What Can You Expect From a Commercial Interior Design Company and General Contractor for a New York City Retail Construction Project?
What can you expect from a commercial interior design company and general contractor for a New York City retail construction project? There’s a lot that goes into a commercial project, but although the complexity and scope may vary from project to project, there are certain steps that are common to them all: steps that ensure that everything runs smoothly, and that the client is happy with the result.
The Phases of Design
Commonly used interior design phases include programming, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration. The contractor may be involved to some extent in design development, but typically comes on board to fine tune the construction documentation and to oversee the construction administration (the actual build-out of the project). Large scale commercial projects will have additional phases which could be considered sub-phases.
It’s important that each phase has a clearly defined start and end as well as clearly defined objectives. The reason for this is to ensure processes and procedures are in place to minimize the impact of unexpected delays such as weather, unavailability of materials, or last-minute design changes.
Processes and procedures are a step-by-step method of keeping the project moving ahead on schedule and on budget, and ensuring that all parties are informed about what’s going on and what’s next.
Programming
During this phase, the designer works closely with the client, asking questions, defining the client’s needs, wants, and goals, and exploring how the finished space will function on the day it’s finished as well as in the future. Whether the space is being built from the ground up or an existing space is being used, detailed measurements will be taken during this phase.
Programming also includes initial project research such as codes, engineering, legal considerations; budget projections; and a clearly written description of the project deliverable.
Schematic Design
The Schematic Design phase takes the information gathered during the programming phase and applies this information to initial design concepts. This is a time of intense client-designer communication to ensure the proposed solutions will deliver on the client’s expectations. Often, multiple options are considered for certain spaces. Interior finishes are considered for the purposes of budget. During this process, the vision is fine-tuned.
Design Development
The Design Development phase occurs only when one of the proposed options is approved by the client; even though details need to be worked out, it’s a major design choice. At this point, solutions are refined, and dimensions are adjusted. This phase concludes with a finalized floor plan along with specific fixture, finish, materials, and equipment selections.
Contract Documentation
The Contract Documentation phase often includes both 2D and 3D models of the finished space. Whether the project involves in-house builders or if the project needs to be presented to contractors for bidding purposes, this is the time that details get finalized including floor plans, elevations, finish specifications, lighting plans, coordination of electrical, plumbing and mechanical details, door and window schedules, and more. At this point, the contract documents are considered “final” and any changes will be made as change orders.
Contract Administration
The Contract Administration phase involves bidding, permitting, procurement, construction, and installation. If the builder is outsourced, this is when hiring takes place. During this phase, the contractor is in charge of ordering materials, hiring subcontractors, and managing the many moving parts to ensure that the project runs smoothly. During this phase, the designer may do a walk-through to provide direction for installing light fixtures, etc.
Related: How a General Contractor Chooses Materials for a Buildout in Nassau County and Suffolk County, NY