THE INTERIOR DESIGN PROCESS: FROM INITIAL IDEA TO PROJECT COMPLETION

How would a non-professional (novice) go about doing the interior design of his own space? Where would he/she start? What are the detailed steps of this process? Well, we’ll attempt to present you a guide; there are seven (7) steps or phases involved, from start to finish, as you see below: 

A. PRE-DESIGN PHASE

1. Determine the so called building program, i.e., your specific requirements and needs relative to the space: Function, floor area, dimensions, special furniture or equipment etc. 
2. Photograph the existing space. 
3. Measure in a detailed fashion the existing space (Length, width, height, including all the nooks and crannies. Measure to two-decimal point accuracy, for example, 3.05 m. versus 3.0 m. Important pointer: As rooms are seldom built with exactly 90 degree walls with respect to one another, also measure the diagonal dimension of a space). 
4. Gather all the necessary documents (Building Permit plans: Floors plans, sections, elevations, reflected ceiling plans, details). 
5. Research: Similar projects, various design approaches, new materials, etc. 
6. Gather product brochures and samples (Paints, lighting fixtures, wall papers, floor tiles, countertops, etc.). You may need to also reexamine this later, at the Design Phase.

B. PRELIMINARY DESIGN PHASE

Produce rough or preliminary sketches of your ideas, based on your design concept.

Usually, an initial sketch (even on a bar napkin!), perspective, or axonometric drawing.

Note that design is a cyclical and not a linear process. Every scheme produced is evaluated against the design criteria (ecological issues, psychological issues, etc), the design concept and the building program. And adjusted accordingly, or rejected. Design is a logical, very methodical process. There are various design models available, describing the whole process accurately, such as R.I.B.A., A.I.A., Weaver-Marcus, etc.

C. DESIGN PHASE

Develop in greater detail the one scheme you have decided to pursue. Produce all the appropriate drawings: Floor plan, interior elevations, sections, reflected ceiling plans, floor tile layout plans, perspective(s) and/or axonometric(s), and details (Perhaps in your project you may not have floor tiles, but other floor finishes such as hardwood flooors). Important pointer: Usually, drawings for smaller spaces are produced at a scale of 1:50. While details are drawn at a larger scale.

D. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PHASE

These are the so called Working-Drawings. Everything is drawn in great detail, in order to instruct the General Contractor (G.C.) or the subcontactors to bid your project and construct it. Needless to say, poor quality Working-Drawings result in construction problems and cost overruns; as a warning, a lot of legal problems have arisen from interpreting ineffective or incomplete Working-Drawings. You may have the greatest idea or most brilliant design concept, but if you’re unable to communicate it on paper (or on a computer screen) it’s utterly useless. Simply because drawings are produced based on certain accepted conventions, not unlike a language demanding vocabulary, grammar and syntax. In order to understand a text you read, it requires all the above elements to be present, so that it has clarity of expression, i.e., so you can fully comprehend what you read.

Specifications are also produced. The "book" accompanying the plans (Laying out instructions, methods, etc.).

E. AS BUILT DRAWINGS PHASE

Not absolutely necessary, as you are both the client and designer.

F. BIDDING PHASE

You’ll hand out the completed project plans and specifications to the interested parties (Contractors). They will in turn submit their bid on the same date and time. And you’ll choose the best company, best on reputation, experience and of course cost. Note that a structured bidding process results in competitive projects: Lower costs.

G. CONSTRUCTION PHASE

The actual building, which is the realization of your design.

So there you have it. This is essentially the layout of the entire process, from an initial thought to project completion. It may sound real complex, and it can be. However, just for a simple renovation of a small space in your home or business, you may be able to handle everything by yourself (Provided you understood the information presented here and you exercised critical judgement, patience and perseverance). So go ahead, take the plunge into the exciting world of interior design. And have fun!

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For specifics, or ideas about your own project, get in touch; we can work together. It's fun, easy and affordable. You'll be surprised! We'll do everything by email ! Phone contact is also available. Feel free to CONTACT:  interior.design.easy@gmail.com