How a Hotel Design is coordinated from the beginning concept design schematics to the finalized, installed products is a very detailed process that should be thoroughly documented within the Project Schedule.
- Programing / Project-Kick Off
In the Process of Programing, the Interior Designer determines the Scope of Work and develops the preliminary space plans. They also start developing a Design Narrative for the project and location, based on the Brand guidelines. After this is completed there is a Project Kick-Off Meeting with the Ownership, Interior Designer, Architect, and any other trades involved on the project at the time.
- Schematic Design (30% Submittal)
Based on the meeting notes, the Interior Designer then selects furniture, all finish materials and fabrics, and preliminary concept design boards, which all relate to the initial design narrative established for the property. At this point, thirty percent of the project is finalized, and the Brand might require submittal for approval. Comments usually take about fifteen business days, and the Interior Designer should follow up with comments. The Interior Designer will implement these changes into the next submittal, which is the sixty percent submittal, or the Design Development submittal to the Brand.
- Design Development (60% Submittal)
Now the Design starts to get more specific to the Property. All sizing is taken into consideration, including ceiling heights for lighting installation, widths of walls affecting FF&E sizing, elevator width and elevator height for installation of any furniture on the upper floor Guestrooms, etc. To get the best results possible, the Interior Designer is forward-thinking and makes sure to address critical items affecting the FF&E installation early on in the project.
- Design / Construction Documentation (90% Submittal)
At this phase, the Interior Designer finalizes all of the specifications and Interior Design drawing documentation. Interior Finish, Decorative Hardwired Lighting, and sometimes even Bathroom Accessory and Plumbing Schedules are created and included within the drawing set for reference by the Contractors. After all of the Interior Design deliverables are approved by the Ownership and the Brand, the Interior Designer produces a Specification Binder and submits it to the General Contractor for reference at the Property.
- Bidding and Negotiation (100% Submittal)
In the instance that the General Contractor bid is higher for the construction or renovation of the hotel, the Interior Designer is able to take the original design and find similar sources for the items which are less expensive. This process is called value engineering and makes the design more economical for the Hotel Owner. At this point the project should be completely approved by both the Ownership and the Brand.
