Professional
Interior Design Books

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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. Hardcover, 672 pages.

This comprehensive guide, the first title in a joint publishing venture between McGraw-Hill and Interior Design magazine, brings together the best writers and thinkers in the field today. Interior Design Handbook of Professional Practice provides both the knowledge and practical tools designers need to shape and sustain the profession and the physical environments they create for their clients. Hardcover, 768 pages.

Providing detailed guidance for all designers seeking to succeed in today's competitive environment. It will help educate newcomers, reassure seasoned professionals, and equip a tough new breed of designer-entrepreneurs to thrive under any market conditions. Drawing upon his legal and financial experience as an attorney and financial adviser in the interior design field, Robert Alderman offers advice on many crucial legal and business issues to those who operate commercial or residential practices. Employing similar techniques from his previous bestseller, Mr. Alderman uses real-life case studies to show designers how to cope with their daily problems of cost overruns, contract disputes, fraudulent contractors and difficult clients. These practical case studies show first-hand how other designers react when a crisis occurs - an invaluable source of learning by example. Paperback, 271 pages.

Focusing on the needs of small interior design firms, this superb resource offers valuable insights and practical advice from well- known designers and leaders in the industry such as BJ Peterson, Charles Gandy and Cheryl P. Duvall. Explains how to find new clients, market design services and offers suggestions and guidance for marketing with limited funds, few resources and little time. Features a list of 40 basic marketing ideas for building a successful marketing practice. Provides practical guidance for the smaller design firm on matters such as marketing services, building a client base, and keeping customers happy. Includes numerous sample documents. Paperback, 253 pages.

The Office Interior Design Guide enables facilities professionals with little or no design experience to become knowledgeable, active partners with consultants and designers in developing efficient, flexible office spaces that work. It is also intended to serve as a general overview of the office environment for the design or engineering professional. A one-stop guide to the process of developing and executing a space plan whether it is a relocation, renovation or new construction. Offers excellent information on designing a strategic facility plan, preparation, organizing and implementing a project. Provides insight into planning different components of office space including design elements and support systems. Specific coverage is given on working with design professionals. Illustrated with numerous charts and graphs, it includes checklists and a list of resources. Paperback, 264 pages.

An interior designer's best work is often measured by abstract standards. The designer's talent and skill can dazzle the eyes and win clients, but creative ability is not enough to ensure long-term success. The less glamorous side of interior design is one of negotiations, contracts and finances. A designer is ill-prepared to cope with the inevitable business and legal complications ultimately loses time and money, but now help is on the way. The forty-two forms included on CD-ROM include planning, budgeting, scheduling, estimating, purchase orders, billing, contracts, proposals, copyright and trademark applications. Paperback and CD, 233 pages.

Written and oral communication play a vital role in advancing the careers of design professionals (and students), yet few resources exist to help you improve your skills. Writing for Design Professionals is the only hands-on guide to mastering the complexities of effective writing in professional practice. It explains the principles of writing for impact, illustrated by realistic examples. Through dozens of samples and exercises, you will learn how to compose all the end-products of writing you need, including a firm's marketing or promotion materials; responses to RfPs; communications about projects with clients, staff, consultants, and public agencies; and writing for publication. The book considers both print and electronic formats, such as sending email and the development of Web sites, as well as oral presentations. Hardcover, 232 pages.

Interior Design Practicum Exam Workbook contains a practice exam for the Practicum portion of the NCIDQ exam. More people fail this part of the test than any other, and this Workbook provides the hands-on practice that examinees need. This book is a complete preparation package, including 11" x 17" sheets of paper for the exercises. Solutions are included. Paperback, 82 pages.

MAKE SURE YOUR DESIGN MEETS CODE— The only step-by-step guide to understanding and using model building codes, federal regulations, and standards in interior design.

Whether you're developing a space plan for a new building, making minor changes to an existing structure, or selecting finishes and furniture, this unique guide can save you valuable hours of research time while dramatically reducing the potential for costly planning oversights. The only single-source guide devoted exclusively to interiors, it clearly explains all major codes, standards, and federal regulations pertaining to the construction, alteration, and maintenance of both commercial and residential interiors. With a clear, straightforward organization, it quickly routes you to the specific information you need on everything from occupancy classifications, plumbing and mechanical requirements, accessibility and means of egress, to fire protection systems, interior finishes and furniture, and much more.

Clear, in-depth explanations of the three major U.S. model codes—the National, Standard, and Uniform Building Codes

• Also covers the Life Safety Code, National Electrical Code, ADA requirements, ANSI and NFPA standards, and others
• Guides you step-by-step through the entire code process
• Packed with summary diagrams, charts, and project checklists
• Includes a glossary of all relevant terms, abbreviations, and acronyms

Codes Guidebook for Interiors is sure to become a standard tool of the trade for architects and interior designers, as well as facility managers, construction managers, and developers. Hardcover. 336 pages.

Passing the exam given by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is one of the most effective steps you can take to advance your design career. It is a prerequisite for membership in the key design and architecture trade associations - such as the ASID, IIDA, IDEC, and IDC - and for CKD/CBD certification by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Offering the most complete preparation available for this rigorous test. This manual provides intensive review of the subjects you'll find on all the exam sections - from identification and application, to practicum's, to codes. Practice problems covering all subjects, with the correct answers fully explained. Advice on how to manage your time during the exam - running out of time is a prevailing reason to failure. Test- taking tips that can save you from common but avoidable errors. Study guidelines to help you focus your review effectively. Paperback, 392 pages.

This book has been the definitive guide to required information on regulations and liabilities, materials performance criteria, and specification writing for interior systems. Today more than ever, every professional involved in the design of commercial and institutional interior space needs to know how to evaluate materials, avoid liability, and comply with current regulations. Hardcover, 319 pages.