What is Commercial Interior Design
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Commercial design, sometimes known as contract or non-residential interior design, can be described as a challenging and complex process of creating and managing the construction or renovation of the commercial spaces.
Even though some people use the "commercial" interior design term interchangeably with the "office" interior design. However, the work encompasses a much larger variety then the office spaces. The commercial design projects also involves the design and specification of public spaces, such as hotels, restaurants, and similar buildings beyond the "office" space. In other words, designing commercial design involves designing the interior of any facility that serves business purposes.
It usually demands a significant amount of attention to detail and it involves much more than just the decoration of the interior of the spaces. The design projects address much wider issues including:
This work requires the experts to have a good grasp of architecture, as well as an artistic sense for creating attractive settings within office interior design the space.
In today's extremely commercialised world, we take a lot of things for granted. Compare today's TV advertising to that of 50 years ago. Think of the current visual merchandising with the visual merchandising in the early 20th Century.
How about the commercial interior design? As you think cast your mind over the evolution of the commercial public spaces, you will realise the enormous amount of change it has gone through. In the following section, I will take you through a brief history of commercial interior design.
Evolution of Commercial Interiors
Many historians agree that the profession of commercial interior design is said to have its roots in 19th Century. It used to be known as the interior decoration initially. One of the key influences was the development of new techniques and technologies that were born out of the Industrial Revolution. They made the mass produced furnishings and materials much cheaper and accessible for all.
Initially most of the early commercial interior work was carried out by the architects. The start of the 20th Century saw the emergence of decorators and designers that were focusing on the commercial interiors.
In Conclusion
The commercial design work has lots of fascinating aspects; not least due to its variety of the projects. And, it will continue to evolve as the businesses aim to maximise the commercial space while reducing the cost.
What types of professional interior designers are available?
Have you heard of Interior redecorators? These professional interior decorators transform your home using things you have accumulated over the years. The end result is a balanced, harmonious space that reflects the personality of the people who use it. Many interior designers have added this service to their repertoire. Alternate terms for professional interior designers specializing in interior redecorating are interior redesigners, interior arrangers, interior stylists, one day decorators, visual coordinators or interior refiners.
What is a Certified Interior Designer? (from B&P Code Section 5800,5538)
A Certified interior designer is a competent design professional who is qualified to design, prepare, and submit any type of nonstructural, non-seismic interior construction plans and specifications to local building departments. Certified interior designers have demonstrated through education, experience, and examination their knowledge of the Uniform Building Code as it relates to space planning, life safety, flammability, and disabled access code issues. Most interior designers have a minimum four-year education. Many have Master of Interior Design degrees or other additional education in architecture or interior design. Interior designers who have many years experience may not have a Bachelors in Interior Design, but usually are well educated and have many years of qualified experience. All qualified interior designers will indicate that they have passed the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Certification) examination and/or are registered/ certified/ licensed in their state.
How do Interior Decorators charge for their services?
Flat Design Fee: The client pays a flat fee for the professional interior designer's services based on the design plan, time required, and scope of services.
Hourly Rate: The interior decorator bills a negotiated rate per hour.
Cost Plus Method: Professional interior designers charge a set percentage on all merchandise purchased and tradesmen's services rendered.
Mixed Method: The client pays both a set percentage on purchases and a base design fee for hourly rate.
Per square foot: This method is used especially in new construction.
What to ask at the first meeting:
o Ask to see the interior designer's portfolio, but remember that the designs reflect other people's tastes,¬ not necessarily the interior decorator's, and possibly not your own.
o Ask what size projects the interior designer has worked on, where, and what was the budget range.
o Ask how the established budget will be handled, and the kind of payment schedules the interior decorator requires.
o Ask about the types of services the designer can provide.
o Ask for a list of references.
What you may be asked at the first meeting:
It is a good idea to prepare for your first meeting with a professional interior designer by creating your own folder of clippings from magazines, catalogs, and books of design ideas that appeal to you.
You may also be asked some or all of the following questions:
o For whom is the space being designed?
o What activities will take place in the space?
o How long do you plan to occupy the space?
o What is your time frame for completing the project?
o What is your budget?
o Are you relocating or remodeling?
o What image do you want to project?
o What colors, style, and effects do you like?
o What are your objective and lifestyle needs?
o What is the approximate square footage to be designed?
If a professional interior designer, or anyone, for that matter, tells you the process is easy, stress-free, and will be complete in two weeks, they're either lying or stupid. Don't hire that person.