5 Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Commercial Interior Design Firm

The 5 Questions you Should Ask Commercial Interior Designers

Finding the right commercial interior design team can feel like hiring a new employee of your own, and it is most definitely just as important. Does their design vision align with what you and your company want? Are you both on the same page? What services do they offer?

Just like hiring an employee, you want to ensure the commercial interior design team you hire is the right fit for your business. Whether you own a quiet dentist’s office, a coffee shop franchise or a bustling restaurant downtown, designers should be working to improve your business first and foremost.

Below are five questions you should ask while interviewing commercial interior designers to determine if they’re the right fit.

 

How does the commercial interior design team/firm decide which projects are best for them?

This is the designer equivalent of asking a potential employee: “why do you think this role is right for you?”

A commercial interior designer who evaluates your business and project will share their priorities with you. This will illustrate how they handle projects, their services, communication style, personality, design strategy, and other elements. The commercial interior design process can take a few months, or even a year depending on the project, so it’s important that the experience is smooth for everyone involved.

 

Does the commercial interior design firm have experience in your industry?

Asking what a design team’s existing and past clients were will give you insight into what industries they serve. An experienced commercial interior design team can mention a number of projects off-hand, procure a list and even link you to their past projects or client testimonials.

While interviewing design firms, ensure you review each portfolio carefully. This is like the commercial interior designer’s resume. Previous experience will give you and other decision-makers a clearer sense of what they do and their results.

Don’t hesitate to view projects that are similar to your business. For example, at Janks Design Group, our past projects include businesses such as bars, restaurants, new condo developments, dentistry, homes, ice cream parlours and more!

 

What was a past mistake they made with a project? How did they handle it and what were the takeaways?

You’ve likely heard or asked this question before in an interview. Working with a commercial interior designer requires trust and the ability to problem solve on the spot. It’s important to learn what the design team has learned from previous mistakes and what their response is if something goes awry.

Commercial interior designers may have preventative measures in place to mitigate past issues. For instance, a team could have close connections to reliable contractors and tradespeople and provide immediate solutions without charge if anything doesn’t go according to plan.

 

What is their approach to Project Management?

An experienced commercial interior design team should have a systematic approach for your type of business. Breaking down each phase of the project should be communicated to you early on to avoid confusion and surprises.

Phase one should include a strategy, plan, timeframe and accurate cost analysis. Expenses should be negotiated before unexpected expenses arise for the client. Ask if the quote outlines any logistics outside of interior design. Costs like additional consultants, changes during construction, permit fees and more should be discussed prior to signing off on a commercial interior design project.

We ensure to share our process openly with our clients at Janks Design Group.

 

Are they Communicative and Responsive to you? Do they prefer client involvement?

Good communication is never underrated, especially while working with a commercial interior design company. Working with a design firm is more than selecting paint colours and materials, it’s a two-way conversation about your company’s vision, branding, culture, values and goals. It shouldn’t surprise you that these building blocks of your company influence your interior design.

Having a contact who’s accessible to your firm and who comfortably addresses problems will help you achieve your design goals. At JDG, we communicate using presentations, 3D models, detailed floorplans, specification packages, material boards and more. This allows our clients to review the design before any construction so we can make any changes if necessary. It is MUCH easier (and less expensive) to make a change early in the design phase, rather than amidst construction.

If you’re looking for a commercial interior design team for your business, then don’t forget to reach out to us and see if we’re the right design company for you!

 

How Instagram Has Changed the Way We Design Vancouver Restaurants

Social Media’s Influence on Restaurant Interior Design

OEB Brentwood // Designed by JDG // Photo by Twist&Shutter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the rise of social media, in particular, the photo-sharing app Instagram, interior design has never been more important for the restaurant industry in Vancouver. Roughly 1 billion people actively use Instagram and it has become an incredible marketing tool for many businesses, including interior designers.

Delicious food may attract your customers, but instagrammable restaurant interior design features could bring in a whole new demographic of visitors. Social media has a great influence on people’s perceptions and attraction to restaurants, and if they know you are photo-friendly, they will definitely want to book a reservation.

Whether that’s a mural that your guests can stand beside, a cozy nook filled with plants, or an eye-catching neon sign hanging overhead, our team at Janks Design Group is going to explain how exactly social media has changed the way we address restaurant interior design.

The professional interior designers at Janks Design Group have extensive knowledge about the changing interior design trends in the restaurant industry and know how to create a unique and instagrammable space.

 

You Can’t Get a Good Photo without the Right Lighting

Yugo Restaurant // Designed by JDG // Photo by: Fyfe Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How exactly has Instagram changed the way we, interior designers, think about a restaurant space? Well, because we know that most of your customers are likely going to have an Instagram account or simply enjoy taking pictures, we work to create an environment that has plenty of photo opportunities.

Lighting can play a big role in the aesthetics of your restaurant’s interior design. There are many types of lighting styles, from ambient to task lighting, but it all depends on the kind of mood you want for your restaurant.

One of the first things that will ruin a photo is bad lighting. People can be too shy to use the flash on their cameras, so they will miss out on an instagrammable moment, and therefore your business will miss out on free social media marketing.

People love taking photos of their food as soon as it gets placed on their table, perfectly untouched. Putting spotlights over each table is a small detail, but will make a big difference. Our team of experienced interior designers did this at Yugo, a Japanese and French fusion Vancouver restaurant.

Restaurant Yugo // Designed by JDG // Photo by Fyfe Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While many restaurants want to set the mood with dim, romantic lighting, it is not helpful for taking photos.

As professional interior designers, we can ensure good quality lighting for photos, as well as maintain your brand throughout the space. We will establish a balance, incorporating plenty of natural light throughout while providing warm tones with artificial lighting.

Decorative lighting can also be used to make your space more instagrammable. A popular lighting fixture is the neon sign. They look great in photos and can be a signature for your restaurant, a symbol that people will recognize on social media and will want to come experience in person.

You can be bold with a neon sign by incorporating humour or something that speaks to the current generation. This will evoke a reaction from your customers and just might encourage them to take a picture. This has been a proven tactic in the city of Vancouver which boasts a young nightlife culture.

 

Get Creative with your Restaurant Interior Design

Bar Botanique in Amsterdam // Designed by Studio Modijefsky // Photo Source: retaildesignblog.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your restaurant’s design can increase business as it attracts more visitors because it stands out from other restaurants. Our professional interior designers at JDG can create instagrammable features that will make people want to wait in line, just so they can grab a photo with their meal.

Fun and creative interior design elements are great for restaurants because they add colour and texture, and when combined with the right lighting and decor, pull everything together. Here are just a few:

 

Murals

Dandy’s Icecream // Designed by JDG // Photo by Fyfe Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once our interior designers have finished creating an instagrammable interior space, you can reflect your brand’s creativity and design on the outside.

The team of professional interior designers at JDG helped create the mural for Dandy’s Ice Cream in Regina, Saskatchewan. It reflects their brand colours and stands out in the space, making it a perfect backdrop for photo opportunities.

Murals are a great addition to the exterior of your restaurant. It will attract people walking by and give customers something to do while waiting for a table. These colourful artworks make for the perfect backdrop and are specifically designed to incorporate a person’s body in the photo, such as angel wings for example.

 

Tile

#ihavethisthingwithfloors // Photo Source: @ihavethisthingwithfloors @comeonayleen Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A trend that we have been continually seeing is beautiful and intricate tile in restaurant interior design. Tiles can be a colourful accent that adds to the overall aesthetic of your space.

If you own a modern-style restaurant that utilizes bright colours, florals, and patterns, then tile can add the flare you are looking for, while looking great in photos.

 

Plants

People typically love nature and incorporating plants into your restaurant’s interior design is a good idea. We added plants to the Earnest Ice Cream North Vancouver location because it paired perfectly with the other elements of biophilic design such as the wooden accents.

You can read more about how to incorporate organic and natural design in our article on biophilia.

Earnest Icecream // Designed by JDG // Photo by Fyfe Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are an interior design firm located in Vancouver, British Columbia, specializing in the design of residential and commercial spaces.

If you are looking to create a memorable dining experience for your guests and utilize the power of social media marketing, the team at Janks Design Group can make your Vancouver restaurant interior, an instagrammable space.

Patios

How Interior Designers and the City of Vancouver are using outdoor space to help the food and beverage industry survive COVID-19.

Since the effects of COVID-19 first struck Vancouver businesses, Janks Design Group has reached out to our existing food and beverage clients to offer our assistance as they navigate the new restrictions and guidelines.

Fortunately, on June 1st 2020, the City of Vancouver launched the Temporary Expedited Patio Program (TEPP). The TEPP allows businesses that serve food and liquor to temporarily expand their existing seating to the outdoors. This expansion gives Vancouver restaurants and other businesses the opportunity to somewhat maintain their seating capacity, while maintaining physical distancing requirements outlined by the Provincial Health Officer. Starting at the beginning of patio season – this program has proven successful. Within the first month of the launch, the City of Vancouver issued over 180 temporary patio permits – including Field & Social on East 5th Avenue, OEB Breakfast at Marinaside Crescent, and Vancouver Soup Company on East 1st Avenue.

Janks Design Group has been working with our clients to make use of the TEPP, with 3 patios already approved and set up, and many more on the way. By using our interior design knowledge of space planning, social arrangements, and clearances, we are able to make the most of the outdoor space available to each business. If you are looking to explore the city, and experience outdoor dining at one of the new temporary patio expansions, the City of Vancouver website outlines the recently approved temporary patios. Click here to learn more about the program, and which of your favourite local businesses is making use of the TEPP.

Who knows, perhaps Vancouver will follow in the famous footsteps of European restaurants and make outdoor dining a major aspect of the city.

Imagery Source: Unsplash