subject: The Technical Basis Of Good Commercial Interior Design [print this page] An interior designer works to produce a functional sand attractive space for their client, whether the space is residential or commercial. While most of us know what we like in terms of interior design, it takes quite a bit of training and talent to be a successful commercial interior designer, along with a considerable amount of experience as an apprentice designer in order to get experience and "learn the ropes."
Most commercial designers come to the field after studying and maybe even working in other fields, such as home design, engineering, etc. A good designer must combine scientific engineering skills with a certain artistic sensibility in order to get the right combination of good looks and functionality in their designs. This is especially true in commercial spaces that are used by many different individuals.
Although good commercial designers come from an eclectic collection of backgrounds and training, there are still a few basic skills that should be learned. Once those basic tools are in your toolbox, there are so many directions to go in terms of a design career. It can be almost overwhelming to know what will be the most useful when meeting the challenges of future projects. However, there are a couple of basics that every commercial designer should be familiar with in order to do a professional job.
A common tool that all commercial interior designers must have in their tool belts is CAD, or computer aided design software. CAD not only produces the drawings, but also the specifications used by the builder to implement the design ideas. The convenience of using computer aided design is that once the data are entered, blueprints and drawings from several different perspectives can be produced without much additional labor. As a result, detailed technical knowledge of CAD programs and usage has become an important prerquisite for a career in commercial interior design. This can require quite a bit of professional study in order to become an expert in the implementation of the software, but the reward is the quick production of all the design output needed to get a project from drawing board to bricks and mortar expeditiously.
CAD has become so fundamentally important in the design field that software aptitude has replace drawing ability as the number one skill set for designers in the last few decades. Designers who excel in the use design software will have a long and successful career in the field.
Engineering
The other essential skill for commercial interior designers is a working knowledge of engineering. Each project has its own engineering challenges, which much be overcome under the guidance of the designer. Being well versed in engineering theory and application is what allows a good designer to understand the relationship between structures, materials, and available space inside a building. Good engineering skills can help a designer to find usable space within a small footprint building, or ways to add to the existing space in order to meet the needs of the client. Engineering also helps to estimate the cost effectiveness of adding space to the existing building plan, versus a more economical use of the space as it was originally designed.
Since most design students come into the field because of their love of the artistic side of the field, it can be a challenge to succeed in these technically oriented skill sets. There can be a lot of work and study involved in becoming proficient in CAD and engineering. The good news is that if you persist, you will be rewarded with a satisfying and financially viable career.
