Monday was a slow day. I mainly organized different areas of the materials library. We have a drawer system for the wood samples based on the company. I learned that after 2-3 years the wood samples must be taken out and replace with new ones because the color fades. I also ordered some samples for a designer, and learned that a conceptual design pricing list is a list of all the materials that will be used in the space. It also includes material and install price, the company name, product number, and contact information. It also includes finishes that are existing and will remain in the space.
Tuesday I continued the library filing. I also pulled together some samples for a designer, as well as alternate options that could be shown to the client. The alternate finishes needed to be same color, similar quality, and lower in price. I learned how to look up install prices for each carpet. In the morning a finish rep came and gave a presentation about their new products. In the afternoon, I went with a designer to help with field verifications. The space had already been completed but dimensions were needed to finish the as-built drawings in AutoCAD.
Wednesday I ordered samples for two designers. I then took the measurements from the field verifications from the previous day and produced a CAD drawing. The space was around 4700 square feet. After I finished the plans, I started working on a finish plan for a different project. A pricing narrative was provided that allowed me to figure out where each material went within the plan. Some materials were not specified on the pricing narrative, and I had to select where the finish would be in the space.
Thursday I continued to work on the finish plan for a short while. Most of the day I helped a designer scan paperwork and drawings for a large client, HCA, of IDS. They are trying to consolidate their paperwork, and make everything digital. I also sorted through the finishes for the same client. Because the client is a healthcare group and a repeat client, all the finishes are kept over the years for future information. I am helping the designer reorganize these finishes into different folders.
Friday I finished up the scanning for HCA, and then also finished up the organization and sorting of the HCA finishes. For lunch I got to eat with Laura Hood and Emily Goins (former ID students). It was good to talk with them. After lunch I did some library filing in the materials library. I continued on my project of cleaning out the wood samples. I look forward to what projects come in for us interns on Monday and next week.
IDS is also a showroom for Steelcase so there is a lot of moving around of furniture for mockups for clients. Friday the installers were delivering new furniture to the office.
There are two licensed architects within the company that work simultaneously with the designers to make sure all the drawings are approved and stamped. IDS does pay for the first attempt at the NCIDQ exam, as well as other tests depending on what they are. Since IDS is mainly interior designers, they firmly believe that interiors are an important part of the design phase and community.
Because IDS takes part in all phases of design, the designers also communicate and work with other professions within the community such as: engineers, contractors, installers, etc. IDS does have their own installers for all of the Steelcase furniture that is used throughout the different projects.
Registration and certification: Many of the designers have their NCIDQ license as well other licenses such as LEED.
Professional organizations: Many of the designers are members of IIDA, LEED, USGBC, and AIA.
IDS does take part in life long learning. Every few months, Steelcase comes to the office and has a one hour training session to keep the designers up to date on the new products and information. The office also has opportunities to train for LEED. There are also opportunities for CEU’s. The company is involved in Silver Lining which provides support for the interior designers between positions with networking and continuing education opportunities.
Public service: There is an A&D Liaison team that works with IDS to work directly with manufacturers to get product information to designers and architects within the community.
Conflicts are not too common but they do arise, both between the client and designer and designer and designer. Typically, if the conflict is between the client and designer there is some kind of compromise established, or if there is an obvious side at fault then the conflict is resolved that way. If there is miscommunication, then the designer tries to determine the issue by asking specific questions and determining the best way to handle the situation.
Name: LIza Newbern
Liza is part of the design studio at IDS. She is currently working on a design for a new Sweet CeCe's. She graduated from the interior design program at University of Alabama. Liza was also an intern at IDS for a summer before being officially hired at the company. She is a great person to go to when you have questions. You can also see some of the materials library in the background!