Design Schedule Part I

Most people think that Interior Design entails just picking out furniture and moving it around- but that's just a part of it.

On a general scale, interior designers are responsible for coordinating colors, motif, furniture, paintings, accessories, etc. But we are also obliged to coordinate with the client, architect, contractor, and different suppliers. It's not enough that you can produce good design, you should be able to execute it and that means taking time and effort to explain it to those who will help your vision come to life.
What you should remember is "ALWAYS HAVE A SCHEDULE" It need not be a timetable. What's the difference? A schedule will tell you the the turnover of work without having a definite time or date.


Here's my usual work schedule:

1. SPACE PLANNING
Almost all projects will start with the design architectural shell. Since this will affect the interior spacing, it is crucial that as early as now, you get involved with the planning stages. Make sure that every room gets ample space for what it's designated use. Design areas as if you are the owner, but also take into consideration the lifestyle of the client/s.
Adjust spaces accordingly and always think of storage.
Don't be afraid to knock down or add walls (as long as they're not built yet).

2. WINDOWS
Usually we don't interfere because sometimes the architect has a specific look he is going for. And they have their own design. What we can do is at least make sure each room has adequate number of windows (10% of floor area) or that it doesn't have too many- think, no room for paintings or closets.

3.FLOORING
Decide now what kind of flooring you have for each room. Wood planks? Laminates? Carpet? Tiles? Stone? This way the contractor/architect can make a close budgetary estimate of costs and will know what kind of substrate to prepare.

4. LIGHTING
It's not enough that you conceptualize the design of the ceiings. Know first the position and heights of beam and then design accordingly. As much as possible don't drop ceiiings if beams are already low. But don't be limited to just a flat ceiling. Think of a way to create a ceiling design that will accommodate the beams yet still looks balanced.
For bedrooms, decide if you want wall lamps or just table lamps at the bedside.
For bathrooms, its always good to have accent lighting using wall lamps, or you can have a backlighted mirror. If you have a high ceiling, instead of using pinlights, consider getting spot lights. this also goes for ceilings that have an irregular shape.
Don't forget to position the AC units. For split type wall-mounted ACs, make sure you have enough wall space and clearance. If you don't have a bare wall, you can opt to place it above doors or windows, if you have a high ceiling. Otherwise you will have to adjust some windows or furniture. Or you can always opt to put in a window-type (not at the front of the house!) or a floor package type. Whatever you decide, remember that these things cost money.

5. Power & Auxiliary
now, take your furniture layout and mark the areas which you think need outlets. One of the areas with high number of outlets is the kitchen. If you are intending to get a kitchen specialist, it's better if they give you their recommended locations. Otherwise, here are the areas you need to look out for:

*Sink- preferrably adjacent to a window. you need to have an outlet below if you have a sink erator
* range/hob- don't forget the hood
* refrigerator- usually imported refrigerators like (seimatic/fisher & paykel to name a few) have special dimensions and they have instructions for the exact location of outlets and water source. so it's best to ask the owner what they are thinking of getting so that you can allot adequate space.
*microwave/oven- you can locate them side by side or on top of each other. ovens usually come in 24", 30" or 36" while microwaves can be freestanding or have a casing.
*small appliances- allot space for coffee machines, toasters, waffle makers, blenders etc.
*TV- there are some families who like watching TV while eating.
For bathrooms- mostly water heaters are located under the lavatory (assuming you got a counter type basin w/ a cabinet) so you should locate an outlet there, and an extra one above.
For bedrooms- it's always good to have an outlet near the bedside
Place outlets in areas where you think someone might work, with a laptop or PC.
Where there are floor lamps, make sure there is an outlet nearby.
For AVR/ Entertainment Areas- ask the client what kind of sound system he/she will be using - Will it be free standing, wall mounted or ceiling mounted. Also, what other consoles does she intend on using- DVD/blueray players, XBOX, PS3, Wii, videoke player? So that you can plan their locations and allot the right number of outlets.

Mostly, we've been talking about design in relation to the architecture. We'll talk about the interior design proper in the second half.

Lui