Interior Design Terms & Definitions

Hospitality and Workplace interior designers have industry specific terms they need to know – especially when writing furniture specifications. Knowledge of FF&E spec writing terms and definitions are critical when producing spec books and managing design projects. Here a few interior design specific terms and definitions that any interior designer should be familiar with.

Accessories

Certifications

Design and Innovation

  • Acoustic Solutions: Implementing strategies and products to enhance sound quality and reduce noise in a given space.
  • Brand Identity Integration: Incorporating a company’s brand elements seamlessly into design and decor to reinforce brand presence.
  • Budget Management: Overseeing financial planning to ensure projects are completed within allocated resources without compromising quality.
  • Client Consultation: Engaging with clients to understand their needs, preferences, and goals to deliver tailored solutions.
  • Compliance and Regulations: Ensuring that all design and project implementations adhere to legal and industry standards.
  • Custom Furniture Design: Crafting unique and personalized furniture pieces tailored to specific tastes and functional needs.
  • Design Innovation: Introducing novel and creative design concepts to enhance aesthetic and functional appeal.
  • Interior Environments: Designing and organizing indoor spaces to create aesthetically pleasing and functional environments.
  • Online Furniture Store such as SpecStore: A digital platform where customers can browse and purchase furniture pieces.
  • Streamline Proposals: Simplifying and improving efficiency in the creation and presentation of project proposals to clients.
  • Sustainability Design: Incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable practices into design to minimize environmental impact.
  • Trend Analysis: Studying and applying current design and market trends to keep projects modern and relevant.
  • Vendor Coordination: Managing and liaising with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and quality of products and services.
  • Workspace Optimization: Enhancing the layout and functionality of workspaces to improve efficiency, productivity, and comfort. in the production process.

Design and Planning

  • Color Theory: The study of color combinations and their impact on design and aesthetics.
  • Construction Documents: Detailed drawings and specifications used in the building process.
  • Design Collaboration: The process of working together with other professionals to create cohesive and effective design solutions.
  • Furniture Selection: The process of choosing appropriate furniture pieces to suit a space’s function and style.
  • Lighting Design: The art of planning and implementing lighting to enhance the appearance and mood of a space.
  • Material Sourcing: The process of finding and acquiring materials for construction and design projects.
  • Sustainable Design: Creating spaces and products with minimal environmental impact, focusing on efficiency and resource conservation.d information about a product.
  • Memo Samples: Small samples of materials used to showcase texture, color, and quality before making a purchase decision.
  • Prototypes: Initial models or samples created to test and evaluate a design before full-scale production.
  • Shop Drawing: Detailed drawings submitted by contractors or manufacturers that show how specific elements of a project will be constructed.

Fixtures

  • Permanent installations: Sinks, lights, and bathtubs enhance functionality and convenience in a building.

Floor Coverings

  • Carpets: Floor coverings that add warmth and texture to a room.
  • Rugs: Decorative floor coverings that add color and comfort to a space.

Furniture

  • Beds: Furniture designed for sleeping, available in various sizes and styles.
  • Cabinets: Storage units with doors and shelves, used for organizing items.
  • Chairs: Seating furniture designed to provide support and comfort, available in different styles.
  • Desks: Work surfaces designed for productivity, often featuring storage options.
  • Mattresses: Supportive surfaces for sleeping, designed for comfort and durability.
  • Seating: Various types of chairs and sofas designed for comfort and style.
  • Shelving: Structures used to hold and display items, promoting organization.
  • Sofas: Large, upholstered seating pieces designed for comfort and relaxation.
  • Tables: Surfaces used for dining, work, or decoration, available in various shapes and sizes.

Government

  • GSA: General Services Administration, a U.S. government agency that provides products and services for government offices.

Industry Sectors

  • Education: An interior design sector dedicated to teaching and learning, including schools, colleges, and universities.
  • Healthcare: An interior design industry sector focused on providing medical services and products to maintain or improve health.
  • Hospitality: An interior design industry sector focused on providing services such as lodging, food, and entertainment to guests.
  • Workplace/Commercial: An interior design industry sector that focuses on the strategic planning and arrangement of a work environment to optimize functionality, enhance employee well-being, and boost productivity by considering factors like layout, furniture, lighting, acoustics, and technology.

Lighting

  • Devices and systems: used to illuminate spaces, enhancing both functionality and ambiance.

Materials and Finishes

  • COL (Customer’s Own Leather): Leather supplied by customers for product creation, selected to match specific texture, color, and quality preferences. Manufacturers assess the leather for compatibility and durability in the production process.
  • COM (Customer’s Own Material): Fabric or materials provided by customers for product creation, chosen to meet specific aesthetic or functional needs. Manufacturers verify material quality to ensure it meets production standards.
  • Hard Finishes: Durable surface materials used in construction and design, such as wood, stone, or metal.
  • Pattern Matching: The process of aligning patterns at seams or joints to ensure a cohesive and continuous design.
  • Strike Off: A sample of fabric or wallpaper produced to check colors and patterns before full production.
  • Submittals: Documents, samples, or mock-ups submitted for approval before final production or construction.

Project and Document Management

  • Product Sheet: Documents providing detailed product information, including specifications and usage instructions.
  • Cut Sheet: Detailed specifications and information about a product, including dimensions, materials, and installation instructions.
  • Specification Sheets: Documents outlining the technical and material requirements for project products and systems.
  • Product Catalogs: Collections of product offerings from manufacturers, with information on styles, finishes, and options.
  • Installation Guides: Step-by-step instructions for proper and efficient installation of products and materials.
  • Punch List: A list of tasks or items that need to be completed or corrected before a project is considered finished.
  • Organizing tasks and resources: Systematically arranging and prioritizing tasks while efficiently allocating resources to ensure smooth workflow and productivity.
  • Planning to achieve specific goals within a set timeframe: Strategically outlining steps and setting deadlines to accomplish objectives within a predetermined schedule.
  • Overseeing tasks and resources: Supervising the execution of tasks and the utilization of resources to maintain progress and quality.
  • Developing a clear vision of the project: Crafting a detailed and comprehensive plan that outlines the project’s purpose, objectives, and desired outcomes.
  • Coordinating with clients and team members: Facilitating effective communication and collaboration between clients and team members to ensure alignment and understanding.
  • Managing budgets: Carefully monitoring and controlling financial expenditures to stay within budgetary constraints while maximizing value.

Professional Organizations

  • IIDA: he International Interior Design Association (IIDA) was founded in 1994, resulting from the merger of the Institute of Business Designers (IBD), the International Society of Interior Designers (ISID), and the Council of
  • Federal Interior Designers: CFID International Interior Design Association, a professional networking and educational association for interior designers.
  • NCIDQ: The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), now known as the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ), was founded in 1974. Provides certification for interior designers.
  • NEWH: Now known as The Hospitality Industry Network, founded in 1984 by a group of women with the goal of promoting achievement for women in the hospitality industry.

Technology

  • 3D Modeling: The creation of three-dimensional digital representations of objects or spaces.
  • AutoCAD: Computer-aided design (CAD) software that is used for 2D and 3D drafting, design, and modeling with solids, surfaces, mesh objects, documentation features, and more. Owned by Autodesk.
  • Bluebeam: Software for PDF creation, markup, editing, and collaboration in architecture, engineering, and construction.
  • CAD Software: Computer programs used to create precise drawings and models for design and construction.
  • Revit: A BIM (Building Information Modeling) software initially developed by Charles River Software in 1997, later renamed Revit Technology Corporation in 2000, and eventually acquired by Autodesk in 2002. It is used by architects and interior designers to create detailed 3D models and construction documents.
  • SketchUp: A 3D modeling software used for various drawing applications, including architectural, interior design, and engineering.
  • SpecBIM: Created by Specsources FF&E Software. A Revit Add-In for syncing rooms and quantities between the Revit model and Specsources.
  • SpecCAD: Created by Specsources FF&E Software – An Autocad Plug-In for syncing rooms and quantities between Autocad and Specsources.
  • Specsources: Software company founded in 2000. Used for FF&E spec writing. Used for hospitality, commercial and healthcare interior design projects. Includes tools for spec book production, Revit and AutoCAD integration.
  • SpecStore: Created by Specsources FF&E Software. An online marketplace for sourcing and purchasing interior design products.
  • SpecGrab: Created by Specsources FF&E Software. Browser plug-in that allows Specsources’ users to create FF&E specs from any manufacturer’s website.
  • SpecWeb: Created by Specsources Software. A web-based tool for creating and managing FF&E specifications and design standards.

Wall Finishes

  • Wallcovering: Offers various textures, patterns, and colors, enhancing a room’s ambiance. Made from materials like vinyl, fabric, or paper, they provide aesthetic appeal and practical benefits such as durability and easy maintenance.
  • Paint: A versatile and cost-effective option for updating a room. Available in countless colors and finishes, paint can significantly change a space’s mood and style while protecting wall surfaces.

Window Coverings

  • Blinds: Window coverings that adjust light and privacy through adjustable slats.
  • Curtains: Fabric panels used to block light and add privacy to a room.

ICONic Software

Specsources’ FF&E spec writing software uses a variety of icons to inform the interior design professional what the status of sections of their project are – all at a glance.

These icons appear on the Spec Schedule, Spec Sheet, Client Approvals and Vendor Bids sections.

Each icon has a tooltip associated with it that informs the interior designer what it represents.

For an overall overview, below is a breakdown of each Specsources’ icon and what it means.

 

ITEMS BIDS CLIENT APPROVALS
No Messages    No Messages Pending Bids    Bid Packages Pending to Send Client Approval Pending    Client Approval Pending
Messages    Messages Bids Sent  Bid Packages Sent Client Approves    Client Approves
Attached Items   Uph / Attached Items Bids Received  Bids Received Client Rejects   Client Rejects
PDFs Attached   PDFs Attached Bid Approved  Bid Approved Client Questions   Approved with comments
Generated from Catalog   Generated from the Catalog Bid Not Approved  Bid Not Approved
Bidder 1  Bidder 1’s Bid Received
Bidder 2  Bidder 2’s Bid Received
Bidder 3  Bidder 3’s Bid Received

 

FF&E Specification Software with Revit Integration is Essential in the Field of Interior Design

FF&E specification software with Revit integration is essential in the field of interior design.

As the world of interior design continues to evolve, integrating advanced FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) design software solutions with other industry standard software is becoming increasingly vital. BIM Modeling, primarily Revt, is one such software. Utilized by thousands of interior designers and architects, These tools streamline the design process to make the overall interior design workflow more efficient. By employing FF&E specification software that integrates with Revit, the interior design firm can efficiently manage the entire design process from a schematic budgeting phase through procurement, ensuring that each component aligns with industry standards and client expectations.

Specsources’ SpecWeb spec writing application integrates seamlessly with Revit allowing the user to pass FF&E data from the Revit model directly to SpecWeb, thus creating a workflow that reduces redundancy and saves time for the interior designer.

The use of Specsources’ FF&E spec writing software for specification sheets in interior design facilitates meticulous planning and documentation, allowing designers to clearly communicate their vision and maintain consistency across projects. This level of detail is particularly beneficial in large-scale hospitality and commercial projects, where coordination between various stakeholders is crucial.

Specsources at Bond Events Arc Interiors

Newport Beach, California was the setting for the latest Bond Events Arc Interiors.

Product manufacturers and interior design leaders came together for one on one meetings.

Specsources was showcasing new features in SpecWeb, its web-based FF&E spec writing software – Interior design specification software.

SpecGrab which allows designers to create specs from any website and SpecBIM, SpecWebs’s Revit add-in were hits.

The reception was extremely positive.

It wasn’t all business. Great food and events allowed attendees to interact and build solid business relationships. Wade Ballance

I’ve been using Specsources for years, both while working at some of the world’s top hospitality firms and now with my own design business.
The new web-based platform is robust and user-friendly. If you’re a designer who isn’t using this, you’re wasting time.

Specsources’ Manufacturer Product Showcase Launches at HD Expo 2024

Manufacturers can now place their products in front of Specsources software’s thousands of interior designers – the moment they source products and write their specifications.

It’s a budget friendly and effective alternative to market their products.

Company information, along with products, can be added so that designers can see and spec manufacturer’s latest offerings.

Interior designers can search for manufacturer’s products 365 days a year.

A metrics dashboard allows interior design manufacturers to see the number of views and clicks for each item – by the day, month and year.

Interior designers can message manufacturers directly through SpecWeb for product details and pricing.

Specsources is the leading FF&E software used by workplace, healthcare and hospitality interior designers – to name just a few.

Now, manufacturers can be the source in Specsources.

Sign Up Today!

Images Sizes for SpecWeb

Any size image can be uploaded and SpecWeb will automatically scale it.

The ideal size for each image is below. The dimensions below or larger are the ideal sizes.

 

 


Detail Images

Primary Spec Sheet Image

Your Company Logo

Additional Image Pages

Cover Sheet Image

Full Page

Specsources at BDNY

We’ve always loved the Big Apple.

It’s where Specsources was conceived and it’s where some of our largest interior design clients are based.

The new Virgin Hotel was the home base for the trip.

As a pre-BDNY kickoff, Specsources hosted a client appreciation party at The Virgin.

Apple AirPods, Dagne Dover backpacks (our fav), and Union Square Hospitality restaurant gift cards were some of the giveaways.

Specsources gift bags were also handed out as a thank-you to our interior design spec writers and the food was spot on.

BDNY was jamming.

The show was lively but still seemed to have a more intimate feel than HD Expo.

After two days of parties, booths and client meetings, we were tired but colored it a success.

Thanks to everyone who attended the Specsources event and we hope to see you again soon


BDNY – Specsources Clients

BDNY is FF&E

BDNY Kick-off Party

Specsources Client Party

Welcome to Our Freshly Launched Blog!

Twenty-four years ago, the idea of Specsources began as a conversation in New York between Wade Ballance and Barri Studerus. It was 1999 and the world was on the cusp of Y2K. It was a time of emerging technology, digital renaissance and people were looking for innovative ways to harness the power of this new thing called “the internet”.

Wade had a successful background in tech and Barri was a seasoned commercial interior designer. When Barri expressed the need to make the FF&E spec writing workflow process more efficient, it quickly turned into a brainstorming session. It was clear that a program with an easy-to-use interface to streamline the process of how specs were written and shared was needed. Thus Specsources, a design technology company, was born.

Years of development and partnering with the industry’s leading firms led to Specsources’ FF&E Spec Writing Software.

It is still humbling that our software company serves designers all over the world. We are so thankful we’ve had the opportunity to be part of the interior design commmunity all these years as a tool you can rely on to bring so many projects to fruition.

When the pandemic happened, the Specsources team saw how the coronavirus affected the world almost overnight. The timing was right to evolve Specsources from desktop software to a web-based platform to help the design industry move forward while working from home.

And now SpecWeb is a reality.

These past few years have been a reminder that even in unpredictable times, we are capable of being adaptive and innovative.

With Specsources we have grown a remarkable, expansive network that transcends local design communities. We are always looking for ways to share thoughts and ideas that help us all connect and flourish.

Our blogs will be a resource for all designers, whether you’ve been in the game or newly learning the ropes. We welcome everyone and want to hear from you about the problems you’re trying to solve, lessons learned, what inspires you and how we can inspire each other.

We want to know, ‘How can we help?’

Let’s move forward together.

-Wade, Barri & the Specsources Team