Behind the Design: The Blueprint Behind the Beauty
Early on in my career, if you had asked me what part of interior design clients would find most surprising, I probably would have said the number of decisions involved in a project.
Today, I think my answer would be different.
I think most people would be surprised by just how much of the interior design process happens long before a single wall has even been framed. A large portion of my work happens in drawings, specifications, meetings, site visits, and conversations with contractors and sub-trades prior to construction.
And while those things may not be the most exciting parts of a project, they're the foundation that everything else is built on.
When I start developing a design concept, I'm not really thinking about how a space will look (yet!!). I'm thinking about how it will be built, how it will function for the client, how people will move through each space, and how they experience their home each day.
- Will there be enough clearance around the island for clients who love to cook and spend a lot of time in the kitchen?
- Does the layout encourage connection or create unnecessary barriers?
- Can a guest access the powder room without walking past a bedroom?
- For clients with young kids, can the kids sleep in their rooms while adults entertain in another area of the home?
- How do you enter the home with an arm full of grocery bags?
- How far away is the laundry room from all bedrooms?
- Can large furniture be easily moved up/ down the stairs?
These are the kinds of questions that require an answer early in the floor plan stage because they will influence nearly every other decision along the way.
Some of the most important design decisions happen during the construction drawing phase, which is why you’ll always hear me say never rush this phase!
Floor plans, exterior elevations, sections, details, specifications, these drawings become the roadmap for everyone involved in the project.
They're how design ideas are communicated to builders, trades, suppliers, and fabricators. They help answer questions before construction begins and reduce the chances of costly surprises later. This where technical knowledge becomes incredibly important.
Interior designers spend a lot of time, through schooling and experience, understanding building systems, construction methods, spatial requirements, accessibility considerations, and applicable code requirements because good design stems from having a certain level of technical knowledge.
The most successful projects find the perfect balance between creativity and practicality. And honestly, that's what I love most about this profession. I’ve always been right in the middle of every left-brain vs. right-brain test I’ve ever taken, so I knew that I wanted a career that balanced logic with creativity.
Every project is a new puzzle with its own unique set of opportunities and challenges. The creative side of interior design is what attracts your eye, but the technical side transforms an idea into reality.
As much as I enjoy selecting finishes and watching a design come to life (it really is so much fun!), I have a deep appreciation for the technical side of the process. It's where we make many of the decisions that make the most impact in the long run.
