Specifications

For clients, one of the often overlooked and misunderstood steps in the design process is materials and specifications. This step in design gives the appearance of simplicity, when in actuality it is one of the most complex and research intensive portions of the project. Next to choosing the right designer and the right contractor, materials and specifications is one of the most important aspects of ensuring a project’s success. The main premise of this phase of design is that all materials that will be used in the project are included in the set of documents given to a contractor – spelled out to include everything from size, color and the manufacturer’s name and product numbers. This list of materials – known as specifications – is important for two reasons: quality and cost. First, it is used to tell the contractor what level of quality is expected throughout the project. A contractor can quickly see that a project is high end by noticing top-notch manufacturer names in the list. Second, in the same way it sets the bar for quality, it also points to the intended project cost by listing actual products, appliances and fixtures to be installed. Contractors use the specifications to determine the price of the project and establish their bid for the work. Those who select products must be knowledgeable of the current technologies, building methods and available products to be effective in their role.

At face value, materials and specifications seems simple: choose a product, list the critical components for the contractor to locate and purchase it and call it a day. Unfortunately, this misconception can lead to tension in a project if the client does not expect their designer or architect to spend an appropriate amount of time researching the products that end up on the specifications list. Locating manufacturers is much easier with online research and most architectural and design offices stock product literature from all types of product suppliers. However, if the project requires an unusual material, it can often take much more time to locate an appropriate product supplier. Manufacturers and suppliers are often evaluated for their commitment to the environment, their solvency, and their customer service; no one wants to contribute to harming the environment and when problems occur, it is good to know their sales team will be there to answer questions or solve problems. After manufacturers have been identified, individual products are assessed according to a set of criteria (usually established during previous phases of design). Qualifications such as durability, cost, environmental impact, aesthetics and warranty are considered. The manufacturer’s reputation or customer service may sway the choice when two products are seemingly alike, or an in depth look at the product in person may act as tie-breaker. Samples of products are usually ordered throughout the design development stage for initial selection by the client, but some materials that are not ‘client facing’ may come up at a later stage.

It is important for the person selecting the materials to have a broad understanding of what they are specifying. In addition to understanding individual products or materials, the specifier needs to understand the implications of how each material reacts with other materials and how they are joined together to ensure structural integrity, connections that won’t leak and excellent indoor air quality. No material can be considered independently of the those it comes in contact with. Finally, a specifier will have a knowledge of the sequencing of construction to ensure that the materials they select have appropriate lead times to arrive at the job site in proper sequence. Selecting materials that have long lead times, either due to manufacturing or shipping slow downs, can cause the entire project timeline to break down and result in costly delays.The intricacies of selecting the appropriate materials for a construction project are best left to the capable hands of a designer or architect with experience in specifications. One can quickly see the benefit of allowing appropriate time for product evaluation, as it will ensure a successful project both during construction and well after occupancy.

Annaline Interior Design staff qualified through education, experience and examination, will research and select appropriate materials and finishes to design healthy, safe and comfortable physical environments. We work closely with architects, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, and builders, to determine how interior spaces will function, look, and be furnished.

During specification process we will carry out all of the following tasks:

- Confirmation that preliminary space plans and design concepts are safe, functional, aesthetically appropriate, and meet all public health, safety and welfare requirements, including code, accessibility, environmental, and sustainability guideline.

- Selection of colors, materials and finishes to appropriately convey the design concept and to meet socio-psychological, functional, maintenance, lifecycle performance, environmental, and safety requirements.

- Selection and specification of furniture, fixtures, equipment and millwork,  and provision of contract documentation to facilitate pricing, procurement and installation of furniture.

- Administration of contract documents, bids and negotiations as the client's agent.

- Observation and reporting on the implementation of projects while in progress and upon completion, as a representative of and on behalf of the client; and conducting post-occupancy evaluation reports.