Interiors

"Web searching is only one component of the discovery process.

We supplement our print library with manufacturers' websites for updates, CAD details and photos, for drawings and presentations," says Dale A. Greenwald, Interior Design Director, Cannon Design, New York City. Other techniques include focus groups, publications, and trade shows, which provide exposure to a lot of information in a short amount of time, along with a chance to make comparisons. Monthly staff meetings cover discussion about new or interesting products. The staff compiles a database of favorite products, sorted by category. Greenwald's interiors group typically investigates solid surfaces, wood, stone, laminates, flooring, coatings, lighting, and textiles. Evaluation criteria are applied for each product, as follows:

1. Performance characteristics
2. Testing methodologies and results
3. Installations (local and largest)
4. Warranties
5. References (client, installer, contractor)
6. Sustainability
7. Availability − lead times, install times
8. Installer Recognition − familiarity or training
9. Cost (comparatively to other similar products or materials)
10. Advantages and Disadvantages

Designer Robert Berry, AIA, LEED AP, Principal, RTKL, Baltimore, Maryland weighs novelty versus performance when searching for new materials and products. For a Baltimore office building lobby, Berry was searching for something different to address a design issue. He stumbled upon a sample in the firm's interiors library and wanted more information. The paint finish on the metal sample was a technique developed locally, without a history of other applications. He visited the local shop, where the owner was reluctant to share details of his proprietary process. Berry and his specifications writer carefully evaluated the technique, and reviewed many samples before specifying the process.

Color selection generally occurs after products and materials have been evaluated and chosen. (Photo: RTKL)

An advantage for many large firms, especially those specializing in a few building types, is the established relationships they have with many companies and suppliers, which reduces the need for constant product research. "These companies are always in the office, doing luncheon seminars, sharing what's in the pipeline, so we know where the market is going. Using search engines at the outset has become second nature, but construction industry search engines and paper catalogues provide a full collection of information, in addition to a substantial office material and product library. Bookmarking favorite sites saves time. We use PDFs constantly, especially photos of materials, because they are easy to print, file, add to the project binder, and use in presentations. We document what we use, and where, for future reference," Berry says.

RTKL does a lot of international work, which means more due diligence when checking out local fabricators, products and company histories to determine what is cost effective and best for the client. Typically, the firm works with a local architect during design development, and both firms select materials to achieve a desired look. In one instance, Berry specified granite for an office building in Poland, and wanted to work with local suppliers and distributors.

He sent U.S. samples to the client and local architect, and flew to Poland to find a close match that would meet performance criteria, quality and aesthetics. "We set the direction of the material palette early on, and remained open minded. The choices may be different abroad, but as long as everyone understood cost and value, we were usually able to match materials without a problem," says Berry.