Women's Magazine May 2003

Women's Magazine May 2003

YOUR ABODE
WHAT'S IN A NAME
THE JOB DESCRIPTION OF AN INTERIOR DESIGNER

Today's interpretation of "interior Design" can signify a broad array of job duties. These range from addressing a single space, to coordinating With the client, architect and contractor in creating an entire dwelling.

Sally Curtis Starr, A.S.I.D., has been in the business for over 20 years. She has successfully offered a full spectrum of interior design with passion, creativity and professionalism.

Starr's firm, SCS, specializes primarily in residential design; commercial facilities make up one-fifth of her business. She works in various styles and disciplines on projects that span the Front Range and Rocky Mountains. Her talents also take her to ongoing projects in Hawaii and Chicago. Each project is unique and the work involved ranges from new construction to remodeling or renovation.

To realize the client's vision, Starr and her associates create a team with other professionals involved in the project. "We seamlessly coordinate everything from the preliminary, conceptual stages through the implementation and completion of the project."

Regardless of the scope of the project, Starr explains that the key element for any job is the designer/client relationship.

"What's most important is the client and their goals. My relationship begins right from the first interview. We have to be very efficient and certainly creative. To do that, we have to connect. When we have an enthusiastic rapport, we can work with that energy and create something wonderful," Starr said.

Relationships with clients often extend beyond the completion of a project and lead to Starr's involvement in future design undertakings. "It's all about relationships," says Starr. "Working for the individual or individuals in the most logical and creative way possible is what matters." The long-lasting relationships with many of her clients are indeed a testament to her work.

The design style Starr implements varies from project to project, according to the client's artistic persuasions. But whether the design style is contemporary, eclectic, European or traditional, "it must be done with good design practices." Start says of her firm, "We believe that well-designed residences have elements of openness, calm, warmth, and timelessness. They are understated, but exciting, and very inviting.'

Starr received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Colorado and completed her Interior Design Internship Degree in Denver. She has traveled extensively, but remains committed to Colorado and Boulder. "I love it here. Boulder offers interesting people, natured beauty, and a relaxed atmosphere, it's upbeat and terrific."

Below is a description of an interior designer; as well as a categorical breakdown of some job duties that she may or may not perform in her line of work. Information prepared and provided by the A.S.I.D. Office.

The professional interior designer is qualified by education, experience and examination to enhance the function, safety and quality of interior spaces. Interior design combines critical and creative thinking, communication, and technology for the purposes of improving the quality of life, increasing productivity, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Interior design includes specialties in hi residential, commercial, and institutional interiors, including: homes, hotels, restaurants, schools and universities, dormitories, office and industrial interiors, health care facilities, and nursing homes.

Programming:

The first phase for an interior designer is Programming. This phase includes initial client conversations and fact gathering:

• Consult with the client to identify the scope of the job and the project goals.
• Evaluate the existing conditions and available documentation.
• Evaluate tile project resources and limitations, which includes the budget.
• Identify the life, safety and code requirements.
• Develop the project time frames and schedules.

Design and Documentation:

The second phase an interior designer undergoes for a particular project is Design and Documentation. This is when the designer really puts together a detailed plan of the project. Steps in this phase include:

• Formulate preliminary plans and design concepts.
• Research the history and resources Io develop appropriate creative design solutions.
• Measure the existing rooms and prepare drawings of the existing conditions.
• Plan and organize public and private spaces to best use their functions.
• Choose wall, window, floor, and ceiling treatments.
• incorporate functional, aesthetic, and ergonomic considerations into design solutions.
• Incorporate acoustical and psychological considerations into design solutions.
• Maintain compliance with building and safety codes.
• Develop the budgets.
• Select, design and specify interior architectural finishes and architectural elements.
• Select, design and specify furniture fixtures, equipment, art, and accessories.
• Prepare the furniture and equipment layouts, and installation diagrams.
• Prepare the construction documents for non-load bearing interior construction.
• Design and specify lighting; locate and coordinate electrical requirements.
• Design and prepare construction documents for custom mitlwork and built-in fracture.
• Use professional resources and qualified vendors.
• Collaborate with consultants, specialists and/or licensed practitioners in the areas of mechanical, electrical, and load-bearing designs.
• Review with, and educate the client on, design solutions and product recommendations.
• Prepare the bid documentation.
• Collect and review bids.
• Assist clients in awarding contracts.

Contract Administration:

The third phase for a project is Contract Administration. This is the period during which the meat of the physical work for the interior designer's plan is done. Work done in this stage includes:

• Act as the client's agent and administer the contract documents to the other professionals involved.
• Confirm that required permits are obtained.
• Review and approve shop drawings and samples to assure consistency with the design.
• Coordinate with the project professionals.
• Conduct on-site visits and filed inspections to monitor progress of the project.
• Prepare and administer orders for interior design products.
• Manage and/or coordinate the installation of interior architectural finishes.
• Manage and/or coordinate the fabrication and installation of custom millwork and built-in furniture.
• Manage and/or coordinate the installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment.
• Manage and/or coordinate the fabrication and installation of interior decor, such as window-coverings, special ceiling treatments, art, and accessories

Evaluation:

The final phase for the interior designer involves the evaluation of the final product. This final stage includes:

• Review and evaluate the construction and installation on the client's behalf.
• Prepare a punch list of deficiencies in construction, products, and installation as a representative of the client.
• Conduct a post-occupancy evaluation.

Sally Starr and SCS have over 25 years experience in the Rocky Mountain Region. Visit their website at www.sallystarr corn for information and photos of their work.