The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book

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Job:02-30056 Title: RP-Interior Design Reference and Specification

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THE INTERIOR DESIGN REFERENCE + SPECIFICATION BOOK

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Chapter 1: Starting an Interior Project

The thought of starting an interior project can be daunting; however, with a bit

of strategic planning, a project can be launched smoothly and effectively. What-

ever the scale of the project, four basic elements must be considered from the

beginning: project site, program, schedule, and budget. These four items are

seldom determined exclusively by the client or the designer, but usually by both

in collaboration. The fewer the variables, the more efcient the process will be.

PROJECT SITE

In general, a client engages a designer once a site or space is in hand. It is then the designer’s

task to analyze the space to ensure that it will meet the client’s needs. Sometimes, a client may

not have a single space in mind, but rather a few options that the designer will test to ascertain

which one best suits the client’s needs. Both of these scenarios suggest that the client is work-

ing toward a particular program; however, sometimes the physical space generates the program.

In this case, the designer’s task is to decide the best layout for the space and design a program

within those constraints.

PROGRAMMING

Programming is the process of defining the needs of those who will use the space, in advance

of creating the design. Whether for a home kitchen renovation or for a newly constructed

restaurant, this exercise should evaluate the functional performance, opportunities, and

constraints of the existing space. Furthermore, the program should articulate what spaces,

features, or attributes must be added to improve functionality and give an appropriate and

compelling character to a space. The programmatic goals should be precisely qualied in a

brief, the written document that outlines all functional, dimensional, and relational require-

ments. This list of objectives will form the basis for evaluating design solutions in subsequent

phases of the project.

Programming can be broken down into three central types of activities:

and

goals and the format of the program wish list can vary widely. For small projects, gathering

data and analyzing the client’s needs are essential; providing a written report is less so. That

said, to avoid miscommunication, some record of the process must be made. Thus, program-

ming might consist of a lled-in questionnaire, a detailed interview, or a inventory that denes

the microdeterministic issues, such as the number and type of shoes within a closet or the

amount of cupboard space needed to accommodate everyday dishes and ne china. For large

corporate and institutional projects, the designer will need to listen to and put in order criteria

from a broad range of stakeholders. Often the interior designer must synthesize conicting

information and make recommendations to the client that can have policy implications beyond

physical planning. Documentation is essential. In all cases, the designer is required to priori-

tize wish lists to make meaningful and nite design decisions.

Although this step might at times seem extraneous,

cess because it is here that the client’s problems and goals are clearly identified

nication is key to articulating the program and managing expectations for the design phase. A

lack of understanding the goals at this stage may result in cost overruns during the construc-

tion phase or, even more detrimental, a project that does not meet the client’s basic needs.

Ideally, the program serves as a core map from which design objectives, spatial adjacencies,

and building constraints are elaborated.

SITE PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE BUDGET

PROGRAMMING ACTIVITIES

Gathering Information Analyzing Information Documenting Information

•Collectfloorplans.

•Visits itew ithclient.

•Reportfieldobservations.

•Determin eclientstructure

•C ompileinformationon

•Interviewclientreprese nta

Job:02-30056 Title: RP-Interior Design Reference and Specification

#175 Dtp:216 Page:10

(RAY)

001-017_30056.indd 10 3/4/13 7:19 PM