What value does the interior designer- project manager add to the construction project
The question of “what value does an interior design project manager really add to a commercial construction renovation or new construction project,” in addition to the structural responsibility of the architect, has been too long misunderstood. Interior designers who work as project managers seem to get the “short end of the stick”, due to the lack of knowledge by building owners or by the premises of other industry professionals, who do not find any worth in what a certified and practicing professional interior design can provide for the owner’s benefit.
After reviewing many sources on interior design and project management, I was unable to locate an educating document that provides an overview in layman’s terms for owner’s representatives that are perplexed or confused about just what an interior design project manager can provide for their project. There appears to be much conceit and competition in our industry where architects and interior designers just don’t mesh well as collaborative entities. Interior designers unannounced to me, do not want the responsibility of what an architect provides, but rather desire to take the architect’s interior shell of the structurally sound and mechanically, electrically, and plumbing approved a project to a different level. A level that concentrates its focus on the safety, health, and welfare in its most appealing and functional aesthetics for the public to occupy, appreciate, and be proud of inhabiting. This paper provides insight for those building owners that desire a specialty level achievement for the interior spaces of their structure.
After reviewing many sources on interior design and project management, I was unable to locate an educating document that provides an overview in layman’s terms for owner’s representatives that are perplexed or confused about just what an interior design project manager can provide for their project. There appears to be much conceit and competition in our industry where architects and interior designers just don’t mesh well as collaborative entities. Interior designers unannounced to me, do not want the responsibility of what an architect provides, but rather desire to take the architect’s interior shell of the structurally sound and mechanically, electrically, and plumbing approved a project to a different level. A level that concentrates its focus on the safety, health, and welfare in its most appealing and functional aesthetics for the public to occupy, appreciate, and be proud of inhabiting. This paper provides insight for those building owners that desire a specialty level achievement for the interior spaces of their structure.
*What exactly is an interior design project manager and what do they do in relation to a commercial construction building project?
- For starters, let’s begin by defining exactly what interior design itself is as a profession. For accuracy and precision, the following quote is taken directly from the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), which is an independent, nonprofit organization of provincial and state credentialing bodies since 1974. NCIDQ issues professional licensing certificates to successfully tested candidates while maintaining its foundation that the interior design profession is one that protects the health, life safety, and welfare of the public by establishing competency standards for interior design and its practice. NCIDQ states, “Interior design is a multi‐faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built environment.
These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants, and are aesthetically attractive.
” Simply put, an interior design project manager on a commercial level, is one who is hired either by a client or architecture firm that works as a primary designer solo or in conjunction with the architect in designing spaces for a commercial‐type building structure that meet the clients needs and budgets in a functional and aesthetically pleasing way.
Commercial‐type projects or “contract design” projects, which they are also referred to as, range from the following: public entertainment, government, institutional, health care, hospitality, office, and retail facilities (American Society of Interior Designers {ASID}, 2011)
” Simply put, an interior design project manager on a commercial level, is one who is hired either by a client or architecture firm that works as a primary designer solo or in conjunction with the architect in designing spaces for a commercial‐type building structure that meet the clients needs and budgets in a functional and aesthetically pleasing way.
Commercial‐type projects or “contract design” projects, which they are also referred to as, range from the following: public entertainment, government, institutional, health care, hospitality, office, and retail facilities (American Society of Interior Designers {ASID}, 2011)
The interior design project manager’s role within the design of a commercial building structure can be of great importance for a client to achieve their desired design objectives and functions during the initial development phases and throughout the completion of the processes and phases of a project.
Interior design project managers’ roles may vary from project to project, but an outline of these roles can consist of overseeing the architectural design and construction efforts of involved parties and trades, conducting market research and managing design reviews via planning meetings (Guzman, 2010). Although an architect’s professional services are required to perform the specifics for the client involving structure, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical engineering in a given project, if applicable to scope, in a “whole interior building” type design process,
Interior design project managers’ roles may vary from project to project, but an outline of these roles can consist of overseeing the architectural design and construction efforts of involved parties and trades, conducting market research and managing design reviews via planning meetings (Guzman, 2010). Although an architect’s professional services are required to perform the specifics for the client involving structure, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical engineering in a given project, if applicable to scope, in a “whole interior building” type design process,
> the interior design project manager is contracted at the beginning of the project or in the pre-design phase to collaborate ideas of design with the architect and client in an integrative team fashion. He or she now adds value to the client’s real estate as well as to their organization under design/study. Specification approval and material purchase justifications for the interiors portions can also be conducted and are followed up with site inspections of the project to ensure that the design specifications and building codes are within conformance to their design.
>The project manager also reviews proposals and bids by outside subcontractors prior to the building phase and then coordinates their efforts with field personnel. Once in the field and conducting site inspections of the contractor's work, an interior design project manager also ensures contractor performance conforms to the client’s contract(s) stipulations and authorizes approval for their payment. They manage these tasks as well as overseeing the completion of all the contracted scopes of work in the clients’ contracts, and then relay status and progress reports back to the stakeholders of the given project accordingly.
>Successful project managers that exude excellence in their performance contribute to the distinction in an interior design application within a given structure and result in outcomes that raise productivity among employees, improve the selling of merchandise, and improve the overall quality of satisfaction for employed professionals working for the design establishment. Contrary to many misconceptions, the interior design itself is not a luxury ticket item, but actually a profession of skill sets that can improve the status of a commercial building type while being flexible to changes in the economy, technology, demographics, and overall business goals within a given organization; not to mention contribute to saving the client time and money.
>The project manager also reviews proposals and bids by outside subcontractors prior to the building phase and then coordinates their efforts with field personnel. Once in the field and conducting site inspections of the contractor's work, an interior design project manager also ensures contractor performance conforms to the client’s contract(s) stipulations and authorizes approval for their payment. They manage these tasks as well as overseeing the completion of all the contracted scopes of work in the clients’ contracts, and then relay status and progress reports back to the stakeholders of the given project accordingly.
>Successful project managers that exude excellence in their performance contribute to the distinction in an interior design application within a given structure and result in outcomes that raise productivity among employees, improve the selling of merchandise, and improve the overall quality of satisfaction for employed professionals working for the design establishment. Contrary to many misconceptions, the interior design itself is not a luxury ticket item, but actually a profession of skill sets that can improve the status of a commercial building type while being flexible to changes in the economy, technology, demographics, and overall business goals within a given organization; not to mention contribute to saving the client time and money.
Duties, responsibilities, and Services (Briefly)
Duties and responsibilities are plentiful within a commercial building type for an interior design project manager. Again the ultimate goals of interior design are:
1- To ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all of those who will or may occupy the space, so the services offered all revolve around the mission of the interior design practice itself. Such services or responsibilities and duties.
2- defining the scope of work desired by the client {planning and design}, working through programming {workflow, strategic plan, schedule, budget}, schematic services {dialogue of design solutions, including drawings, material samples, budgets, and product mockups}, design development {finalizing drawings and specifications of architectural plans},
3- construction documents {interface with other trade professionals and consultants},
4- construction administration {ensuring as‐built or as-recorded design and specifications are documented,
5- manage the lists are completed and final authorization of payments are administered.
There are many details that should be mentioned about this function but I think this may be a summary as possible and useful.
1- To ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all of those who will or may occupy the space, so the services offered all revolve around the mission of the interior design practice itself. Such services or responsibilities and duties.
2- defining the scope of work desired by the client {planning and design}, working through programming {workflow, strategic plan, schedule, budget}, schematic services {dialogue of design solutions, including drawings, material samples, budgets, and product mockups}, design development {finalizing drawings and specifications of architectural plans},
3- construction documents {interface with other trade professionals and consultants},
4- construction administration {ensuring as‐built or as-recorded design and specifications are documented,
5- manage the lists are completed and final authorization of payments are administered.
There are many details that should be mentioned about this function but I think this may be a summary as possible and useful.
*Adapted from several references (Professional Associations)
PMP - the ultimate references for project managers
National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)
(American Society of Interior Designers {ASID}
(Guzman,) an architect’s professional services
PMP - the ultimate references for project managers
National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)
(American Society of Interior Designers {ASID}
(Guzman,) an architect’s professional services