Drafting for Interiors

By Sharyn Kidd | Kitchen and Bathroom Designer | Interior Drafter | Kingscliff NSW

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I’ve been doing a lot of interior drafting lately — detailed floor plans, layout recommendations, elevations and joinery designs for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and other spaces.

And honestly?

This is the part of my job I really love... give me a space and let me get the most out of it for you!

When you’re planning a renovation, it can be tempting to start by finding a builder or carpenter, especially if structural changes are concerned. They will help you determine if a wall is load-bearing or can easily be removed. Once this is established, engage the services of an Interior Designer with good drafting skills to determine what goes on inside those walls.

So, what exactly is interior drafting?

There are many different types of drafting; architectural, building, engineering, product and interior drafting just to name a few.

They all have different purposes.

Interior drafting is about looking at the inside of your space and working out how it can function, flow and look at its very best.

Rather than designing the actual structure of your building, I work with what’s inside it.

I look at the space as a whole and consider all the elements that affect the design; natural light, ceiling heights, windows and doors, plumbing and electrical services, circulation and thoroughfares, existing structures and, of course, how you actually want to live in the space.

Some things become our constraints. Others are opportunities.

And sometimes, what initially looks like a problem can actually become the best part of the design.

Concept creation;

Before I put pencil to paper ... or, more accurately these days, sit in front of a computer, I start with you.

What do you need?

What would you love?

What absolutely has to stay?

What would make your life easier? and

What have you been secretly hoping to squeeze into the space, despite the fact that there probably isn’t enough room?

This initial brief is incredibly important. I listen, ask questions and take notes, because what follows is a process of analysis, research and exploration.

Different concepts and layouts are considered, tested and refined until I arrive at the best solution for your space, your lifestyle and your budget.

This is where an Interior Designer earns their keep.

It takes time and experience to explore the possibilities, identify potential problems and make sure we haven’t overlooked something important. The goal isn't simply to make a room look beautiful, it needs to work beautifully too.

And then comes the drafting ...

Once the concept and layout have been established, the detailed drawings can begin.

Depending on the project, this may include;

* Floor plans

* Elevations

* Sections

* Joinery details

* 3D imagery

* Inspiration and reference images

* Finish, fixture and equipment specifications

* Details of proposed structural changes

* Mechanical or services information where required

And then there are the things that might seem terribly boring until someone gets them wrong…

Labels and dimensions!

Every important detail needs to be clearly communicated. The person implementing the design needs to understand exactly what is intended. From the overall layout right down to the smallest detail.

Because “they’ll know what I mean” is not actually a great construction strategy!

Good documentation removes uncertainty. It gives everyone involved a clear picture of what is being created and how all the individual elements fit together.

Once the design has been resolved and the drawings and specifications are complete, you then have something tangible to take to your preferred builder, carpenter, cabinetmaker or other tradesperson for pricing.

Suddenly, you're not asking someone to give you a price based on a conversation, a few ideas and a vague sketch on the back of an envelope.

You're giving them a proper set of drawings and specifications.

That means the quotes you receive are based on the same information making it much easier to compare them fairly.

In other words, you're comparing apples with apples, rather than apples with oranges, bananas and whatever else happened to be in the fruit bowl that day.

A plan gives you confidence.

Once your design and documentation are complete, the hard thinking has been done.

Your chosen builder or tradesperson can review the drawings, understand the scope of work and provide a more accurate quotation.

For a new kitchen, for example, once you've selected the company you wish to proceed with, they will undertake their own final site check before production begins.

And then you're on your way!

Of course, renovations are rarely completely straightforward. There will always be decisions, discoveries and the occasional “well, we didn't expect THAT” moment.

But good design and documentation can dramatically reduce the uncertainty.

You're investing in your investment.

A renovation is a significant investment in your home. It makes sense to invest some of that budget upfront in getting the design right.

A well-designed space should be functional, cohesive, considered and beautiful but it should also work for you for years to come.

So, if you're thinking about a new kitchen, bathroom, laundry, wardrobe or other interior renovation, here's my advice;

Start with the design. A builder can advise on structural changes if you are doing them.

Engage an Interior Designer who understands both the creative and technical sides of the process and who can look at your space holistically.

Get the ideas out of your head, onto paper and into a clear, workable plan.

Then find the person to build it (I can help you do that too)!

Because when the design is right, the rest of the process becomes a whole lot simpler.

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Planning a renovation? Let's start with the design. Click HERE

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