SEMINAR DISCUSSIONS

Week 1

What do you want out of this unit?

To improve my knowledge of business identity issues as they pertain to interior architecture, and to be able to build professional abilities in connection to the practice of interior architecture on marketing and entrepreneurship. I want to learn about mode-of practice strategic planning and competitor analysis in connection to a future career in interior architecture so that I may assess new and developing professional difficulties and be able to anticipate client expectations in my firm.

What are the opportunities for interior architects in your given topic?

The F&B business has long benefited architects. Even when the pandemic struck and stores closed never endingly, I noted that another retail chain would always take over the lot one after the other. And the result? The shop would be refurbished every time. Since the lockdown, social media, particularly Instagram has risen, creating a domino effect in the F&B business, where the tendency has become interior aesthetics trumps food quality. Cafes continue to compete visually, and with more F&B establishments remodeling extravagantly, interior architects have a plethora of opportunities and business in the industry.

Should interior architects be aware and design for future trends? Why or why not?

Absolutely. As a designer, keeping up with the trend is one of the most crucial steps in leading a successful business. Designers should learn about the different styles of interior design so they can match their clients’ needs. it enables designers to start thinking about how they can make variations in their designs to accommodate for future trends in interior design. I became increasingly aware that as a designer, you need to be aware of trends and their influence on the consumers’ buying decision. To put it simply, you cannot design and then get the consumer to desire the product, the design needs to suit their needs and desires.

Week 2

What do you think is an interior architect’s value proposition to their clients?

One of the value propositions would be their proficiency in designing interior spaces that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing, To examine a client’s requirements and preferences in order to provide design solutions that strike a balance between form and function, subsequently managing the project from planning to completion, which includes setting a budget, organising tasks, and keeping an eye on construction. Utilise knowledge of materials, lighting, colour, and texture to choose and arrange them in a way that makes the most use of the given space and improves the client’s experience. Interior architects should use sustainable design techniques to lessen their influence on the environment and increase energy efficiency as the focus on sustainability increases globally. Overall, an interior architect’s value proposition is to offer customers a full range of design services that satisfy their requirements, improve their quality of life, and increase the value of their home.

Do you think we as an industry need to strengthen the architect’s value in the public’s eye? Why or why not?

Definitely. We can raise public knowledge and admiration for the profession by emphasising their principles and contributions to society. Interior architects will provide value and save money through enhancing productivity, functionality, and efficiency in homes and buildings, as well as networking with industry colleagues to secure additional contracts. It might also supply customer-facing sales materials and aid in the building of loyalty with interior architects. It is critical to increase the interior architect’s value in the public eye to continue generating creative and lucrative solutions that improve the world we live in.

Week 3

What value do interior architecture firms provide their clients, and is this value unique?

Interior architecture firms employ professional designers who can assist customers in creating efficient and visually beautiful environments that match their individual needs and preferences. They collaborate closely with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the project runs successfully. They also staffed with an integrated team which also includes customer support, finance, management, and sourcing to supervise the whole design and construction process, ensuring that the project is completed on time and on budget. This value is unique as clients always seek for interior architects that do not offer such services, often times clients suffer with having to outsource materials themselves, managing time and budgets with each individual workers seperately.

Is it important for interior architecture firms to analyse their competitors? Why or why not?

It is important for several reasons, firms can determine their strengths and shortcomings by analysing their competitors. This can aid them in identifying areas for improvement as well as areas where they have a competitive advantage. Firms also could remain competitive in the market by learning what their competitors are doing. They are capable of recognising new trends and advances and incorporating them into their own designs. In addition, firms could distinguish themselves by learning what their competitors are doing. This will help them stand out in the industry and attract more customers. Other than that, firms should analyse to discover prospective risks. Firms can identify potential dangers to their company by analysing their competitors. For example, if a competitor offers a similar service at a cheaper price, the firm’s pricing strategy may need to be adjusted to stay competitive.

How can interior architecture firms establish themselves apart from their competitors?

Interior architecture firms could distinguish themselves by providing personalised services that respond to their clients’ specific demands and preferences. Customising designs to fit unique lives, finances, and aesthetic tastes is one example. A strong brand may help interior architecture firms stand out from their competitors. This may be accomplished through having a distinct brand identity (logo, slogan), maintaining a strong internet presence, and establishing a reputation for quality and innovation in the sector. Another thing that sets themselves out from their competitors is to have a distinct design style that distinguishes them from others in the industry. By introducing aspects like as colour, texture, and materials that are uncommon in the sector, or even adopting new technologies and implementing them into their design processes.

Week 5

Do you think interior architecture firms need to have a long-term vision?

Why or why not?

Yes, because it helps them keep focused on their goals and objectives, it is crucial for interior architecture firms to have a long-term vision. They can strategy for the future, and adjust to new trends and technology if they have a long-term perspective of the future. They can attract and keep customers, position themselves as leaders in their field, and develop a strong brand identity with the aid of a long-term vision. Interior architectural firms may find it difficult to remain lucrative, competitive, and relevant in the long run without a long-term strategy.

Should interior architecture firms update their visions regularly, or maintain one for the entirety of the business?

To remain current and competitive in the market, interior architectural firms should periodically update their visions. By updating their vision, they are able to respond to emerging trends and technology, foresee market shifts, and develop long-term plans and strategies. To stand out in the middle of competition, differentiation strategy is equally crucial. However, it is important for the interior architecture firms to still be align with the firm’s core values and mission while updating their vision over the years so that they will not lose their goal and the firm’s authentic style.

Week 6

Do you think clients remunerate interior architecture firms’ value appropriately? Why or why not?

It is difficult to determine as it depends on situations, but a lot of the clients whom are inexperienced may not fully understand the value that interior architecture firms bring to their projects, leading to lower compensation. Particularly now where clients always are constantly in a search of a lower cost but produce 100% quality, what they don’t know or see is the complicated work progress behind the scene that adds bit by bit to the cost.

How can interior architects better communicate their value to prospective clients?

One may be to explain the time, money, and complications your services can save them. Show how their design ideas may enhance clients’ quality of life and raise the property’s worth when resell. Describe the steps in your design process. Be open and honest with your clients and the public about your design process. A project’s methodology, information gathering process, and presentation of your design thoughts should all be described so that clients will know where the costs flow from.

What is Positioning and why is it important?

Positioning describes how clients view a brand in relation to its competitors. It is the practise of giving clients a distinct perception of a product or service in comparison to other brands on the market. Positioning enables a product or service to stand out from competing products or services on the market and to provide clients a clear mental representation of it. Business positioning is crucial since it aids in developing a distinctive identity for a brand, good, or service and makes it easier for clients to relate to the company. Additionally, it aids in strengthening a company’s ability to compete and justifies price choices.

What does a good business positioning look like?

A good business positioning should represent the company’s beliefs and personality while remaining true to its brand. It should be unique and distinct from its competitors, providing the company with a competitive edge in the market and making it easier for the public to remember and recall. A good business positioning should be tailored to the demands of the target audience. It should be clear and straightforward, outlining what the company does and how it helps its clients, and it should be consistent in the end quality it creates across all marketing materials and channels. It should also be forward-thinking, anticipating future market trends and developments.