SPECIFICATION BASICS FOR INTERIOR DESIGNERS: Include this in your specification documents

Summary

In this video, Cynthia from Space for Edit dives into the intricacies of interior design specifications. She explains that specs are primarily for tradespeople and the design team, detailing the importance of specifying everything from wall finishes and furniture to lighting and flooring. Cynthia provides practical tips on gathering and documenting essential information like product codes, finishes, and maintenance instructions. She emphasizes the need for clear communication to avoid costly mistakes and ensures a smooth installation process.

Takeaways

• 📄 Specification sheets are crucial documents in interior design projects, primarily for tradespeople and the design team, not usually for clients.
• 🏠 Everything in an interior space can potentially be specified by a designer, from furniture to wall coverings, lighting, and even artwork.
• 🔍 For wall finishes, it's important to specify the supplier, color code, finish type, and preparation and maintenance instructions.
• 🛋️ Furniture specifications should include product codes, quantities, finishes, and sizes, with details often referenced on technical drawings.
• 💡 Lighting specifications require attention to lamp types, color tones, lumen levels, and whether the fixture is dimmable.
• 🍽️ Equipment, especially in commercial settings, should be specified with details on finishes, sizes, model types, and power requirements.
• 🌿 Flooring specifications need to cover pattern types, sizes, thicknesses, and subfloor preparation methods.
• 🖼️ Breakout items, like artwork and decorative pieces, also require documentation of quantities, product codes, and dimensions.
• 💻 A helpful tip for organizing specification research is to name files with supplier and collection information to streamline the documentation process.
• 🔗 Collaboration with suppliers and reps is key, as they provide valuable information for accurate specifications and can save time in the design process.

Q & A

Who are specification documents primarily for in interior design projects?

Specification documents are primarily for the trade and the design team, including builders, decorators, architects, and the design team. Clients are usually not involved in the proofreading of these documents.

Can specification sheets be part of a technical drawing pack or a separate document?

Specification sheets can either be a separate document or added to a technical drawing pack, depending on the project requirements and the designer's preference.

What is an example of an item that would be specified by an interior designer?

Interior designers would specify items such as sofa finishes, fabrics, artwork, curtains, upholstery, tables, paint samples, wall coverings, lighting, and flooring.

What information is needed for specifying paint finishes in a specification document?

For paint finishes, the specification document should include the supplier, color code, finish type (matte, eggshell, waterproof, etc.), and preparation and maintenance instructions for the surface.

How does the specification process differ for wallpaper compared to paint?

For wallpaper, the specification includes the supplier, collection code, pattern/color spec, installation height, and maintenance instructions. It may also require an elevation drawing to show where the wallpaper starts and ends on the wall.

What additional information is required when specifying bespoke items like murals or vinyls?

Bespoke items like murals or vinyls require color specification, dimensions, and details about surface preparation. It's crucial to specify who is responsible for preparing the surface for installation.

Why is it important to specify the quantity of furniture pieces in a project?

Specifying the quantity of furniture pieces is important because it directly impacts the project budget. Misspecification can lead to significant cost discrepancies, especially for high-value items.

What are some key details to include when specifying lighting in an interior design project?

When specifying lighting, include the product code, finishes, sizes, lamp type, light color tone, Lumen levels, and whether the light is dimmable. This information is crucial for the electrician during installation.

Why might a designer specify equipment details even if it's not their area of expertise?

Designers might specify equipment details to ensure consistency with the overall design and to communicate specific requirements to the professionals responsible for equipment installation, such as finish and height specifications.

What should be considered when specifying flooring in an interior design project?

When specifying flooring, consider the collection, color or pattern, size, thickness, and any specific installation patterns like herringbone or fishtail. Also, include subfloor preparation requirements such as screening or leveling.

How can organizing digital samples during the research phase benefit the specification process?

Organizing digital samples with supplier and collection information in the file name during research can streamline the specification process by readily providing necessary details when compiling information for drawings and documentation.