How to make space for good design.

The difference between a customer doing business with you or your competition could be because they have compared your work environments. In today's competitive world, your "me too" space may not be making the difference you need to attract clients. Your business will profit when you "make space for good design."

When "making space for good design," you must first choose the right professional. In televisionland, rooms are transformed in a day, budgets are rarely talked about and everyone seems happy with the result. These quick solutions are usually the result of decorators that work only with surface finishes and require no license to do so. Should your space require more than aesthetics, choosing a decorator comes with risk. An interior designer, on the other hand, is qualified through education, examination, insurance and experience to ensure your space is functional, efficient, aesthetic and safe for your clients and staff. Interior designers transform the interior space to suit your business needs and enhance the quality of your working environment.

The Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (www.arido.on.ca) provides a starting point when looking for an interior designer.

Interior designers can be contracted for all or some of the following services:

* Pre-lease review -- site survey of a building footprint to ensure the best use of space and determine budget allotments

* Facility planning -- information gathering of short-/long-term goals, space allotments, ergonomics, furniture and equipment inventories/standards, signage/way finding, voice/data/electrical building systems, lighting/acoustics/air/security requirements

* Space planning -- sketches illustrating the organizational flow between work, public, etc. spaces within building code compliance and client budgets

* Design development -- selection of construction materials, lighting, signage, etc. in the form of drawings/3-D renderings/sample boards

* Construction documents -- construction drawings and written specifications for building permits and contractors

* Contract administration -- implementation of tenders to contractors and bid process

* Project management -- overseeing the contractor during construction

BENEFITS OF GOOD DESIGN

A well-designed space portrays business strength and entices customers who want to partner with you especially when your pricing is similar to your competition.