Design Services for Construction Projects
When it comes to commercial construction projects, ensuring a designer is involved from the beginning has clear advantages over a more traditional construction process. From the overall client experience, to streamlined communication, to a beautiful finished project. Great design can help drastically improve the outcome as well as increase the value of your property.
The Role of A Designer
A carefully planned interior will improve the functional aspects of a commercial building. This starts by understanding the original scope of work and ensuring that the client or property owner understands what the end goal is in terms of design elements specifically. Ultimately, design/build projects are a team effort. Collaboration between the designer and contractors is key to accomplishing the goals of the project.
Budget Transparency
Budget is of course a key consideration, so it’s paramount to ensure that the design fits within budget. Oftentimes, the designer on a commercial construction project can help advise the client on requests that may be outside of scope, aren’t achievable, or could add additional cost. There may even be instances where design requests can delay completion of a project and in those cases, the designer is key to helping find a solution.
Organization in Key
The lead designer for a project, sometimes a role filled by the architect, plays a key role in keeping the project organized. They may coordinate project briefs or consultations, prepare design specifications, and detail how design elements will fit into the overarching project. They are responsible for preparing the content of design information. They will even manage preparation of schedules, coordinating inspections, tests, and sharing mock ups or samples with the client. Ultimately, the lead designer on a commercial construction project is the liaison between the project team and the client.
Design Development
The typical process for construction design services often starts with a kickoff meeting to define project direction and agreed upon design specifications. Preliminary design recommendations are created using moodboards and sketches or mockups to allow the client or property owner to approve the overall design direction. From there, the design moves into development with detailed drawings and floor plans, samples of proposed fittings, fixtures, finishes, etc. Once approved, the detailed design documentation is moved to the construction team with oversight from the lead designer to ensure that the project runs as smoothly as possible.
If you’d like to learn more about our experience with design/build projects or what we can do for your next project contact us today.