There are numerous factors to consider when it comes to commercial interior design, whether for office spaces or retail and food establishments. One of these is ensuring that the interior design company you hire is the right one for your business. While an award-winning interior design company sounds good, their work process might not sit well with you.
If you are starting a new business in Singapore or simply thinking about renovating your commercial space, here are a few things you should consider before hiring a commercial interior design company.
1. Accreditation and Experience
Before entrusting an interior design company with your project, you should first find out more about their accreditation and experiences.
In Singapore, many interior design companies are also renovation contractors, and there are certain certifications that they need to acquire. Some of them include the bizSAFE certificate, which is a five-step programme meant to train and educate businesses on safety and health standards at the workplace, and the BCA Construction License, which regulates the safety and quality of the construction sector.
Such certifications are vital in commercial interior design because you will be investing hefty sums of money into renovating your commercial space. You wouldn’t want to suffer a loss because of inexperienced companies.
2. Expertise
A good commercial interior designer will understand how various elements affect a commercial space’s workflow. For example, ensuring that the aisles have enough space for people to walk in, or ensuring that storage room doors are inconspicuous and do not obstruct walkways.
They will be able to articulate and advise you on the best design elements to include in order to create a comfortable and functional environment for your employees. This is also important in public spaces such as food and beverage outlets because your interior should not only provide a pleasant dining experience but also help your customers fit in comfortably.
Ask for a portfolio of 3D designs, floor plans, and actual photos of completed projects when speaking with an interior design company. This will give you a better idea of how they work, how much they know about commercial interior design, and how well they can replicate a 3D design in real life. You don’t want your interior to look different from what was proposed.
With the portfolio, you will also be able to see whether the designers understand how different elements should work together in a commercial space. Ultimately, it’s not just about aesthetics, but also practicality.
3. Access to Resources
A commercial interior design company with a good reputation and standing in the industry will have access to a large number of resources to help their projects succeed. They include material suppliers and subcontractors.
When a company has access to a wide range of resources, its designers and renovation contractors can draw on those resources to help you achieve the interior design you desire. You won’t have to worry about things going haywire or not turning out the way you want them to.
4. Project Management
Finally, look online for reviews or ask references about the company’s approach to project management; do they deliver on time, did they experience multiple delays, or can they stay within your budget? While the appearance of the space matters most, the process is also equally important.
Always do thorough research before you meet with an interior designer. Find out the average cost of materials and manpower, weigh the pros and cons of each material and decide on what you can or cannot give up on. Even go prepared with photos of the interiors you really fancy so that your meetings can be productive.
Choosing a commercial interior design company to work with in Singapore is not a simple trip to the grocery store, you must weigh all your options and ensure that the company also has your best interests in mind.
Now that you know what to look out for, it’s time to start looking for an interior designer.
Fineline Design is an award-winning interior design firm in Singapore, with the expertise to provide you with turnkey interior fit-out solutions for residential, commercial, and private housing interior design projects. Contact us today for a free consultation!
