Professional Practice for Interior Designers [Hardcover]

Christine M. Piotrowski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 16, 1994 | ISBN-10: 0471285978 | ISBN-13: 978-0471285977 | Edition: 2

This definitive book provides information on establishing and managing an interior design practice. Equally relevant for commercial and residential designers, it covers all the basics from legal responsibilities to financial management, personnel management, licensing, marketing, and general business issues. The First Edition was the winner of the prestigious Joel Polsky award from ASID.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Professional Practice for Interior Designers 2nd Edition Christine Piotrowski To succeed in professional practice, interior designers need more than good design skills. Without a complete working knowledge of effective business practices, there’s little chance for survival in today’s fiercely competitive marketplace. Now, professionals can turn to this essential sourcebook for all the information and expert guidance needed to establish and manage a productive—and profitable—interior design firm. Packed with savvy business and career advice, the new edition of Professional Practice for Interior Designers offers updated and expanded coverage of the full range of legal, financial, management, marketing, and administrative issues facing interior designers, firm principals, and managers. In clear, straightforward language, the book spells out practical, detailed guidelines on how to:

• Develop and implement an effective business plan
• Automate the design office for peak-efficiency
• Avoid potential legal problems
• Manage finances and set up accounting systems
• Negotiate successful contracts, price products, and set fees
• Market and promote design services
• Make winning sales and project presentations
• Complete projects on schedule and within budget
• Prepare contract documents and specifications

In addition, you’ll find a wealth of valuable tips and techniques for taking the NCIDQ exam; defining career goals; choosing the right form of business to suit specific needs; working with manufacturers and suppliers; hiring, managing, and motivating employees; selecting outside consultants and advisors; and much more. Plus, scores of sample forms and documents that can be easily adapted for use by any firm are included, along with real-world examples that can save you from making critical business mistakes. This indispensable resource hands you all the tools you’ll need to create and manage a thriving interior design practice, as well as ensure your own professional success.

From the Back Cover

The text of choice for professional interior design practice—now with companion CD-ROM

Since publication of the First Edition in 1990, Professional Practice for Interior Designers has remained the leading choice for educators for teaching interior design business practice as well as for professionals seeking to advance in their own practices. This ASID/Polsky Prize winner is recommended by the NCIDQ for exam preparation and covers the gamut of legal, financial, management, marketing, administrative, and ethical issues. You gain all the essential skills needed for planning and maintaining a thriving interior design business, presented in the clear, easy-to-follow style that is the hallmark of this text.

This Fourth Edition is completely current with the latest business practices and features a host of new practice aids:

• Companion CD-ROM includes a trial version of professional practice software, business forms, numerous short articles, plus additional information and resources

• New examples help you manage the latest challenges and implement the latest business practices

• A new chapter devoted to strategic planning explains this important business concept in easy-to-understand language for students and professionals

• Brief "what would you do" case studies in each chapter challenge you to respond to ethical issues faced by today's interior designers

From creating a business plan to launching a promotional campaign to setting up a computerized accounting system, everything you need to launch and sustain a successful interior design practice is here. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 2 edition (September 16, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471285978
• ISBN-13: 978-0471285977
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,062,553 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Christine Piotrowski, ASID, IIDA, is the owner of Christine M. Piotrowski and Associates in Phoenix, Arizona, which provides consulting to interior designers on planning and operational matters. She is a former professor of interior design at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, and past president of the Arizona North chapter of ASID. She has more than twenty years of commercial and residential design experience and is the author of several books on interior design, including the bestselling text, Professional Practice for Interior Designers, now in its third edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's all about color picking, right?, February 6, 2002

By 

Robin Gonzalez, student member ASID (Mississippi State University) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Professional Practice for Interior Designers, 3rd Edition (Hardcover)

FINALLY, a book that was written for the trained interior design professional. The author explains in detail how to legally and financially start and run a professional interior design business. The author is affiliated with the NCIDQ and definitely understands the difference between decorating and designing. Excellent read for anyone seeking or even just curious about the ins and outs of starting a business.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Have!, December 15, 2002

By 

A. Thomas (Charlotte, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Professional Practice for Interior Designers, 3rd Edition (Hardcover)

This book was used for both Business Practice For Interior Design & Sales and Marketing. I had no need to consult any other source. "This is a great book" THANKS..

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read, July 8, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Professional Practice for Interior Designers, 3rd Edition (Hardcover)

This one is a must read if you are considering a degree in interior design. I found it extremely helpful in planning my career path.