Calculations

Figure 1.2 Showroom employee working with interior designer.

the line being purchased. This will go a long way toward establishing a good business relationship with that showroom.

An interior designer perceived as a professional, ethical, and reasonable businessperson will find people and companies willing to go out of their way to collaborate on solutions when questions arise or some part of the job has an issue.

Interior designers must be aware of the team aspect that is crucial for a project to be completed. For some, the team may begin in their firm as different professionals are brought together for their expertise on a particular project. However, this is not the entire project team. The other, sometimes unacknowledged, team members (manufacturer’s representatives, workrooms, subcontractors, installers, and contractors) involved in completing the project are as important and sometimes more important because they bring the vision to life, hopefully on time and in budget. It is vital to keep these relationships on good terms. If the designer is fair, knowledgeable, and reasonable with those they work with, when something goes awry their willingness to help can be the difference in keeping the project on track and your clients happy.

Importance of Estimating and Calculating Costs

Why is it important to be able to do estimations? In large cities, workrooms and installers are available who can go to the site, take field measurements, and provide

4 CHAPTER 1 THE BUSINESS OF INTERIOR DESIGN

Box 1.1 Professional Tip: Network with Everyone

“Get active in local interior design related and unrelated organizations depending on which area of work you want to pursue – commercial, residential, etc. The interior design related organizations are great for networking, support, and for finding additional resources and subcontractors. Chambers of Commerce, professional business organizations (including women’s business organizations), social groups (symphony), builders’ organizations, apartment organizations, health-care related organizations are a few to consider that are non-interior design related. These organizations are good avenues for developing an extended client base.”

Joyce Bryant, Allied ASID, RID, NKBA, owner, Aesthetics Interiors and Renovations, San Antonio, Texas

the calculations that are needed. The problem is that there are fewer and fewer workrooms and installers and the demand for their services is great. In smaller cities and towns, there may not be someone else who can measure and provide calculations. The client may not want to wait several weeks until someone can go out to measure and price the job. The ability for the interior designer to take measurements and calculate the costs of the job allows for a faster turnaround of the project and creates credibility in the client’s eyes.

Another reason is to be able to confirm whether the project is within the client’s budget before wasting subcontractors’ time. It is a best practice to do a quick estimate to “qualify” the client. An estimate allows the client to have an idea of how much the project will cost and be able to determine if it fits within their budget. An estimate is a win-win-win for all concerned because it saves the designer, the client, and the installer/workroom time if the client decides from the estimate that the project is more than he or she is willing to pay.

The client’s budget is important and should not be ignored. An interior designer can look at the overall picture to balance the needs of the client with their wants within their budget. Life cycle costing comes into