Four Phases of an Interior Design Project

Last year, I spoke at several printing shows, such as the Printing United Expo and the Wide-format Summit. Each time, printers are energized to start selling directly to the interior design market, but many don’t know where to begin. I often recommend they start by familiarizing themselves with the industry. Attending industry trade shows such as NeoCon is a valuable place to research the market and network with designers. I also encourage printers to learn some interior design lingo so they can feel more confident in conversations with designers.

In a recent article on Wide-format Impressions, I shared information based on a conversation I had with Sara Whiteley, a senior interior designer at DBVW Architects in Providence, Rhode Island. I asked her what words or phrases she always has to define for her non-designer friends. She said that it was “the phases of a project and design.” Knowing these phases is key to understanding how designers work on commercial design projects. Here is how Sara explains the four phases of commercial design that printers should understand.

Phases of a Project

• Conceptual
  In this first phase, we communicate our idea with visuals such as vision boards of inspiration photos and materials.
• Schematic
  Here, we combine the ideas from the conceptual phase with the space or constraints of a project at a very high level. During this phase, we introduce material options, furniture concepts, and loose layouts.
• Design Development
  This is the phase where we begin to figure out how the concepts work in detail. We learn about constraints and limitations as they relate to things like the building’s mechanical, plumbing, and structural needs. We also flush through ADA requirements and layouts.
• Construction Documents
  This is when we pull together all the realities of the space learned in the previous phases to create a set of drawings used to communicate all design, specifications, and construction.

For more insight into Sara’s conversation, read the full piece at Wide-format Impressions. If any printers are planning on attending NeoCon 2024, please stop by the Design Pool Booth (#7-3050) to introduce yourself.

Photo credit: Christine McShane