Interior Designers & Decorators

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Comment by Cindy Wright 1 day ago

Thanks Marius,

Is 3D MAx and Photoshop not skills something employers expect a designer to have? Part of me feels that compared to others, I don't have any skills to offer other than the norm.

I realise doing every aspect of a job is very difficult - we dont do 3d in this office because I dont have the time to them (using Revit). However when it comes to presentations, I make an extra effort to have some 3D's - even if it line drawings on Revit and I marker render them up - quicker and I notice Clients appreciate the effort.

I guess all I can do is keep going like I am, and like yu say do some research into how other firms do things and where ever possible try implement that system?

Thanks though.

Comment by marius erasmus 1 day ago

Cindy, going to a large firm, large or small firm, you could end up with the same problems. I have worked for a small firm, and for 2 very large firms of around 95 people. So I know both sides, and can tell you that it only depends on the company. Some companys are Professional, and others arent, even though they have a nice portfolio. So just do your research.


As for doing all you want to do, a project from start to finish, and still do the 3d max part...that is a job in itself. Possible for sure, but no company would waste time on doing all of the above mentioned, and still do the 3ds. Would take months. I might be wrong though.

Comment by nicola 1 day ago

Hi,
Anyone have any curtain makers they can recommend for a restaurant in Cape town?
Thanks!

Comment by Cindy Wright on August 30, 2010 at 11:58am

Hi All,

I need some career advice. I am a qualified BA Interior Designer with 1 years experience (prior to my studies I worked in an architects office for 3 years as all round receptionist, office manager and junior assistant to the draughtsmen and architects - learnt the basics of a drawing office). I've been at my company a little over a year now, am the only designer and use AutoCAD and occassionaly Revit and Corel Draw.

My problem is that while I'm the only one doing the drawings and issues and specifying etc, I know I'm not doing things the way they should be done. So often there isnt time to sit and churn out perfect drawings (I have yet to do a full set of drawings from start to end). On almost all the projects there has been an outside designer who has drawn up the concept drawings and it then becomes my responsibility to alter them as required and make the necessary design changes etc.

I'm frustrated that I don't have the support or mentor that other junior designers in my position have. While I love the fact I'm involved in every aspect of the project compared to say other junior designers who are often forced to concentrate on only one area for two or three years until they are considered "not to be juniors" anymore....I feel that I'm not getting the experience I need. I'm getting the work done but not in the way that would otherwise be expected in any other drawing office.

How can I get around this? I feel like I need to do an in-service stint for a couple of months in a large firm where everything is done properly. I need someone I can turn to and learn from. I'm wanting to learn photoshop and 3dMax, and actually put it into practice everyday.

I'm in two minds over whether I should start considering looking for something elsewhere, but the reality is I like it where I am - I just am not developing as I should be and that bothers me.

Comment by Athol Phillips on August 19, 2010 at 9:32am

South African based Design Software company iRender, an Accredited Reseller for Artlantis Rendering software application are proud to announce their appointment as the Accredited Reseller for the ever popular SketchUp modeling software application in Southern Africa

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We look forward to being of service to you, and request that you do not hesitate to contact us should you have any need to source any of these software applications or require technical support thereon.

Contact Athol on athol@irender.co.za

Warmest regards

ATHOL

Comment by Sebastian van Greunen on August 18, 2010 at 5:24pm

@ Nico, you should get together with Twiice Group. They seem to be quite aggressive with the naming and shaming of rip off artist stores. I personally believe that these stores should be forced to provide the consumer with a certificate of lack of authenticity, at least then the consumer makes an informed decision. You also have to fight against the tide of South African consumer 'quantity vs quality" ethos.

Comment by tumelo motsoeneng on August 16, 2010 at 1:22pm

How to make a Weaved Pattern: http://www.cgarena.com/freestuff/tutorials/max/weaved/weaved.html

Comment by tumelo motsoeneng on August 16, 2010 at 1:14pm

i got this off the designmind discussion forum..there are no activities...i wonder why*

Comment by Louw Roets on August 16, 2010 at 11:39am

I see now what you mean and I agree.
It is always frustrating when people try to bargain your price down. They always say,"Well I can getting it cheaper there, there and there."
It's like they care about the price more than about the final product or quality. I always try to explain its not about the price but that it's about producing the best product and design for them.

Nice talking to you Peter! and all the best for your business.

Comment by Peter Kowalski on August 16, 2010 at 8:11am

Louw, There is a difference between survival and ripping people off and then justifying it by pointing a finger at the government imposed tax duties - which if you dig deaper do not exist.

Let me ask two questions:

1. would more consumers be in the market for an Eames design if it were 40% cheaper? My guess is yes they would. It still would not be cheap but it would interest more people than just the super wealthy.

2. If more consumers were buyers of the original article would businesses like At Home be selling the Starcke and van der Rohe ripp-offs?

There would certainly still be a market for these "generics" but we would at least be educating more consumers about the value of real quality design and construction. The current set of circumstances is encouraging business to look to China for inferior products which they mark up by a minimun 300%.

Louw, in terms of designers working hard and not being financially rewarded - this is a topic that would probably require 3 pages of notes from my end and possibly a separate thread. Until SAcans are afforded the opportunity of access to well designed products, designers will always struggle for respect and decent living in SA.

It starts and ends with educating the consumer and as trained designers it is our responsibility to do the educating.

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