You may know that there are seven elements of interior design: space, line, form, texture, pattern, colour and light. These are all things that must be incorporated and considered in the initial design stages of a project. But what about the essential elements of successfully completing a project fit out on site? It’s all very well having a fantastic design, but you need to know how to turn that design into a reality. The answer is simple.
Like all good things, the secret to a successful interior design fit out lies in a select few ingredients. Get these elements of the build right and you will ensure your project is delivered on time, fit for purpose and looking perfect. So, what do you need to get the best outcome for your restaurant or retail interior design project?
Quality, cost and speed of build. Three really is the magic number.
But it’s important to note that whilst there are three important ingredients of a successful design project, it’s extremely rare to ever get all three right simultaneously. A combination of two is enough to deliver a great result, as long as you ensure that one element is always at the heart of a build: quality. There is no compromise here – cutting corners to save time or money will end up with a project that looks rushed or cheap. A competent interior designer will ensure that quality is paramount, and is delivered as speedily as possible and within your budget (as long as it is sensible). Quality is the one aspect of an interior design you absolutely have to get right. Remember, you have poured your energy, time and hard earned money into a new venture. A top quality, durable, beautiful interior will get your business off to the best possible start, and ensure your reputation is synonymous with high standards and a meticulous finish.
With this in mind, you need to think about who you contract to do the build itself. Do you want a large contractor who can complete the build very quickly and with a highly professional finish, but at a cost (due to their overheads like expensive warehouses, drawing office and staffing costs)?
Or would you prefer a smaller outfit who will build everything on site? This means you can be more involved in the build, but it might take twice as long to complete the work. You need to consider any rent-free periods for fitting out when you make these kind of decisions. After quality, is time or cost your priority?
Engaging an interior designer means these three elements can be balanced in just the way you need. Decisions will be made more quickly, and their experience will mean you get as efficient a build as possible. For example, you might only have the budget for a small contractor, but the interior can be designed in a way that means smaller joinery items can be made off site, thereby speeding up the building process. Smaller independent retailers and restaurateurs often divide the contracted work into two specialisms: a shell contractor (who deals with structural changes, services provision and wall, floor and ceiling finishes), and a joiner (who builds items such as a bar or fixed seating). Working alongside a knowledgeable interior designer, this approach can be the closest you will get to the golden point of achieving all three ingredients at once.
