Every building created by an architect invariably has an interior design component to it, which may require a Kenyan interior designer. Buildings are created according to a client’s brief, and thereafter constructed according to specifications set by the architect and other consultants. The interior portion of the building however needs to be equally designed and conceived by a designer to ensure that it meets a user’s needs. Hence it is important that the architect and interior designer be involved early in the project to ensure timely occupation of the completed building.

 

Interior design tips: selecting interior designers

 

interior design for Kenyan interior designer

great interior design

The architect as the lead consultant on a project is responsible for guiding the team in executing their consultancy mandate. This role can also be extended in some projects to incorporate interior design and fit outs to a building for an end user. Often, an architect can easily design reasonably sized buildings externally and internally, especially if the architect has had adequate exposure and practical experience dealing with interior design of projects.

 

However large schemes may require the input of a dedicated interior design specialist due to its unique project requirements and workload. Internal fit outs can be very exerting to undertake and may often require this additional input from an interior designer.

 

In addition, the spatial changes required may be being undertaken after a building is complete, in which case an architect may no longer be directly involved in the interior design construction required. Interior designers therefore assume the role of the lead consultant in this case and guide the design forward in implementation.

 

An interior designer (or architect as the situation deems) is responsible for designing the interiors of a space as their name suggests. This entails designing a space and defining its spatial quality in a particular manner according to a client’s requirements. This calls for conceiving and expressing the perceived spatial qualities a building once the design program has been communicated.

 

What should a client look for from a Kenyan interior designer?

An interior designer with a listening ear.

One of the most important requirements for an interior specialist to demonstrate is an ability to listen and inderstand a client’s needs prior to  attempting to interpret those needs into a design. Design minds all to often are guilty of imposing their design ideals on clients without bothering to consider whether their preferred design solution is appropriate or not. The right interior designer is the one who hears the client’s dream and connects with it, and ultimately harnesses his technical and design abilities to give a client the best solution for implementing their dream in the built environment.

 

An interior designer who is creative.

The second vital ingredient that the interior design specialist must exude is an ability to create interesting design compositions. The ability to look at a space and come up with out of the box solutions is a key factor in successful interior design. As each space is different in size and configuration, a good interior designer must be able to conceive its optimum usage, and creatively decorate and enhance a space’s spatial qualities through its use of  color, texture and lighting. The interior designer should also be able to modify a space by manipulating its surfaces to create different volumetric ambiences. This can create feelings of  intimacy or grand space as the case may be.

 

A resourceful interior designer

The best interior designer is the one who is well informed and keeps abreast of trends in the building industry. This information allows one to prepare design solutions that are appropriate for the times. Good knowledge of building technology is an invaluable asset as regards interior design. Such information gives a designer options on various creative ways to achieve an intended design solution. It also assists the designer to  guide a client on various options available in the market. This greatly assists in procurement of materials and equipment for projects and greatly enhances efficiency in project delivery.

 

A Kenyan interior designer with good project management skills

Finally, a good interior designer must have a firm grip on project management matters regarding building projects. Projects designed well on paper can still fail when being put on ground due to a myriad of factors. It is a fact that interior projects can be more challenging than new buildings because they are being created within an already created context and building. As such, challenges arise from various quarters, including statutory requirements and compliance regulations, legal and management aspects, as well as unseen constuction contingencies. The knowledge of construction laws and standard procedures can be a great asset to the client and interior designer to avoid cost escalations and litigatious claims arising from contractors during construction.

 

Hiring a kenyan interior designer with these skills is a wise investment.

An interior designer with good project management skills will ensure that the entire design and construction team meets its targets in a timely accurate fashion while still at the best possible cost. This will ensure that the client gets good value for their money. The value of hiring the services of a Kenyan interior designer or interior architect in interior design projects can therefore not be overstated.