We briefly discussed the important of project management for an Interior Designer and the 3 stages of project management in a project. Now, lets take a look at another form of project management practice in interior design.
In any interior design development, very often, clients may request for additional service other then the traditional interior design service offered by an Interior Designer. One of this additional service is project management. In some projects, the Interior Designer may be requested to act not as the Interior Designer for the project, but as a Project Manager for the project or both. That means, the Interior Designer will be served as the agent or representative for the client on a project overseeing the project from start to finish.
Sometime an Interior Designer maybe serving both as an Interior Designer and a Project Manager for the project. Note that serving both roles can be confusing as you will be acting as the Project Manager inside the design office for the project (as discussed in the previous post) as well as acting as the Project Manager for the Client.
Your professional fees can be very high and lucrative when serving as a Project Manager for the client comparing to just the standard interior design services.
Lets focus on acting as the Project Manager for the client. As a Project Manager for the Owner, some of the services you may be requested to provide will include but not limited to the following:
- selecting the project team including the Designer, the Engineers and other consultants etc.
perform pre-design planning work such as functional requirements, project budgeting, project scheduling, concept statements, design briefs and etc. - overseeing the entire design process and review design proposals, drawings and provide inputs and approvals etc.
- chair and participate in meetings
- manage and coordinate with Governmental officials for permit requirements etc.
- selecting contractors for the construction of the project
- review various types of contracts and negotiations
- construction administration work during construction
- site reviews and inspections during construction
- post construction work
- etc.
The above service list are just some of the basic items depending on the scope of service and the type of projects. Nevertheless, a Project Manager’s wages or professional fees can be very high and lucrative. Lastly, serving as a Project Manager for the client can be fulfilling and satisfying but will demand you to have well rounded skills, good communication skills and senior level experiences.
In summary, if you are running your own interior design company or if you are planning to start your own design firm, providing project management services to your clients should be part of your list of services as the charge out fees can be very high.
Learn Interior Design Lesson 3: Project Manager as Agent Summary:
- Interior Designer can be asked to serve as the Project Manager for the client
- Being the Project Manager for the client is different then being a Project Manager inside the design office running a project
- serving as a Project Manager for the client will require good communication skills and senior level experiences
- all Interior Designers should consider not just learning project management skills but also should consider offering project management services for the clients
- the professional fees for project management services can be high and very lucrative compare to the standard interior design services
