Broadly speaking, commercial interior design deals with the entire process of renovating and/or creating a commercial space. As such, commercial interior designers work closely with architects, engineers, and other related professionals, starting from the planning stages of construction up to the execution of the design plan. Below is a more detailed description of what a commercial interior designer does:
Commercial Interior Designer: Work Scope
- Field verification. Since commercial design is function-based, it is imperative that the commercial interior designer be present during the construction. This way, he/she can start evaluating proposed spaces and taking measurements. It is also at this point that lighting, plumbing, and interior wall placements are considered.
- Space layout. After taking area measurements, the next step is for the commercial interior designer to create a layout for the building interior, subjected to the approval of the clients. In creating the layout, the interior designer takes into consideration the purpose of the space, the building codes, and the overall image of the company. This proposed design will be the basis for the selection of materials and furniture.
- Design execution. After the preliminary preparations, the commercial interior designer proceeds with the execution of the design plans. This stage makes up the bulk of the design process, and it involves the installation of furniture and the painting of walls among others. The designer sees to it that everything proceeds as scheduled and communicates the project’s progress to the clients.
Design Principles Commercial Interior Designers Swear By
Since different workplaces have different design requirements, commercial interior designers must tailor their design to suit specific settings. Nevertheless, there are some common principles that apply to different types of workplaces. Among these principles are the following:
- It’s all about the space. A well-designed workspace is the key to productivity. Not only do commercial interior designers make sure that the space is maximized, they also consider how the space will affect the people using them. At present, designers focus mainly on creating a work space that fosters communication and teamwork while at the same time ensuring that workers have enough private space to work in.
- Storage is important. Technology has changed the way information is stored, but this doesn’t mean that storage solutions are now irrelevant. The interior designer sees to it that there are proper storage units for important documents in the workplace. In addition, the designer makes sure that there is a place where employees can store their personal necessities and work materials, especially in settings where the staff spend long hours in the office.
- Theme-based interiors make a difference. Given that a company’s interior is a reflection of the company’s goal, interior designers have introduced the importance of a themed workplace. For one, having interiors that highlight the company’s work profile is an effective way to catch the attention of prospective clients. Also, a strategically designed workplace promotes brand loyalty and motivates employees.
Commercial interior designers help integrate a company’s brand image into the building interiors, thereby creating an aesthetically pleasing space which reflects the company’s goals, attracts customers, and increases employee productivity. As such, commercial designers are now becoming more indispensable to businesses.