Purchasing Resources for Interior Design Software

Buying Interior Design Software

Interior design software frees you up from mundane tasks allowing more time for creativity
By Sandy Mitchell The Write Destination Spend more time with your clients, and let interior design software assist you with the less-glamorous necessities of running a business. Commercial interior design software streamlines the proposal process and tackles time-consuming business and accounting tasks. Such programs also help you track a project from proposal to final payment. 
 

Here are a few things interior designer software can do.

1. Create a 3D interior design client proposal
2. Track payments and invoices to and from clients
3. Help you create a budget for your business
4. Remind you of critical project deadlines
5. Monitor vendor orders, shipments and commissions

Define your interior design software needs

Most interior design firms will benefit from a program that allows you to present clients with a virtual walk-through of your proposed design. Such 3D interior design software gives you the flexibility to modify details right on site. Other features of interior design software programs include budget spreadsheets, client invoice and payment tracking as well as vendor shipments, payments and commissions. Take an objective look at your business and decide which features are necessities and which ones you can live without.
Try: The American Society of Interior Designer's (ASID) Web site offers a number of excellent resources to help you manage your interior design business, including advice on how to choose a business software package.

Examine a variety of interior designer software

Home interior design software comes in a variety of price ranges, offering an array of features and options. If yours is a small business, you may not need all of the budgeting and accounting features that a large firm needs. Shop around to find the package that's best for your company.
Try: Companies like 2020 Technologies offer a wide range of interior design software products, such as their Giza Studio software, which interfaces with a variety of manufacturer catalogs. Their 20-20 Biz Manager is an easy-to-use program that combines design and basic business functions.

Explore online interior design software options

The Internet is a great place to begin shopping for your business software. Some companies even offer online software that you can download directly from their Web site.
Try: Plan 3D was designed for consumers, but also has useful small design business applications. Punch! Software's interior designer software offers image libraries from some of the top home design and improvement companies they've partnered with.

• Make sure your computer meets the software's minimum requirements before you buy an interior design software program.
• Consult your accountant. A trained professional who is familiar with your books, even one with whom you only consult at tax time, can help you determine which interior design accounting software is best for your business.
• Commercial applications can help you with back-office tasks as well as with design proposals.
• Having the best interior design software program won't help your business if you and your staff don't know what it can do and how to use it. Be sure to include training in your purchasing budget. Most software programs offer training. Sometimes it's included in the purchase price.