Interior Retail Design in NYC

Retail stores are the first point of contact between the customer and the brand.  As such, this “first impression” is critical when devising a solid marketing strategy for any company.   Within this context, retail designers play a fundamental role in optimizing spaces, setting up modern displays, and creating a welcoming arena for future buyers.

Think of your favorite retail store.  What did you like about it?  How did you feel when you walked in?  Every aspect of that space was carefully planned by a group of experts to enhance your experience and connect you to the brand.   The window displays, lighting, music, furnishings, and layout are all small factors of a grand marketing strategy that seeks to retain your loyalty and boost sales.

Realistically, there are hundreds of stores selling similar merchandise.  However, it takes a brilliant designer to find a way to distinguish these products and entice shoppers into the store.   For example, by adjusting the lighting on the window displays, setting up easily accessible checkout counters, using a particular scent, or adding positive language to the fitting rooms, designers can increase the amount of time that people spend at the store, promote the company’s merchandise, improve sales, and increase brand retention.

Aesthetic branding goes beyond presentation and it becomes an extension of the store.   A perfect example of retail branding is Apple, which has established itself as an innovative market player, with state of the art devises that are clean and user-friendly.  Therefore, many Apple stores convey the same message.   They tend to have an open space, clean lines, and gray with white furniture that emulates its laptops.  It also has areas displaying its latest products to allow people to test the devises and envision themselves as “future Mac users”.

Undeniably, the way the retail store is set up is a significant contributor to the company’s success.  Hence why store designers are in high demand.   They might be hired to set up projects yearly, seasonally, or on an ad hoc basis depending on the needs of the corporation.  They might even be given a look book and asked to build a similar display in their store.  Yet, regardless of the timing, their objective remains the same: establish a brand identity, boost sales, and mitigate losses and shoplifting.

Interior Hospitality Design in NYC

Hospitality interior designers are in charge of transforming spaces into hospitable areas.  Whether it is a hotel, restaurant, spa, or retail stores, these designers have a solid understanding of architecture, building codes, and construction, and seek to maximize space without compromising taste.  Given the scale of these projects, hospitality designers work closely with manufactures and contractors to oversee that all structural decisions are handled properly, such as, window placement, lighting, technological upgrades, and floor and ceiling design.  In addition, they are in charge of defining the scope of the project, provide blue prints, and materials selection, as well as, overseeing budgeting, scheduling, and execution plans.

For example, let’s say that a new hotel in Miami is under construction and seeks to cater to a very exclusive and demanding clientele.  In order to remain profitable, they need to ensure that the guests are satisfied, consume abundantly, and come back in the future.  In addition to securing the location, management must ensure that the spaces are delicately decorated, with spacious bathrooms, and impressive views.  In addition, the hotel should have an impotent and welcoming lobby, 5-star restaurants, outdoor spaces, high-end amenities, and a magnificent pool.  Clearly, this is a job fit of a hospitality interior designer, trained to prioritize functionality without compromising aesthetics.

Interior designers working in hospitality want to create a comfortable space away from home.   This feeling of comfort and luxury can be shaped based on layouts, color schemes, furniture choices, and lighting. Based on the client’s needs, the designer will adapt its choices.  However, it is very important to remain mindful of the clientele, business brand, and overall objective.   For example, such hotel in Miami might choose modern furniture, vibrant color patterns, and strong decorative accents.  These choices might be different from a hotel in Ohio, which will likely use a more subtle color palette with plus furniture.

Lighting is also key when it comes to hospitality interior design.  Savvy designers are well aware of the interplay of colors and furniture on smaller spaces.  For instance, rooms with vaulted ceilings might require wall fixtures which direct the light upwards, while smaller rooms might utilize overhead lighting or corner lamps.  As such, it is not only the location of the light, but also the scale of illumination.  Softer lights tend to be more calming, while brighter lights can generate more excitement.   Finally, the type of furniture dictates the functionality of a room. Open plans with spaced furniture convey more freedom, while groupings of furniture evoke feelings of intimacy.  Notwithstanding of the final selections, it is the designers’ job to ensure a cohesive and harmonious atmosphere.

Interior Dental Office Design in NYC

Setting up a dental practice can be one of the most exciting and daring projects.  This space should be welcoming, open, and functional. But more importantly, it should be your signature, a representation of your character, and philosophy as a practitioner.

According to the Dental Office Design Competition (DODC), there are five fundamental principles behind the most effective dental facilities:

1. Accurate depiction of the project objectives.  An effective designer must understand the practitioner’s needs and tailor the design to meet the business objectives.   One must be able to listen carefully and grasp the bigger picture.  Will the project improve functionality, grow the patient base, improve the technology available, and/or change the ambiance of the office?  To understand “why” this project is needed is crucial in securing an effective strategy and executing the client’s vision.
2. Achieves functional balance.  Your project – regardless of its scope or budget – should achieve a functional balance of architectural design, clinical function, technology integration, and ergonomic design.  By following these principles, the client will materialize his or her vision and create an effective and welcoming environment (both to patients and staff). As such, the combination of these pillars will result in a functional and well-designed practice.
3. Utilizes an effective floor plan.  An open floor is a blank canvas for designers who strive to maximize space.   The floor plan represents the long-term strategy of the practice, in terms of functionality, patient flow, and equipment.   An effective practice will have an open traffic flow and seamless transitions between public and private spaces.
4. Incorporates updated equipment.  As the dental market becomes more competitive, practitioners must embrace technological advances that improve patient care, comfort, and the clinical team’s well-being.  Recent research has shown that practices with state-of-the art equipment tend to be more resilient during economic downturns and have higher patient retention rates.

Looks professional and appealing.  First impressions are the most lasting.  A contemporary and attractive practice instills confidence in patients and reassures them that they are in the right place.  This subjective experience will weigh heavily on the feedback of the practitioner’s professionalism and quality of the service provided

Interior Commercial Design in NYC

A commercial building is a structure where 50% or more of its floor space is leased for commercial purposes.   These properties include offices, medical practices, warehouses, restaurants, retail stores, etc.  Finding the right place for one’s business is crucial in forecasting profitability.  However, in addition to securing the perfect location, commercial owners must also ensure that the space fits their strategy, functional needs, and aesthetic preferences.

Commercial spaces must be versatile, useful, and efficient for customers and employees.  As such, designers are tasked with transforming physical structures into profitable and livable spaces.  In other words, they will identify the mission of the business and devise a plan to materialize the client’s vision through daring color schemes, adequate furniture, fabrics, artwork, accessories, and any other necessary details.

Given the fast-paced nature of this line of work, commercial interior designers must be agile and adapt quickly to various types of businesses.   They must conceptualize large spaces and strive to find the best way to maximize financial returns, while sticking to a specific budget.  Whether the project involves construction or renovations (also known as field verification), designers must be acquainted with architectural layouts and placements, building materials, plumbing, and even electrical systems.  They must establish a proper dialogue with contractors and owners to ensure that the client’s vision is properly and timely depicted.  This combination of creativity and functionality allows the designer to maximize the existing space and set up the foundation of a successful business.