Interior Design

Interior design isn't just for homes. It's for offices, too. In fact, interior design services are for anyone who needs a space that's not only more comfortable, but also more practical. Indeed, a commercial interior design expert can help you create a workplace that's as efficient as it is attractive. After all, office interior design is equal parts form and function. Consider, for example, just a few of the interior design services that a good commercial interior design consultant can provide:

1. Decorating firms can help you with organization and storage.
2. An office designer can keep you compliant with local, state and federal building codes.
3. An interior design consultant can make your office safe, ergonomic and accessible.
4. Decorating firms can brand your business with furniture that matches your business identity.
5. An office designer can make your office more productive by optimizing light, acoustics and space.

Research interior design requirements before you begin

Before browsing decorating firms, prepare yourself to answer some basic questions, including: For whom is the space being designed? What will it be used for? And, what is your timeline and budget?
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Be prepared to ask as many questions as you answer. An important question to ask your office designer is, "Are you licensed?" Several states require the answer to be yes; consult the National Council for Interior Design Qualification to find out if yours is one of them.

Start your search for interior design services via online directories

While many interior designers and decorating firms advertise online, keep in mind that because most directories charge advertisers a fee, they aren't typically comprehensive.
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Directories of interior design services include LocalInteriorDesign.com and Interior Designers Worldwide. You can also look for interior design organizations at Business.com.

Look for a seasoned interior design consultant within professional associations

Most trade associations offer free referral services through which you can connect with a commercial interior design consultant. And thanks to exacting membership requirements, association members are more likely to have good education and experience.
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The American Society of Interior Designers, the Interior Design Society and the International Furnishings & Design Association have searchable online member directories of decorating firms.

Ask interior design schools for alumni referrals

Schools nationwide produce qualified interior design professionals and can often recommend former students in your area.
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Browse the Interior Design School Review or the Council for Interior Design Accreditation to find an accredited school — and an educated interior design consultant — in your area.

Consider niche decorating firms if you have unique spatial needs

While most decorating firms can handle your average office, interior design services come in many flavors; some specialize in certain types of commercial interior design, including design for health care, hotels, restaurants and retail.
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Visit the Institute of Store Planners to find an office designer that specializes in retail, or the Foodservice Consultants Society International to find one who specializes in foodservice.

Do it yourself with office interior design software

If you've got an especially small budget and very basic needs, you might consider being your own office designer.
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Download a free trial of SmartDraw, an easy-to-use interior design software that includes thousands of ready-made graphics. The interior design software from plan3D is designed for homeowners but can also be used for office interiors.  Find additional design applications via Business.com's interior design software directory.

• Make sure your office designer signs a contract so that all parties understand clearly what the project entails, how much it will cost and when it will be finished.
• Choose your interior design consultant based not only on price, but also on experience, background and the quality of both the service they offer and the merchandise they buy.
• Look for decorating firms that will meet with you regularly to review punch lists and budgets.
• An interior design consultant might charge a flat fee for the entire project, an hourly fee or a "cost plus" fee, whereby they purchase materials at cost and then sell them for an agreed-upon percentage more.