Key Phases Involved in the Interior Design Process

From inception to completion, there are several key stages involved in the process of designing a workplace area. A professional interior designer uses his expertise and experience to systematically follow all the key stages to complete the project on time and within budget. Below are the typical stages to be followed whilst working on any interior designing project:

1. Programming:

During this stage, the client brief is gathered, including his requirements, budget and time frame for the project. After understanding the clients brief, the spatial requirements of different office facilities, including workstation, reception, cafeteria, conference room and other spaces are analysed. The designer needs to consider various factors, including the number of occupants in the space, overall purpose of the space and also the requirements of furnishing, fixtures, lighting and HVAC for each area. Whilst needing to design a workplace that meets clients’ expectations and functional aspects of the space, the interior designer conducts robust research, surveys and frequent site visits.

2. Concept Development:

In this stage, the ideas are laid out in the form of sketches. The concept in mind is illustrated with the help of basic site plans, simple elevations, rough sections and floor-plans. Whilst formulating the concept, building codes and zoning requirements are also addressed. The sketches also include dimensions to get an approximate cost estimation of the project. This phase is subjected to iterations as the design should meet the client’s vision as well as spatial requirements of the workplace. After frequent meetings with client and revisions, a design is finalised.

3. Design Development:

The schematic design that is finalised in the concept development stage is further developed in this stage. The floor plans, sections and elevations are developed with accurate dimensions. More importantly, additional details, including location of windows and doors, colour, material, finishes selection, furniture, etc are also included in the design. The final design is then presented to the client and his approval is taken.

4. Construction Documentation:

In this stage, the approved design is further detailed and translated in the technical language of the contractor. It is a pre-requisite document set that consists of all the design details with appropriate specifications that are vital in executing any interior design project. Whilst preparing construction documentation, the coordination of different disciplines, including, mechanical, electrical, structural, architectural, lighting, etc are constantly checked for collision. The construction documents inclusive of all drawings and specifications are approved by the client and the construction cost is estimated. Many interior design companies that are on forefront of adapting latest technologies use BIM to create accurate construction document sets. More the accuracy of the construction documentation sets, lesser are the chances of errors and faster is the project completed on time and within budget. Once the construction documentation is finalised, bids are invited, contractor is finalised, purchase order is issued and project is started.

5. Construction:

On the basis of construction documents, the construction of the workplace starts. Whilst the construction goes on, the interior designer needs to visit the site for constant supervision. He needs to moderate that the construction taking place on the site is in compliance with the design intent in the construction document set. Under his supervision, the project is completed.

Backed by industry experience, technical expertise and skills of their team, a professional office interior design services provider is perfectly placed to handle your office interior design requirements. Whether you are looking for office refurbishment or renovation, they can assist you in all phases of interior designing.

Sachin Boradia is the Managing Director at Transcend Design Consultants, a leading interior design consultancy providing Interior Design Services to customers in India.