, and other rejected portions of furniture. These may be used as materials for projects like tables, stools, window treatments, and other purposes and many of these things may be free or purchased for a very minimal price.

Antiques in Excellent Condition

In flea markets and furniture fairs, some antique furniture and ornaments may be found among the ordinary knick-knacks. Keep your eyes open for these antiques and don’t be afraid to pay a little more for a unique and authentic antique piece: it’s a fabulous find if these antiques are less expensive than they might be, especially if they need very little restoration and/or repair.

Multi-purpose and Nifty

It’s absolutely fabulous when a piece of furniture fulfills more than one purpose around the home or the office. Savings abound when one piece of furniture may be used for multi- purposes at the cost of a single piece.

Most of these multi-purpose pieces of furniture are executed by many designers in very ingenious pieces in order to mix functionality with the design. Watch for these smart designs that are found in the most unexpected places, like all-around home stores and department stores.

Find the Genius Furniture Designer

Many furniture expos feature first-time designers offering the public their products for the first time. Because this is their debut offering, many of these designers offer their avant-garde and noteworthy designs at a much lower price than they would in the more sophisticated home and furniture stores.

An expo arranged by furniture associations and furniture maker guilds, where visitors who pay an entry fee, often offer various discounts and bargain. The discounts and bargains offered the public are made possible by the sponsors of the event; making it a haven for new designs from up-and-coming designers.
When at these furniture expos, don’t be afraid to talk to the designers themselves, and don’t be afraid to try to bargain when you intend to purchase more than one piece.

After hunting for fabulous finds, the final measure of a fabulous furniture find is the use you gain from that piece of furniture. Make sure that the purchase you make will end up as a useful part of your home, so that the fabulous furniture will give you the stylish design as well as your money’s worth.

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