IDIAMM

As a designer you should always look beyond the style of a piece of joinery or room you are creating.
Think about it in real world terms:

1. How is it built?
2. How is it installed?
3. How is it maintained?

(Anyone who has attended my lectures know I am a big believe in the power of 3 – for obvious reasons).

This should be considered even in the basics i.e. something as simple as a new stone tiled floor, based on the above simple questions should lead to answers to the below:

1. What is the thickness and material height?
2. What is the existing foundation?
3. What is the underlay/packing out to be level with different floor finishes?
4. RAF?
5.Services require access? Heated flooring?
6. Level changes?

1. What is the setting out location? How big are the tiles? Will they fit in doorway?
2. Do I need underfloor heating and how is it managed?
3. Do I need power/data and what is the floor box requirements?
4. If a height change how is this managed and built?
5. What is the skirting detail and junction to joinery/door architraves?
6. Does it go under joinery or stop short?
7. If raised floor over a kitchen area in a commercial building have I allowed for binding and leak detection?
8.Material change location details?


1. How is it cleaned via manufacturer’s instructions? Special machinery? On site storage allowed?
2. How easily does it scratch/damage?
3. Does it need polishing?
4. Is it slip resistant where necessary? if not do I router grooves? inset a mattwell?

A good designer forward thinks and plans ahead early. This is good design management of your concept.

Show this thinking in an interview (i.e. SOARS) and prove your are more than a graduate designer by demonstrating an industry mindset!