VDIS10002 Residential Interiors Lecture 2:

Design Brief Ramona Solomon

A “brief” is a set of instructions from a client. It should outline the scope of work requiring the problem-solving skills of a designer. It is not possible for the designer to begin concept development until as much information as possible relating to the brief has been gathered. A meeting should be set up between the client and the designer, on-site if possible, to discuss the parameters of the project. While it is the client who must tell the designer what work is envisaged, the designer very often has an active role in helping the client define what is called for. Clients often have only a vague - or even mistaken - idea of what a project calls for and what possibilities actually exist. Open discussion involving questions, answers and some brainstorming will help form a basis on which the designer can build. It is important to note that this type of discussion can only occur successfully where some form of rapport has been established between the client and the designer.

Gathering a brief

Deciphering the

needs, wants, &

goals

of the project.

When we visit a client for the first time, We listen. We take notes. We take some pictures to help us remember the space.

• Space to be conceptualised • Clients likes and dislikes • Function of the space/s • Furniture, fittings and finishes required • Furniture, fittings and finishes to remain or be retained • Number of people to use the space • Scope of budget • Lifestyle information e.g.:- pets, hobbies, pastimes • contact numbers for the client - phone, mobile, fax, email • Address and site address where different • Atmosphere to be created • Special requirements for storage, security, hobbies, handicaps • Project time frame - (long or short term, deadlines) • Any council regulations, covenant stipulation or heritage listing requirements applicable to the property • Temperature variations - daily and seasonally

Information to be gathered

The questions can go on and on…. Sometimes clients are ready with answers to all these questions and more. Sometimes clients need more time to come up with answers. Sometimes some of these items contradict each other - like the list of must-haves and budget.

The letter of agreement is a contract that is written up between the designer and the client. After initial consultation with the client the designer sets forth the scope of work to be covered and the terms on which work will be billed. The client is to make an acceptance in writing prior to any work commencing. Strict verbal agreements can be valid contracts, however since terms are not recorded, they can readily become subject to dispute. Experience suggests that some agreement in writing is essential. For larger projects a review of contractual documents by a lawyer familiar with the field is generally advisable.

Letter of Agreement  

After all the agreements are signed, budgets and fees are discussed, and we're ready to start the project, we make a list from those notes of the clients defined goals.

Then, once everything is hashed out, we basically have the our parameters of the project. With these items figured out, we can begin to wrap ourselves around your project and develop a design that takes into consideration all of these parameters and builds a solution.

After a brief analysis has been completed, it should be used to form a research plan. Initial investigation should obtain any council regulation documents or OH&S pertaining to the job at hand. Some suggestions: a) develop lists of prospective sources from the Yellow pages; b) use the telephone, internet, fax and email to establish possibilities; c) work from your own professional library to source products and finishes that have application potential; d) begin an “ideas file” from magazines, and photocopies of pictures in library and reference books. (Some clients may already have developed such a file which they would be happy to lend to you). e) some research may need to be done regarding the “decorative style” the client is wishing to implement in the design/decor of their home/property. This is particularly vital when renovating period style houses where modifications to historically listed properties is restricted to retain the authenticity and original charm of its day.

Research for a Simple Brief

Mini TASK 1 – Week 1 Research interior design typologies; apartments, beach houses, town houses. Select a site, somewhere familiar and accessible for measuring With your site selected, review the space and identify OHS issues that may be a cause for concern. Identify legislative requirements that will need to be considered for new design work, eg Body Corporate, local by-law and National Building Codes. When you have read through the ‘Macleay Regis Brief’ (in the resource file); prepare a clients’ brief showing your understanding of the clients requirements for the project   This brief should be in point form between 750 – 1000 words.

Mini TASK 2 – Week 2 Research and assemble,

10 -20 images of existing residential interior environments to communicate your design intent, or, direction for the style of the interior you intend to propose for the ‘Macleay Regis Brief’. Present as, a ‘power point’ for the approval of your client.