Exploring Informed-Design Services During the Project-Defining Phases in Commercial Interior Design

Given the growing recognition of design's influence on a range of performative outcomes, interior designers stand to capitalize on new opportunities—if they adeptly respond to new responsibilities. These responsibilities often begin by formulating well-defined problems, which, in turn, serve as the basis for informed-design solutions. However, the extent to which commercial interior designers offer informed-design services has yet to be identified. This study sought to understand the knowledge acquisition and knowledge application practices of commercial interior designers during the project-defining phases of the design process. It investigated these tactics by first identifying designers' perceptions of their clients' priorities and then comparing the delivery of informed-design services across contextual factors and individual characteristics. Finally, the study examined the communication processes involved in providing these services. Survey results from 165 commercial interior designers suggest that the provision of informed-design services is influenced by client priorities, market sector, and firm characteristics. Differences were also revealed among individual factors of professional preparation, title, and experience level, with senior-level staff more inclined to perform informed-design services. Moreover, while designers seemingly value services that employ dynamic, diachronic communication processes, they most often perform those involving two-way communication. Findings point to disparities between the most frequently provided services and those designers perceive to offer the most project insight. Taken together, results suggest that designers value a range of voices, but may not always invite these voices to the table.