design process?????????

Transformation from drawings to realityThis is one of the frequent question asked from my friends and clients...what is the process involve when dealing with new project/client...how much will they charge? Even, one of my friend who is work in construction firm told me that :" interior designer, you guys only need to simply draw something then can earn money d..unlike us...work so hard." ..to me no right or wrong, i guess it is just misunderstanding that interior designer scope of work is only "simply" produce drawing. In fact, designer effort is not solely on the "drawings" but is the effort and knowledge adopt eg:

• a fengshui master might not provide u any "solid" product but just consultation to make your life better;
• you pay for a specialist for consultation when you are ill;

it same goes with interior designer, our product is on consultation to "cure" the interior "illness".

After all the commend and question from my lovely friends and client, i finally conclude, it might be lack of understanding of the design process...

Design process:
Stage 1:
Understanding on end user needs and lifestyle

• function of the space
• number of occupancy
• preferences
• behavior in using the particular area
• how long does you intend to stay in this place
• renovation budget
  
• etc..

Stage 2:
Conceptual design
after getting the brief (based to stage 1) from end user, designer will "convert" the brief to design which link with end user expectation .Then, provide varies drawings so that end user have better understanding on their house/office/etc to be. Below are the types of drawings involve:

stage 2.1:
Furniture layout plan
Furniture layout plan is very important. It justify the flow of interior that's suit your daily















stage 2.2:
Conceptual board/idea
"How do i know, the thing you design is what in my mind?".
Therefore, before get into 3d design drawings, we need to communicate with the end user on their preferences eg:
"i like modern concept.."
modern is a broad..therefore, based to this, we will showingg them varies concept photo:
stage 2.2:
3d design drawing
we will proceed to 3d designed drawing after communicate with client on their preferences concept (based to the conceptual idea stage discussion-stage 2.1)

stage 3
WORKING DRAWINGS
it is a set of drawings included:

• reflected ceiling plan (ceiling designed layout plan)
• lighting layout plan (light location, switches control point..)
  
• m&e layout plan (power point, tel point, heater, air con..location)
  
• flooring layout plan (flooring design, joinery ...)
  
• plumbing layout plan
  
• new wall partition layout plan
• full wall elevations (to understand adjacent object)
  
• furniture detail (material, compartment size so that end user will be able to judge the amount of storage which customize as per their need, the usage of the furniture and etc..)
  
• material samples (so that, you will have better understanding on the material .the pro and cons of applying these material)

sample of a simple elevations drawing

usage:

• so that end user have better understanding on the renovation work.
• to ensure contractor quote as per design to reduce hidden cost.
  
• to ensure mutual understanding in between, end user, designer & contractor.
• to ensure contractor do their work according to design.

stage 4
IMPLEMENTATION
this is where, the transformation of drawing ---> reality

• before renovation job, designer will explain to site coordinate (if any) or contractor on the working drawings.
• during renovation site coordinator (if any) will double check on the renovation works if it is according to the designer specification.

sorry, if make you guys feel bored with this long long long post..heheheh......

-the end-