The Interior Designer’s Toolkit: Essentials for Success in Designing
As interior designers the right tool kit is essential for project success. Seemingly an obvious statement because naturally you question how could a designer not know they need a sketchpad, pencils and measuring tape? However, these are just the basics. There are so many more tools and resources to ensure you have, and are utilizing properly.
Let’s start with the foundational tools for every interior designer.
Measuring and Sketching Tools
Invest in a good quality tape measure, laser measure, level, pencils, erasers, charcoal, sketchpad and iPad. When looking at laser measure options it’s best to ensure its accuracy over long distances before deciding on the one to buy. Bosch is a good brand that is widely used but of course there are many brands to choose from based on your specific needs. An iPad or sketchpad are essential to have on hand when visiting a site for brainstorming, quickly demonstrating sketch ideasThese particular tools should be at the ready for easy pick up and go when visiting project sites.
AutoCAD has long been established as computer aided software that is reliable for designers and architects alike. It is an industry standard for all levels of technical drawings. SketchUp has gained in popularity due to its ease of use, 3D modeling capabilities and fast and flexible design process. SketchUp is also often more cost effective for small firms. There are more in depth software programs that offer a detailed building information model approach but those tend to be used by firms that include architectural specifications with their projects. One example of a popular BIM software is Revit (recently rebranded as AutoDesk).
Digital Tools
The right computer operating system is essential for any interior design firm. Still working off an old system because you haven’t had a chance to upgrade? Make it a priority to ensure project efficiency. Whether your preference is MAC or PC there is the right computer system for you. Look at all the software you use and determine each program's system requirements - can you check all the boxes on that list? Take the list with you to the store if you need to upgrade and carefully review it with the sales person. Ongoing interruptions from lagging digital tools will lead to frustration and delay with projects.
In addition to your computer system for the office, having a tablet on hand for site visits is a preference for many designers. However, this is a very individual preference. Many of us still prefer pencil and paper but others enjoy the efficiency of a tool that syncs with the system in the studio.
A camera is another digital tool that is helpful for interior design work. The quality of phones today often is more than enough but look at what you have and determine if that’s an area for improvement. The ease of a camera phone is easy syncing with the computer operating system the project will be completed in. The handy camera phone is useful for quick pics of details you need to remember of the space you're designing or elements of FF&E you come across in your day-to-day. iPhone and Android cameras are amazing quality but if you prefer a separate digital camera there are several options recommended for the industry. To support your photography efforts an online course for shooting interiors is always beneficial.
Sample Library
The visual and tactical aspect of design is a huge component of guiding clients with their choices. Visualization comes naturally for many creatives but for clients who are paying for new or upgraded interiors seeing and touching material swatches, paint color booklets, tile samples, wall coverings and wood stains is needed to make the final decision on aspects of their project. Don’t be concerned if your sample library is not as comprehensive as you would like it to be - just keep building it as you go. As you discover new elements or approaches, capture samples. If you aren’t already signed up as a trade account with paint and fabric suppliers that’s a good first step. A standard color wheel is another important tool to have available to talk through color schemes with your clients.
Reference Books, Magazines and Sites
A library of interior design books, magazines, websites, Instagram accounts, YouTube channels, blogs and podcasts can provide inspiration and serve as reference material for design concepts, color palettes and historical styles. Every project should include a list of references for clients to review and give feedback on as this then becomes your guide on which direction to take the design. It also serves to help them own their individual style and lifestyle needs before delivery of the finished project thus leading to higher rates of client satisfaction. Do you have the resources mentioned but not in an organized manner? Hire an intern! Post on our alma mater, design school job boards and platforms such as Handshake to find a design student eager to gain some experience working in a firm.
Connecting with the design and architecture community locally but also globally is another form of resourcing for your work. Follow social media accounts that inspire you or share valuable information. Reach out to other designers to complement them on a project, inquire about a particular piece or just to connect with them. Community fosters strength and inspiration, and in this new working world of remote and hybrid it is even more important to grow your group of like minded people. Growing your interior design community is also beneficial to business growth.
Take a look at some of the amazing interior designers we’ve had the honor of working with over the years. Go ahead, follow them if you don’t already do so.
Project Management Tools
Use project management tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, Notion or Coda to keep track of timelines, tasks and client communication. Used properly these tools help ensure efficient project delivery. They can be used to track everything from client kick-off meetings to project installation and beyond. The 19th&CO team have used Asana for many years and not only use it to track our client projects but also our internal day-to-day operations of the business. The possibilities are endless with project management tools, and most will allow you to customize them to work the way you work.
A 19th&CO client project template in Asana.
Business Operations Tools
Whether you are a well established design firm or just starting out, behind all your beautiful work needs to be a well oiled business operating system that is set up to provide as much automation as possible. Accounting and invoicing software come in many forms or there is also the option to outsource. Establishing the right approach for your business is the first step. There are interior design industry financial consultants who offer a wealth of experience making it a very quick and easy onboarding process. These consultants typically utilize the software you are already using for your business, set you up for more efficient use of the tool and work with you to establish best practices. If you decide to do it yourself or hire a team member to manage the finances for your business, industry specific software includes Studio Designer and Design Manager for larger firms while Mydoma Studio, Indema and Ivy by Houzz are popular with smaller design businesses. The standard programs such as Quickbooks, Freshbooks and Wave also do provide sufficient support as well. One detail to consider here is whether the financial software tool also offers a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) component. The history of your firm’s relationship with each and every client is essential for business growth, particularly repeat business.
Conclusion
Having all the right tools in place frees up the mind for enhanced creativity, ensures projects stay on track, and provides for better client satisfaction. There is always room for growth in any business and we hope this article will help you check in on the health of your firm’s operating tools and processes. And, before you head to that next site visit, remember your tool kit essentials!
19th&CO works with interior design firms of all sizes to promote healthy and happy work environments, developing operating systems and processes while working with designers to determine their specific needs and goals.
