The HomeSeeker - Mar/Apr 2009

What Is An Interior Specifer?

Interior Specification
THIS MONTH Becki Linley, Creative Director of Trendenza, specifiers and interior refurbishment specialists, expands upon:

What Is An Interior Specifer?
An Interior Specifier is best described as someone that can expertly manoeuvre between all aspects of residential and commercial projects and have understanding of all architectural processes. As well as an awareness of construction and contractor working practices and site politics they can combine this with a precise analysis of client requirements and expectations. And to demonstrate their point effectively they will need to be completely conversant in all aspects of architectural build and design and keep abreast of current trends in interior design alongside a profound knowledge of how to pull each component part together to one translatable design.

Personal attributes such as being disciplined and structured are also important as well as a sense of humour and positive ‘can do’ attitude, which are vital. Becki advises: “What I aim to do is bridge the gap between specification and interior design so I can become both the sounding board for the client and the design assistant to the architects and on-site build teams, whilst successfully working to budget and time constraints.

“It’s really about bringing a joined up approach to all areas of the business. But essentially aim to be one of team with the clients you are working with to assist and also be objective where necessary.” The success of any development either private or commercial depends on the relationships of the key individuals brought together to steer the path and flow of the project throughout its duration. The architect, specifier and designer, building team and client, each participant must fully understand the parameters with which each work to achieve maximum complementation.

This is perhaps one of the reasons why architects and construction companies have long since understood the value of specifiers and designers as critical to the complete service / experience they can offer their clients.

We work with a number of practices across Scotland including longstanding firms such as NGP Architects in Edinburgh.

Head of NGP Architects Chris Gray advises “We are constantly striving to ensure consistency of design quality from the grand design right through to the minute detail and the added design value of working with skilled specifiers like Becki is priceless”.

Chris and his energetic team at the firm provide a complete range of architectural services and have significant experience in project management from initial concept through to detailed, structured, construction. Their work covers disciplines in residential, restoration, property development, commercial, hotels, spa leisure and retail and their extended services include specification, project management and interior design. NGP Architects combine creative architecture with practical experience and commercial awareness.

So relationships like the one mentioned with NGP can only enhance the process when clients look to develop their projects and the options that are available to them. Not only will they benefit from expert knowledge and the advice of architect,specifer / designer and contractor their plans will be dissected and arranged to suit the scheme, its content and formatted to a schedule to avoid any costly mistakes.

For the client wishing to plan and manage the project themselves the specification is approached from the initial concept phase.

After an initial client consultation the specifier will look at the project and approach the scheme overall and ‘’room to room’’, building the specification up from build requirements, fixtures, fittings and equipment (ff&e) time schedules and design concepts.

The client will usually be given a mood board and project synopsis with a complete financial breakdown so the budget imposed can be adhered to and importantly agreed in advance.

This will therefore give a complete overview and cost of each area allowing the appropriate trades to be allocated and stock to be assigned and ordered to minimise down time, due to lengthy lead-in times and allowing the project to be successfully managed. Equally the allocated trades/ main contractor will individually be issued briefs listing the work, schedule, content and plan alongside final costing all agreed before going on site.

Interior design seamlessly flows from this point into the project as the client looks to personalizing the project, therefore, finishing touches can be applied and the scheme completely pulled together all with one expert point of contact.

Simplified, a project should be approached akin to a journey. Preparation and mapping are areas which should be researched and correctly plotted, the route must be followed to maintain momentum with clear monitoring of the financial element to ensure reaching your destination without any hidden surprises and unnecessary deviations.

Noreen Rowe was a private residential client and she says “I knew vaguely what I wanted included in my refurbishment, but I was unsure of where to start and ultimately where to go to find all the ideas I had selected from the interior magazines I’d been looking through for inspiration.

“When I met with Becki at Trendenza she immediately grasped my concept and devised a scheme in its entirety which included all the fixtures and fittings alongside a structured works schedule. She really pulled it all together into a design and programme for me which I felt I could understand. “I also appreciated that they were able to assist me with sourcing products from their array of suppliers to mirror my vision to keep my budget within the limits and the works program to schedule

“I am delighted with the finished product and look forward to working with them again on my next project.”

Becki advises: “As a business our ethos is always to exceed our clients expectations gained from our understanding, experience and confidence in our level of service and proven ability. We specialise in creating refined, contemporary interiors for architects, city professionals, modern families, commercial and corporate clients Scotlandwide. But essentially you need to tailor your services to suit the needs, tastes and individuality of your clients and what they want and that’s the most important aspect.”