Interior design is all about creating enjoyable environments

Press, 15 September 1988, Page 20

Interior design is all about creating enjoyable environments

By

WENDY CAMPBELL

Interior design is essentially creating environments — domestic, commercial, industrial, hospitality or health.

aware of the effect of improved environments. We talk about more harmonious colours, softer hues, more efficient lighting, better space planning, better ventilation and more comfortable furniture. In the home the assistance of an interior designer can take the hassle and heartache out of building a new home or refurbishing an old one. This is probably the hardest job of all because it requires so many decisions on such a lot of items; knowing where to start and what to select first becomes a nightmare for the owners. The should have at his/her fingertips all the product data the client needs. The designer should be totally conversant with the latest equipment and furnishings or be able to take the client to see it. From this point selection should then flow quite naturally. The cost of this exercise depends entirely on how extensive a service is required, whether it is

first aid or a total service. The first procedure is to contact the designer of your choice, explain briefly what is required and ask for an assessment of costs. A meeting is usually arranged when the designer should supply a list of services required for the contract and the costs that will be incurred. If this is acceptable to both parties, work will proceed as follows: The prospective project is surveyed, dimensional notes are taken, including rough sketches of the ceiling, floor and walls where relevant, and , sections through the existing building. From this information a set of plans are drawn. If the building is new, a set of plans are supplied to the designer? Sometimes the building has not yet been constructed and the designer has to work purely from plans. Before or during this time the designer is briefed by the client about the ultimate effect and cost restraints. This is basic to most assignments. Planning now begins with the view of present-

These environments are all important because we spend our lives in them. The effect of these spaces on our psyche is often disregarded. Today more people are

ing a scheme to the client. This can vary from straight colour schemes to varying degrees of alterations and restructuring work, partitioning, furniture and accessories. When the embryo of a scheme has been achieved the designer researches the availability of possible materials and finishes to complete the design to present to the client, including the approximation of costs if required. Once the presented scheme has been accepted, work commences on working drawings and specifications. Prices are collated, final costings submitted and the contract proceeds to the degree arranged — complete execution by the designer, part execution and oversight of whole, only oversight, or the designer’s work could finish with acceptance of the scheme. There are many variations to the above format but the general principles and practices used in the industry are embodied in these procedures.