Making Interiors Real: A Team Work

Posted by Diego Correa Interior Design on 16th July 2020 -

Once of the most exciting moments in the process of translating lines, colors and mood boards into reality is the first day on site.

The building work has started.

There will be many professionals involved: Planning authorities, building inspector, builder, project manager, structural engineer, AV technician, electrician, plumber, furniture maker, curtain maker, etc.

All these professionals have the task of making real what was once an idea, a vision. Without them the project won’t reach its happy destination.

The key element to make this work is all the parts  to understand that it is on the shoulders of the designer to keep the vision in control; changes that have to be made during the process for whatever reason that affects any part of the project in terms of its aesthetics should be approved by the designer so the vision can be controlled and kept in place.

Many times the designer is not involved in the construction process and it is the project manager who is in charge of adjusting/implementing those changes.

If the project manager has not taken the time to understand the spirit of the project, how the details relate to each other he or she can damage seriously the project up to that point that what was thought to become a swan will be a Frankenstein.

The project manager is a figure whose importance transcends the checking of the time schedule, the purchasing of items, the quality control. He or she will be responsible for keeping the project as faithful to the paper that was approved as possible.

For different reasons many times clients delegate the project management to the builder which is a complicated decision as there is a conflict of interest that if not addressed correctly can jeopardise the development of the project.

I have heard of builders convincing clients not to do x or y detail as in their opinion is not necessary or suggesting there are other ways of doing that without thinking of the implication of the changes. When this happens many times in a project those changes at the end will affect notoriously the desired outcome in a negative way.

This is why when a project starts on site it is vital to have a great team that respects and understands everybody’s role so if challenges or changes appear the right professional is called and make aware of so the right decision can be executed.

This will avoid unnecessary problems and keep the vision as top priority.

This dynamic has to be thought of especially with refurbishments as there is no way to be 100 % sure that what was proposed can be done as unforeseen situations can arise during the demolition or construction.

In new buildings this risk is reduced to a very low percentage as almost everything can be anticipated.  We, designers, need to work with a team that respects, understands and is keen to execute what the client has approved and deliver exactly that.

Having that team is one of the most wonderful experiences that one can dream of as a designer which will guarantee at the end of the day the happiness of the client.