Week 2: Digging In

Week 2

And I continue to dig in with ESa and learn the ins and outs of this interior design firm. This week I’ve only continued to learn more about the company and become more comfortable around the people.  It’s been really interesting talking to the different designers because a lot of our conversations start with how they have all been interns. Which is really great for us because they know what our job is like and can easily explain and relate to what we are doing in the office.  I also think that’s really cool that this company kind of makes everyone go through each position to better help them understand the people they are working with. (Not everyone starts as an intern in the interiors but a good majority have.)

This week was more of the same thing, ordering samples, Photo shopping more things, putting together more finish boards, and filing samples. As we’ve gone on this week we become better at our tasks and faster at them, which is comforting because last week it seemed a little overwhelming and this week I know I am capable of doing it. I think I especially enjoyed this week because Lauren told me of a project that our supervisor Leslie was working on a project that is non-profit and that is something I find really interesting and would love to be apart of. So that was really great to hear about and talk to Leslie about because it something that I’ve wanted to know more about.

This week I talked with Leslie about communication and how a team works together and Design Phases within each project. In these phases a lot of team work is required of all the different people working together which consists of: interior designers, architects, contractors, value engineers, the clients, the owner's rep, and the CE Architect. The PM (project manager) is incharge of coordinating meetings and communication. Communication between team members can happen in multiple ways such as: e-mails, sending changed files, phone, posting models, and meetings. The PM also makes a schedule at the beginning of the project to give a timeline when projects must be completed and deadlines you have to meet. These target dates are usually set in stone, sometimes they will get extension but you better not count on it. Some projects can last a total of 6 months for design process and construction 12 months while other projects can last as along as 5 years. 

Below is my understanding of what each design phase looks like.

Schematic Design this is where the designers lay out in plan what they want their design to look like and then work through it making lots of changes. This is where all your programming happens, the initial layout, contracts and generic written information.

Next is Design Development which is where they address the design more in depth. They have user group meetings and asses the needs of their clients, along with getting them to make approvals and initial finishes are chosen. They also get a set budget written out.

Then there is Contract Documents this is where all the detailing, fine tuning, and finishes are assigned. The value engineers, contractor, designers, owners rep all get together and set budget, this is also considered the pricing phase. The main purpose is to make sure the contractor can understand the plans and build it out. 

Finally, there is the Contract Administration phase this is the final phase of the game. Submittals are done, physical samples are approved, cardboard mock ups and site visit to make sure everything is clear between designers and contractors are running smoothly. 

It’s funny because this internship has been quite different than anything else I’ve been apart of. It’s been that way because from day one they told us they want to help us if we want to be apart of any certain job, learn how to use Revit better, or just understand a position we think we may be interested in doing. I have just felt very cared for in that that I’m not just being used to get certain things but they really care about what I learn and take away from this opportunity. 

I’ve also enjoyed going to informals (which is when reps come and show us their products) and luncheons (where reps come and bring us lunch and talk about their products). I guess I’ve never really fully understood the relationship between designer and rep, so it’s been great to grasp what they are all about. I’ve come to learn that the reps are working alongside the designers to make the space they are designing function as well as possible and be a lasting design. Therefore, the reps need the feed back from the designers on how to make their products better. Which I think is so wonderful because last year when I worked in residential it was really different and the reps didn’t really ask what they could do to help the designer out. (Given residential and commercial are in a different playing field.) It also makes sense that people say, use your reps as a tool on your projects. Some of the presentations are less exciting than the others but it’s fantastic to get to hold these different products in your hands and become more knowledgeable about them.

I’ve also enjoyed these meetings because the designers ask really great questions that I would never thought of and have a lot of wisdom to bring to the table. It is really great to watch collaboration in action.

So last week I introduced to you one of the interns I am working with and this week I’ll introduce you to the other her name is Anna.

 

Anna is from the University of Cincinnati. She is going to be in her 4^th year of design school (like me) next year, the only difference is they go for 5 years in their program. Anna also has gotten to co-op in San Francisco with another firm. I think it’s safe to say that Lauren and I are very grateful for Anna. She has a lot of knowledge of what an active firm is like and has really worked on a lot of different things. (She also was there the week before us, so she kind of knows the ropes better than we do.) Anna’s favorite part of a project is the rendering and we commonly refer to her as “genius Anna”. 

Comments

[MBR]

I am enjoying your posts and getting introduced to your co-workers! The images are helping to get a better feel for what you are experiencing. The more you can add, the better. Feel free to take pictures of some of the work you've completed -- finish project boards, etc. What task did you complete that you feel particularly proud of? Share it and explain. Also, remember to add a caption to each image posted.

The appreciation you have for the ESa staff is genuinely felt. I know you as an eager learner and a sponge ready and willing to take in all that is happening around you. Know that what you are experiencing there is an equal exchange. When a balanced exchange is experienced, the positive feelings for what you are doing is easy to have. The sharing and caring of the staff is a sure indicator of a truly professional atmosphere that is modeled, practiced and rewarded. Being immersed in such a strong professional environment will serve you well in the future. You now have this distinction.

A few points I want to make about the phases of design: first, typically the programming phase is a pre-design phase. Programming can be refined during schematics, but not developed. A strong program needs to be in place before the designing can begin. Remember what you did in IDS 371? How soon we forget! You may want to inquire about who does the programming and see an example of a program document that designers receive prior to beginning schematics. Design Development is where the client approves a final budget and all the schematic ideas become more of a reality. The Contract Documents phase cannot begin until the client has signed off on all the details. Once "final" documentation of the project begins, there are a few details that I would like you to ask about. One thing you did not mention was approval of shop drawings. What is the responsibility of designers on staff to both document custom items such as furniture, fixtures, built-ins, or how to finish a space with various levels of millwork? Ask to look at some design drawings (working drawings/millwork drawings) and then a set of shop drawings that a fabricator submits for review and approval. What is a designer's responsibility in reviewing and resubmitting these drawings to the fabricator? Do the designers have any stories to tell about installation of items that did not match the shop drawings, or a detail was missed by the designer? How do these issues get resolved?

Also, ask about what happens when a product has been discontinued and substitutions are make. What happens when a client changes their mind during Contract Documentation? What is their typical policy with change orders?

Another distinction to know is the difference between Contract Administration and Construction Administration. Who does contract admin and who does construction admin? What is the role of the interior designer in either one?

About installation: What about the installation phase? Does ESa get involved in project installations? If so, you need to include this in a future post. I hope you will have the opportunity to be a part of the installation phase on some project. Perhaps you can ask to be a part of this.

Post editing: one point I would make about this post is the length of sentences. There are a number of long, run-on sentences. As you read your post for final editing, note if a sentence looks like it is never ending. Go back and break the sentence into several shorter sentences. The clarity of your ideas will be clearer; points better understood. Be careful to not use slang and consider using the strongest word possible. You will find that over time, writing on a weekly basis and being rigorous about how you write, your writing skills will strengthen.

Looking forward to reading next week, and keep up the good work!