With a mission to inform, empower, celebrate and advocate for British Columbia's current and aspiring business leaders, BCBusiness go behind the headlines and bring readers face to face with the key issues and people driving business in B.C.
Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1351663
Commercial design isn't just about choosing the right colour palette, picking out the perfect light fixtures or planning the best traffic flow— it's about creating highly functional interior spaces that reflect your brand, comply with (sometimes complex) regulations and codes, and influence the behaviour of your staff, guests and clients. A well-executed interior design project can boost productivity, reduce absenteeism, increase sales and even impact how your students, patients or consumers feel. The opposite is also true— a poorly-designed commercial space can a have negative impact on all aspects of your business. Here are 8 key questions you need to ask when considering an interior design firm for your next company move, expansion or re-branding project. Does the Design Firm Have Experience in Your Industry? Designing for offices, retail spaces, restaurants and other commercial spaces requires a unique skillset combined with hands-on experi- ence. Choosing an interior design firm that has a proven track record in your industry makes all the difference when it comes to providing exceptional deliverables that match your budget and schedule. Is the Interior Design Firm Focused on Commercial Projects? Unlike residential interior design, designing for commercial spaces involves a host of additional factors ranging from stringent building codes to collaboration with lease agents, contractors and corporate brand specialists. While there are many exceptionally talented interior designers who extend their services to corporate clients, the reality is that residential interior designers often struggle to manage the complexities of commercial design projects. What Companies are Clients of the Firm? Ask prospective interior design firms to provide a list of their former and current clients. This list can give you valuable insight about the caliber of companies the firm works with, which reflects on the level of service and the firm's overall reputation. Does the Firm's Portfolio Meet Your Expectations? Review the design portfolio of each prospective firm. In the world of commercial design, a portfolio is akin to a resume—it's a visual representation of the work the firm has done, and it will give you a clear idea of the results you can expect. Be sure to examine projects that are comparable to yours and highlight what you like and don't like about these projects. Does the Design Firm Use a Strategic, Proven Approach to Project Management? Look for a firm that uses a clear, measurable approach to your particular project that breaks CHOOSE WISELY C R E AT E D BY BCBusiness I N PA RT N E RS H I P W IT H 34F DESIGN 8 Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Commercial Interior Design Firm PHOTO COURTESY OF 34F DESIGN