Myth: The designer does a few sketches for the contractor to build from.

Reality: A commercial interior designer, or interior architect’s role involves a lot more than most people realise, including:

Checking the title and any council documentation that may restrict the design or fit-out process.

Ensuring Compliance with Local Council Regulations. Depending on the project scope, there may be the need for a Building Consent Application, which could also require reports from specialist consultants to ensure compliance for fire design, structural design, hydraulic design and mechanical design (HVAC).

Leadership - heading up the team of professionals who will work on this stage of the project including specialist consultants, engineers, builders, other tradespeople and suppliers.

Construction documentation - translates the design into instructions and technical specifications for council, contractors and construction experts; and ensures those specifications are met.

Project management - site visits and meetings, overseeing the construction and validating quality of work, negotiating with contractors and dealing with and resolving any problems that arise.

When a Commercial Interior Designer or Interior Architect manages your project, they ensure that every part of the process (and more) is handled to ensure that your business investment is safe and secure.