How do you customize design documentation for commercial interiors?

I have worked on both the Design + Construction sides of the business. In my consultative role as a Flooring Manufacturer the number one thing I tell our End User + A&D Customers is that if it's not in the drawings it does not exist. Meaning it won't be priced. So for something as important as supporting Infection Control be sure to include Seaming Principles in the Bid Docs so that the Flooring Contractor is accounting for the necessary seam placement. Otherwise they have the right to place them in the most economical location - which is usually in the worst place to support good IPAC strategies

It is always helpful to have a well defined project charter to organize the project information mentioned, and clearly communicate and document all of the items noted (goals, objectives, roles, risks, etc). To take things further, if the client can provide the design team with a well written functional program, the design team will be on a much clearer path to succeed.

Often times holding the hand of the owner so to speak is important, there are also industry standards but ultimatly describing in detail what is needed is important. Big corporate offices seem to rely on a lot of filler and boiler plates, it would be good to delinate what you are providing as intelectual capital and whos responsibilities are whose.

Communication is key, get to know your audience, their likes and dislikes, and the right level of detail to present information. Does your audience understand floor plans or do they need 3D visualizations to make decisions? Are they blue sky thinkers, or need to know technical information? Play to your strengths, and plan out the key messages.

Regardless of the initial format used for communication and presentation to your client, it is important to remember that eventually, documentation will need to be sent to the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) to obtain the necessary permits to proceed in construction. Thought soukd go into the selection of intial formats so that those thoughts can be transferred efficiently to the formats needed by the AHJ.

I prefer to push technology to moving visuals and 3D work to bring wow to the community. Many times simple specifications will work or complete custom designs may be sent to fabricarion without 2D drawings

I prefer keeping the drawings real when possible I think that a rendering and 3D file to the manufacturer suffices. What materials are used are so important now a days in a very competitive consumer and comercial market.

In the field of architecture and interior design, meticulous content organization in documentation is vital. Adherence to industry standards and drafting conventions ensures clear communication among stakeholders, such as contractors and architects. Well-structured documents prevent redundancy and confusion. Each element, from floor plans to material specifications, needs a designated place for easy reference and reduced misinterpretation. Crucial details like dimensions and lighting must be readily accessible, using visual hierarchy and clear labeling. Efficient content organization in architectural and interior design documentation is key for translating creative visions into successful real-world projects!!

Scale and proportion, composition, white space, balance. Find your style and stay consistent to make the information easy to digest.

Certain conventions already exist and are helpful so as not to reinvent the wheel. For example, the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) has a standardized format for specification numbering and writing and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has standards for sheet numbering and drawing organization. Where possible, use existing conventions well understand by others who may be involved in the project.

Quality contr may involve the use of consultants with expertise in certain areas. Never be afraid to seek out people who have that expertise, especially for areas which you may not be familiar with or where the project has sufficient complexity as to necessitate it. Know that one person cannot be expert in all areas of the project.

In the many years of practicing architecture, it becomes clear that well-organized design documentation is the link between a vision and the reality of a project. These documents serve as the vital bridge that turns mere ideas into real spaces. They are more than just drawings; they are our most potent communication tools. Through meticulous organization, they empower us to bridge the gap between imagination and the finished spaces we bring to life. In the world of interior design, the message is clear: every line, every notation, and every detail within our documentation speaks volumes about the dedication and expertise that underpin our craft, ensuring that our architectural visions come to fruition with precision and grace.