Frequently Asked Questions
The answer to your question may be here.
What does Studio M Co. do?
We are a boutique commercial interior design studio driven by the desire to solve problems that create intentional spatial environments that elevate the human experience.
So, you can you pick out paint and furniture?
While we can do those things, there is a little more to it….
Ok, so what exactly does a commercial interior designer do?
Have you ever been to a restaurant where it was too noisy to hear the conversation, too dark to read the menu, too crowded where you felt like you could not scootch your chair out or you’d trip the server? Or maybe you could see into the kitchen a little too much and that dingy dish rag does nothing to stimulate your appetite? Or, maybe you caught a sight line of the entry to the bathroom and saw some things you may not want to see from a reflection in the mirror?
Unfortunately, these are common design elements that can often become overlooked when an interior designer does not have a seat at your project table. If you are a business owner, or possibly a developer wanting to create a space for a tenant — like a restaurant owner, it is vital these design elements are not overlooked. By bringing an educated interior designer on board at the start of your project, you are more likely to stay within budget and on schedule and avoid overlooking elements like those mentioned above that could be detrimental to your guest’s experience and impact your sales in the long run.
If I hire a commercial interior designer, what value can a certified commercial interior designer bring to the table on a project like that restaurant?
Well, in addition to not overlooking the important design elements like acoustics, lighting, circulation, sight lines, and space layout, the benefit of hiring an educated NCIDQ (certified) interior designer is that we have the knowledge and experience of working within the American with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), and the local building codes to be able to create a design solution that is going to work within the overall building envelope constraints and protect the health and safety of the users within the space. This also means that we are used to coordinating with architects, engineers, and contractors, so the level of design you will get is going to be a bit more detailed and designed to be built and executed on a contract / commercial grade level to withstand the heavier use of the space.
Do you remember playing the game telephone where one person whispers something into the ear of the person sitting next to them and by the time the saying goes through the ears of the line of all people, the last person has to say what they heard?
It is a fun game, but not so fun on a job site where the client says one thing, but the execution is interpreted incorrectly. An interior designer is on everyone’s team and we strive to extract the communication from the client into a tangible and visual design to help set clear expectations for all parties involved. This is why following the design process is important.
It is important to bring us on board at the very beginning, this way we can work our design process magic on your team to ensure we fully extract and create a vision that aligns with your goals, stays within your budget, and can be executed.
When should an interior designer be brought on to the project?
The sooner the better! With plan test fit studies we can help you feel confident that your potential space is going to be the best fit for you, especially if you are deciding between more than one space.
It is important to bring us on board at the very beginning, the same time as you engage an architect and contractor, this way we can work our design process magic WITH the whole project team to ensure we fully extract and create a vision that aligns with your goals, stays within your budget, and can actually be executed.
How long does interior design take for any given project?
This exact time frame depends on each project, but a good rule of thumb Is to plan for anywhere from 12-14 weeks from conceptual development through completion of design implementation drawings.
Do you remember playing the game telephone where one person whispers something into the ear of the person sitting next to them and by the time the saying goes through the ears of the line of all people, the last person has to say what they heard?
It is a fun game, but not so fun on a job site where the client says one thing, but the execution is interpreted incorrectly. An interior designer is on everyone’s team, and we strive to extract the communication from the client into a tangible and visual design to help set clear expectations for all parties involved. This is why entrusting in the design process and timeline is important.
After our consultation call what can I expect?
After we have a chance to listen and ask the right questions, we will prepare a follow-up meeting or call where we walk your team through our design proposal. This proposal includes the scope of work with all associated deliverable along with an itemized design fee for each phase. From here your team can evaluate internally and be able to make a decision that is best for your group.
Glossary
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In commercial interior design, design programming refers to our process of gathering and analyzing client needs, preferences, and functional requirements to create a comprehensive plan that guides the design and layout of a space. This involves detailed research, space planning, and establishing design objectives to ensure the final interior meets the client's goals and operational needs.
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In commercial interior design, this is the phase where initial ideas are developed by the designer. Creating visuals and spatial concepts that reflect the client's vision and brand identity. This stage includes mood boards, initial materiality, 2D and 3D sketches, and preliminary layouts to establish the overall aesthetic and functional direction of the project.
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In commercial interior design, this phase involves refining and detailing the conceptual design, translating initial ideas into more concrete plans with specific materials, finishes, and furnishings. This phase includes visuals, detailed drawings, specifications, and coordination with engineers and contractors to ensure the design is feasible.
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In commercial interior design, these are detailed, technical documents that provide precise instructions for builders and contractors on how to construct the design. These drawings include specifications for materials, dimensions, layouts, and installation methods, ensuring that the project is built according to the design intent.
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In commercial interior design, Construction Administration involves overseeing the construction process to ensure that the project adheres to the design plans, specifications, and quality standards. This phase includes site visits, contractor communications, submittal and shop drawing review, addressing any issues that arise, and verifying that the completed work meets the client's expectations and the designer's vision.
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The professional and comprehensive practice of creating an interior environment that addresses, protects, and responds to human need(s). It is the art, science, and business planning of a creative, technical, sustainable, and functional interior solution that corresponds to the architecture of a space, while incorporating process and strategy, a mandate for well-being, safety, and health, with informed decisions about style and aesthetics.*
*Definition cited from Iida.org
