In short about the Scope of work 

The Scope of work is an important part of Project documentation and agreements. It represents the narrative description of a project's work requirements. It defines what tasks must be done, who is responsible for completing which task, in which timelines, provides any other necessary details and conditions.

It is usually an integral part of a request for proposal (RFP) and the service agreement of each Consultant/Contractor. During Project development, it is one of the useful tools for measuring performance against project goals.

When do Interior designer duties start and finish?

Interior Design Consultant is usually involved in the pre-construction phase when the process of creating a project design begins. In this phase, the Owner and Project Manager hire the design team. The structure of the design team depends on the Project type but typically consists of one or more architects including Interior designer, an engineering team and team of specialists. The design activities take place in line with the project schedule. 

Putting an idea on paper is just one step towards transforming an idea about the project into a reality. 

While most design work is carried out during the pre-construction phase of a Project, Design team, including Interior Designer, usually continue to provide their services during the construction phase. In this phase, Interior designer work in tandem with architects, contractors, and manufacturers to ensure all physical structures and architectural elements are aligned with the Owner’s vision and business requirements

The duration of engagement for each consultant is part of his contract and was agreed with Owner/PM. 

Interior Designer’s Scope of works after Design and Drawing Production Phases 

This post examines the scope of work (tasks, activities, deliverables and timeline) of Interior Designer after Design and Drawing production phase. 

It is necessary to have in mind that the scope of services may vary within each project but generally include:

Construction Administration 

The Consultant will provide support during the interior fit-out/FF&E procurement period with the following:

Interior Design Consultant during the Construction Administration will review and comment on finish samples, submittals and shop drawings of the interior fit-out and FF&E submitted by the contractor(s) and suppliers to comment on their compliance with the design intent and approved material specifications.

If necessary, the Consultant will provide and coordinate his Value Engineering recommendations with PM. 

Project Team including Interior Design Consultant will coordinate individual specifications against all Construction Documents. 

The consultant will also examine Loose Furnishings + Fixtures prototypes, samples, Contractor proposed alternatives, shop drawings and suppliers as necessary to ensure conformance with the interior design intent. For this reason, Interior Designer may be required to do factory reviews. It is assumed that details relating to the trips (reimbursable budget, procedure) are defined in his Contract. 

The Consultant’s process of approving finishes and product samples relates to their compliance with specified quality standards and acceptability from a design point-of-view. The approving procedure has to be coordinated within the Project team.

 The consultant also will provide general assistance to, the person or persons responsible for the procurement and installation of the FF&E items based on the items/suppliers specified in the control books.

The Interior Design’s deliverables will be the following:

• The official replies to all contractor submissions including shop drawings, product data and samples or other submissions.
• Revised Construction Documents (as required) with incorporate selected alternative or any other changes.
• Written answers to all questions regarding design intent of the Construction Documents in an agreed timeframe. 

Construction

It is considered that Construction of the Project lasts from the moment physical construction begins until physical construction ends. 

Interior Design Consultant shall periodically visit the site during the interior fit-out/FF&E period. Frequency of visits will be determined by Designer and Owner/PM at the commencement of interior architecture installation. He shall review the Contractor’s work, the vendor’s installations and the general quality of workmanship on site and shall provide general observation of the work quality at the Design Area. Consultant shell issue Report after each visit, to alert Owner/PM of any deviations from the Construction Documents and agreed alternates.

The consultant will visit the place of manufacture to view major pieces of FF&E during production to comment on the quality. He also will visit local suppliers or artwork/accessories vendor if necessary. 

All visits have to be directed and authorized by the Owner/PM in advance. 

Consultant shall inspect the finished works and provide the Owner/Project Manager with the schedule of defects and omissions, for the Contractor(s) and Purchasing Agent to rectify under the direction of the Project Manager. 

The Consultant provides supervision of final installation of furniture and furnishings. It is common that before opening, Consultant spent some time on the site (to be defined period and duration). He will assist with the “dress out” of FF&E items ( like accessories, antiques and artefacts) before hand-over to the Owner. Interior Design Consultant will perform these activities together with other Consultants like the Art Consultant and Lighting Consultant...

 The Interior Design’s deliverables will be the following:

• Reports with Deficiency Inspection list for all areas described in the Designer’s Scope of Work.
• Final Snag list 

 In the pre-construction phase, the construction of the Model room may occur. In this case, the Consultant’s scope for Model Room and FF+E procurement is the same as for the full Project construction. 

Site Representation

Commonly, the Consultant shall not be required to be present at the job site on a full-time basis. If required, Interior Design Consultant shell include in his offer a separate fee for full-time site representation commencing at the fit-out stage through to the end of construction.

Additional services

If required, additional services will be provided by Interior Design Consultant. These services will be fulfilled upon approved in writing by the Owner/PM, on a time and expense basis. These services may include, but are not limited to:

• Owner changes beyond the originally approved scope and/or design.
• Additional renderings, presentation material, photographs.
• Graphic designs for all loose collateral elements such as in-room, compendiums, stationery and other printed matter as determined by Owner/PM 
• Additional visits to local suppliers or artwork/accessories vendor 
• additional liaison/approval of drawings and samples due to or additional suppliers/manufacturers being introduced (post-approval) by the Purchasing Agent resulting
• Purchasing services: if the Owner/PM requests that the Consultant purchase on the Owner’s behalf some items ( light fixtures, carpeting, wall coverings, fabrics for upholstery, accessories, free-standing furniture, plants and similar items).The details about purchase services (procedure, activities, payment conditions: commission… have to be agreed between Owner/PM and Consultant.

Importance of Interior Designer’s Scope of Works

The Interior Designer’s scope impact on the final result of the Project. Defining the clear Scope of Work for each Consultant and each phase of Project development is crucial for Project success.

The preparation of a precise scope of work for Interior design Consultant facilitates in the achievement of the design intent, project goals according to schedule, quality, budget, within the framework of project plans.

As an example, how important Interior design is, especially in hospitality industry, I choose The Middle House Shanghai (2012 – 2018). This Project which consists of two tower buildings: The Middle House Hotel with 111 rooms, restaurants, events space, swimming pools and spa, and the Middle House Residences with 102 mid-stay apartments.

The Middle House Shanghai was designed under the standards of Swire Hotels group by famous Italian architect Piero Lissoni. The scope of Lissoni Architettura the façade concept and the interior design for both tower buildings.

As stated on Lissoni Architettura site:’ The idea behind the interior design project is based on a combination of different expressive forms: stylistic features that are typical of the history and culture of local crafts are placed in relation to contemporary elements to generate an attractive spatial equilibrium. Based on an astute use of contrast, style, material and color, the internal living areas are sophisticated and elegant, based on simplicity but studied down to the last detail.’

With his recognizable manner Lissoni, built a fresh brand appearance with local personality. His interior design represents the mixture of west and east experience, modern and traditional style connected harmoniously. The furniture items designed also by Piero Lissoni contribute that the spaces are elegant and attractive.

 The inside/outside appearance of the building are connected with applied materials and colors,

The Middle House Shanghai is a proof that interior design is the key factor for additional value and comfort to the property. 

If I missed anything, please post your comments below.