NetWorks Issue 17: The Design Issue

Design Innovation

Bringing the virtual revolution into your home

The hottest word in design isn’t stripes or boucle, but immersive technology. With AI (Artificial Intelligence), VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) becoming the forefront of many conversations it is important to understand the potential this can bring to your industry, be it fashion or construction.

This burgeoning technology has been making waves in the technology world for years but thanks to the introduction of tools such as Apple’s Vision Pro and the Meta Quest Pro, VR is becoming a lot more useful and applicable in the design and construction industry, particularly for the smaller and boutique consultancies.

Before a project even gets a spade in the ground there is so much work that goes into the design and planning right from the conceptual stage. For Interior Designers, VR can really enhance the experience for the end user, right from conception. VR provides an immersive experience of a room, space, or complete building so the user can consider the functionality and aesthetics of the space. For example, embracing VR for kitchens allows the user to walk around the space, ensuring they find the layout usable. All too often we look at 2D Drawings or 2D graphics and think you have enough space, and then it comes to installation, and you realise the space isn’t as functional as you’d hoped.

Embracing Virtual

In the past, VR was used only at the top level of design by large consultancies and agencies that could fork out for expensive headsets and in-house experts. Now, the technology has been democratised so it’s more accessible. There are a magnitude of technologies available to help make a vision come to life including SketchUp, Unreal Engine, Blender, Vray and Autodesk. With multiple options available it makes it more accessible for companies.

Reducing costs

Whilst there are multiple reasons for change during a design and build project the most common reason is client change. Although client change is inevitable, capturing the change at the right time is critical to the programme and budget. It can be incredibly costly to change a project mid-progress, not to mention wasteful.

VR can help designers make decisions that will have longevity and suit a client’s preferences. It can also prevent projects running over budget if everyone is happy with the design and reduce the need for changes, as well as eliminating waste. Particularly when the cost of materials has soared in recent years, keeping to budget is increasingly important, so designers need to use all the tools they can to keep work on track.

Reduced Waste

The issue of waste is something that is becoming increasingly important in design. There has been pressure to move away from fast fashion in the fashion industry in recent years and this is also the same for the interior design industry where there is an emphasis on using more sustainable materials and well-built furniture that will last for years. By using VR this will help users make better informed decisions, and therefore reducing the waste of changing furniture a year down the line.

Making decisions with impact

It can also help homeowners make big decisions with all the facts. For example, with making decisions on whether to have an extension or move house. By designing an extension in VR could be the difference between going through with a £70,000+ project or moving to a new home, or even the realisation that the space the user currently has just doesn’t work for them. VR would avoid the costly mistake of a project that would provide users little benefit.

Eliminating guesswork

Before any major project, it’s common to have a few misapprehensions. What if the vision in your head isn’t replicated in real life? This can be stressful as a client and stressful for the designer - you don’t want to let someone down and you don’t want the financial ramifications. But VR helps at all stages from conceptual design to project management, simplifying the process and making it easier to create beautiful, practical solutions that alleviate client stress.

Democratising this technology is opening new avenues for interior design and it’s becoming a whole lot more exciting.

You can reach Hannah Fawdry MSc, through Hannah Elle Interiors: https://bita.ie/members-directory/construction/interiors/hannah-elle-interiors/