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DESIGN SOLUTIONS
Going
Commercial
Many issues are at stake when designing a commercial space including
building regulations and code compliance.
by Sharon L. Anderson
CHALLENGE: I
have been awarded a job that involves many commercial window treatments.
I have little experience in this area, as my business concentrates
on residential interior renovations. The building I will be working
on is a large interior space that houses three different businesses:
1. Real estate sales; 2. Business consultants; and 3. Online sales.
The businesses are located on one floor and the open office plan
offers many challenges for me. Could you please offer some suggestions
that will assist in completing the look of the space with a professional
presence?
The palette choices of the client are: browns, neutrals and black.
The space is located in an upscale business district of New York
City.
SOLUTION: As with all commercial
spaces, make sure your first stop is a visit to the city offices
or department responsible for building codes and requirements to
make sure all of your design changes will be approved. And be sure
to check on the city, county and state laws on related topics such
as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and flame retardancy
laws.
Once you have received the information governing these requirements,
you then can proceed with making your choices for fabrics, furniture
and all other interior selections. Many textile manufacturers offer
beautiful flame retardant fabrics that are new, innovative and with
up-to-date styling. Many of these manufacturers have researched
the market and have found that interior designers and architects
are demanding more stylish selections for textiles in these areas.
A theme that flows with the overall flooring and wall surfaces preferred
by the building owner probably will govern your choice for textiles.
But as for the specific location of your job, be sure to do all
the research needed in the area of style preferences the individual
businesses would like for their spaces. Start with a simple questionnaire
or Client Profile. Schedule a first meeting with each decision-maker
for each of the three business occupants. Then present these findings
to the building owner.
Some questions you would want to be sure you ask include:
• What style preference do you have for the space?
• What are your furnishing needs and wants?
• What look would you like to incorporate into your business
surroundings, casual or elegant?
• As for the window treatments, do you prefer a more tailored
look for this space or a softer, casual look for the windows?
• Are there issues as to privacy factors and environmental
needs?
• How important is ease of maintenance?
Be sure to survey the outside of the building for visual issues
as they relate to the window treatments. Continuity from the outside
is important and probably will be demanded by the building owner.
Suggestions such as box pleated valances, elegant swags, pleated
draperies, pleated tiebacks, pleated valances, shutters, wood blinds
and metal or vinyl blinds are just a few of the possibilities for
commercial settings. The important choice is to meet codes and regulations
governing textiles in a commercial setting.
These are just a few of the many questions you need to have answers
for in order to adequately develop a client profile for each of
the three clients. I then would try to incorporate a design solution
using color, texture, pattern and various surface selections to
tie the areas together, while still keeping them separate and addressing
the needs of each client that will occupy the space.
Privacy issues for three businesses occupying a space are crucial.
Working in room dividers that are moveable, yet also serve as noise
barriers, are good choices. Furniture and accessories that are functional
as well as stylish are important here, too.
Overall, the key issues here are:
1. Meeting the clients’ needs, including the building owner.
2. Addressing issues of function and form.
3. Continuity in design and flow of style.
4. Color choices met, yet following the principles of good design.
5. Creating a professional look to the space without compromising
design preferences.
As you work on your new commercial design job you will place yourself
in a win/win situation by following the above suggestions.
Editor’s note: This is a continuing series of articles written
by Sharon L. Anderson that will answer some of the many questions
we receive at Draperies & Window Coverings as well as questions
Anderson has encountered in her own business. If you have a question
you would like Anderson to address, please send it to:
Design Solutions
c/o Draperies & Window Coverings
1724 E. Grand Ave.
Lindenhurst, IL 60046
Fax: (847) 356-9013
E-mail: SharonAnderson_1@msn.com
 Sharon
L. Anderson has more than 20 years experience in the residential
and commercial areas of interior design. She is currently a faculty
member at two Southern California colleges. Anderson has been featured
in numerous books and publications. |
