BCBusiness

BCBusiness April 2021

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.

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down each task into a series of phases matched to your needs. The first stage of every design project should involved strategic planning and analysis to collect the information needed to develop a clear, accurate cost analysis. This ensures all deliverables are clearly documented at the earliest stage of the project, expenses are negotiated up-front and the risk of incurring unexpected expenses is negated. Ask if the planning process considers elements outside the scope of the design process, but nevertheless can have an impact of the final costs. Moving costs, utility connection fees and even updates to corporate contact information on marketing material should all be considered when costing a commercial design project. Is the Interior Design Firm Qualified? While a solid portfolio and strong client base are good indicators that a design firm is worth considering, it's also important to look for industry credentials and qualifications that confirm the skills and knowledge of a design team. Look for design certifications from internation- ally recognized organizations, such as the LEED Accredited Professional designation, building code qualifications from respective provincial authorities, and interior design qualifications from creditable sources. These include the Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia and the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications. Is the Firm Accessible and Responsive? Good commercial interior design starts with great communication that goes beyond discussing paint colours—it involves working with a design firm that truly understands your corporate culture, branding, values and goals. To execute a design project in a way that meets your specific requirements, time-frame and budget, you need a design firm that is accessible, communicates with clarity and understands the importance of creating a design that accurately meets all of your goals. Does the Design Firm Have an Established Network of Contractors and Suppliers? Search for a full-service firm that has an established pool of vetted contractors and vendors who have experience in executing code-compliant design features and installations in your industry. Working with a well-connected design firm gives you access to multiple quotes and service options, providing you with the flexibility you need to select the right products, construction methods and bids for your application. Will the Design Firm Follow Up Once the Project is Completed? Although most commercial design projects are completed in a few months or less, industry standards provide a 1-year warranty period. Some commercial design firms voluntarily extend this warranty well beyond the mandated period to ensure that their clients remain satisfied with their work 2, 5 or 10 years after the project is complete. When looking for a commercial design firm, ask about their follow-up policy. Need Help Choosing Your Next Commercial Interior Design Firm? Let's Talk. At 34F Design Inc., our team of detail- orientated, results-driven commercial design professionals is committed to delivering exceptional results to medium and large corporations, schools and NGOs. We focus on serving commercial, academic and institutional clients in Vancouver, throughout the GVRD and across Canada. ■ To learn more about our full-service interior design firm, contact us here: www.34f.ca E R I C A W I C K E S, C E O

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