August 2023
CONTRIBUTING EXPERT: KENDRA GIBSON | DESIGNER MANAGER

The concept of commercial interior design sounds simple. You pick a few complementing colors, hang up some décor, decide on tables and chairs, and “voila!” You’ve put together a stunning design consumers will keep coming back for. Right? 

Think again. 

Interior designers must have an in-depth knowledge of space planning and building materials and finishes and know that interior design is beyond what lies at face value. It’s about how people interact, use spaces, and emotionally connect in these spaces.  

“It’s all about getting to know the customer,” says Senior Designer Kendra Gibson. “It’s not just picking the finishes, completing the space planning, and designing the components that speak to the brand. It’s understanding how people interact. Interior design is a social science.”  

When creating a design, Gibson also says it’s important to remember how big the client’s idea is and how it will serve the greater customer. It may be difficult for the client to separate themselves from their brand, but it is critical to consider what that brand is to its audience. Commercial interior designers are also held to different standards when considering qualifications and higher education because they design public spaces rather than residential spaces. Health and safety standards should be learned and followed.  

At Elkay Interior Systems, we have two different directions a design can take: program or creative design. Creative design offers a chance to create components that speak to the brand, including logo creation, full-service interior design, and custom graphics. We use a programmatic approach for scalable projects and create a design package easily replicated for each location. There is an overlap during the development to ensure ideas are consistent. Below are the phases for a creative design project to give you an inside look at how our commercial interior designers work through a project.  

Programming 

The programming phase is the beginning of it all! This is the time for the interior designer to ask questions and better understand the client’s vision and outcome. It’s a chance for the initial project intake, to finalize the scope of work, and to fit in a site survey before breaking ground. Programming is also when specific project parameters are set, like a schedule and budget framework.   

Conceptual/schematic design  

Once the client and designer have all ideas written and agreed upon, it’s time to apply that information to the initial design concepts. The schematic design phase presents multiple concepts and design solutions, including initial materials, fixtures, and furniture. Several rounds of review with the client to solidify the design concept and direction also occur in this phase, with consistent communication between the two as the design narrows towards the right solutions.  

This phase also includes lots of sketches rather than formal drawings to finalize the basic architecture of the building’s layout, functionality, and paths. Once the fine details of the project, vision, and budget are settled, the designer will present a rough draft to the client and make any necessary revisions. Other departments, like contractors and engineers, will use these drawings during their construction phases. The client signs off here on the concept, and the design moves toward development.  

Design development 

Design development starts with refining one design idea, but many details still need to be figured out. Solutions are polished in this phase, and more information is collected for specific parts of the design. There is consistent communication between the designer and the client concerning specific selections.  

Construction documentation 

This phase usually involves several decisions, and a final plan is used for construction, including a floor plan, interior elevations, lighting details, and finish specifications. Coordination with architects and interior designers occurs, general contracting bids are received during this phase, and any necessary permits are gathered. Mechanical details, like plumbing and electricity, are reviewed to ensure they’re within the project scope. 

Construction administration and execution 

This step involves reviewing construction progress and adherence to the construction documents with the client and general contractor. Elkay Interior Systems helps the general contractor and architects with any on-site issues and get the site ready to install products. This is another chance for interior designers to ensure the project is on time and within budget.  

Evaluation 

As the final phase of the design journey, we evaluate and review the project. First, we do a last check to ensure client satisfaction and develop a punch list of outstanding items. Then, our designers verify that everything in the project functions as intended. 

Would your project benefit from design services? 

Yes! The design phases are standard in the industry to keep projects moving forward in an organized fashion. They help keep the creativity flowing in interior designers while staying on time. These phases also keep clients informed and help them see their ideas come to fruition.  

Whether renovating a new space or updating an existing one, the commercial interior design journey is intense. EIS’s experience in the field ensures your satisfaction with the slightest disruption to your daily business. Our team is always available to discuss your needs, regardless of where your project is at.  

About Elkay Interior Systems   

Elkay Interior Systems (EIS) is a tight-knit team of industry-leading designers, commercial-grade manufacturers, innovative engineers, resourceful project managers, and sourcing experts committed to every stage of your project by guaranteeing quality and reliability. We stand out from the crowd with our 40+ years of global experience in the restaurant, hospitality, retail, and education markets. We believe in simplifying the complicated.