Your office says a lot to both your clients and the staff you employ. If you’ve never set up an office before then you might be best advised to hire a professional to help you complete your vision.
There are many decorators and designers out in the marketplace, but when it comes to designing the interior of a commercial space, they are not all the same.
Choosing a Registered Interior Designer
A Registered Interior Designer (RID) is quite different from a decorator or interior designer. A decorator or interior designers perform functions that are quite different than an interior designer who is registered.
Commercial projects require a specialized knowledge skill set which sets an RID specialist apart from other designers. They are required to take education courses and have to write and pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). This is a North American association that ensures that candidates have both the education and experience before they will even be considered to qualify to write the exam and become registered.
Once the exam is successfully completed the successful candidates must be accepted by the provincial association before they can practice in a professional capacity. Most provincial associations require that members take regular continuing education courses so they are up to speed on current trends and technological advances in their field.
Now you can appreciate why you should use the services of a Registered Interior Designer as the route you are best advised to use when it comes to designing your commercial office space.
Benefits of an RID Specialist
The services can be of benefit to you in a number of ways which can actually help you increase your bottom line because these professionals can achieve the following:
• Strengthen the productivity in the workplace
• Improve the work conditions of employees
• Augment the rate of client visitation
• Encourage spending by clients or customers
By using an RID specialist you can also expect that your project is more likely to be completed in a timely manner and within your budget.
Researching Your Registered Interior Designer
You can begin your search for a qualified RID specialist through the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and confirm their accreditation by getting in touch with the Interior Designers of Alberta association also known as the Registered Interior Designers Institute of Alberta.
Selecting a Calgary RID Specialist
You will want to review their website so you can get a preliminary peek at their portfolio and references. The prospective candidate you interview should put a proposal together that reflects the following:
• The brand of your company and the products you promote
• The timeliness of how the project is to be completed
• That they perform the design pre-requisites within the budget you have established.
• Plans for future expansion
• That they adhere to your company values and corporate philosophy
• Their ability to use and incorporate an eco-friendly design
• How they will use the services of other consultants such engineers who are responsible for structural, mechanical or electrical aspects of the design composition. This should also include any architects involved, all contractors and lighting designers.
Finals Steps in Selecting an RID Specialist
Your final steps in selecting the registered interior design specialist are to obtain their proposal which will include a ‘Scope of Work’ or a RFP (Request for Proposal) submission to ensure they understand the scope of work required and the terms of the agreement.
Once the project is awarded you can feel more confident that your commercial office space will achieve your objectives to create a happy and productive work environment that meets all you expectations.
Photo by loozrboy
