Professional Practice for Interior Designers, 3rd Edition [Hardcover]

Christine M. Piotrowski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 27, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0471384011 | ISBN-13: 978-0471384014 | Edition: 3

The tools needed to create and manage a thriving interior design practice

This essential sourcebook provides all of the information needed to establish and manage a productive, profitable interior design firm. Filled with savvy business and career advice, Professional Practice for Interior Designers, Third Edition delivers updated and expanded coverage of the full range of legal, financial, management, marketing, administrative, and ethical issues faced by sole practitioners, firm principals, and managers.

This comprehensive reference lays out clear, practical guidelines on how to structure a contract and prevent legal problems; work with other designers, allied professionals, clients, and vendors; and calculate fees that are both fair and profitable. Recommended reading for NCIDQ candidates, it offers easy-to-follow tips and instruction on how to:

• Write and implement a successful business plan
• Choose the right form of business to fit specific needs
• Institute strategic planning
• Develop effective promotional tools
• Manage finances and set up a computerized accounting system
• Manage employees and team members

Establishing a comprehensive foundation for effective business practice, Professional Practice for Interior Designers, Third Edition is the one-stop resource that no interior designer can afford to be without.

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

The tools needed to create and manage a thriving interior design practice
This essential sourcebook provides all of the information needed to establish and manage a productive, profitable interior design firm. Filled with savvy business and career advice, Professional Practice for Interior Designers, Third Edition delivers updated and expanded coverage of the full range of legal, financial, management, marketing, administrative, and ethical issues faced by sole practitioners, firm principals, and managers.

This comprehensive reference lays out clear, practical guidelines on how to structure a contract and prevent legal problems; work with other designers, allied professionals, clients, and vendors; and calculate fees that are both fair and profitable. Recommended reading for NCIDQ candidates, it offers easy-to-follow tips and instruction on how to:
* Write and implement a successful business plan
* Choose the right form of business to fit specific needs
* Institute strategic planning
* Develop effective promotional tools
* Manage finances and set up a computerized accounting system
* Manage employees and team members

Establishing a comprehensive foundation for effective business practice, Professional Practice for Interior Designers, Third Edition is the one-stop resource that no interior designer can afford to be without.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 672 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 3 edition (July 27, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471384011
• ISBN-13: 978-0471384014
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #421,646 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #25 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Interior Design > Professional Reference

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.