When should an Interior Design firm be introduced to the renovation or new construction process?

The answer is simple: very early.

While the scale of some projects may require an architect and/or contractor at the earliest stage, a professional Interior Design firm can save you time and money when introduced very early in the design process. Why? Interior Designers are specifically trained in space planning, floor planning, traffic flow, ADA code compliance, and functionality issues. They are the experts on the subject of interior usage. They also work directly with architects and contractors on lighting requirements and acoustical issues.

When an Interior Design firm is introduced early, they can assess the needs of the club without a bias toward extensive renovations. If extensive renovations are part of the club's intentions, then introducing an Interior Design firm early allows collaboration with other design/build professionals from inception. When an Interior Design firm is introduced later in the process, they often recommend much needed changes to plans that have already been developed.

Starting a project with an Interior Design firm costs nothing extra. Introducing an Interior Design firm after plans have been drawn-up often requires changes that will cost time and money.

The Renovation Action Plan Chart was developed by Club Design Group to illustrate portions of the step-by-step process clubs go through when considering and deciding upon renovation. It is based on extensive research and experience with numerous large-scale projects. Note that this Action Plan summary only addresses the major steps that are necessary BEFORE renovation begins.

Experience has shown that proper pre-renovation planning saves time, money, and energy. For help in developing a detailed Renovation Action Plan for your Club, contact CDG today.

Phases of the Design Process with Major Milestones:

Phase 1: Programming & Schematic Design

Needs Analysis -> Preliminary Concept -> Opinion of Probable Cost

Phase II: Design Development

Floor Planning -> FF&E Selections -> Architectural Details

Phase III: Working Documents

Specifications -> Finishes Schedule -> Installation Documents

Phase IV: Project Management and Installation

RFQ's and Bids -> Purchase Orders -> Scheduling -> Installation

This is a list of our most Frequently Asked Questions. If you do not find your question answered on this page, Send Us a Question and we will be happy to help you.

Questions about Client Needs

Should we update or should we renovate?

Great question! The answer is...that depends. If your facilities work well from an accommodation and operational standpoint, then periodically replacing furnishings and finishes may be all that is necessary. However, many clubhouses were built without proper consideration for their long-term use. This means structural modifications may be required in order to meet the needs and expectations of your current (and future) members. Either way, you will benefit from consulting with an experienced club design firm like CDG. We have saved clients tens of thousands of dollars in design and construction costs by properly assessing their needs relative to the potential of their existing facilities.

What "quick fix" things can we do to improve our club's appearance?

Even though no two clubs are the same, you may be surprised by the common nature of minor design and decor problems. Sometimes it just takes a set of trained eyes to identify your least expensive yet impactful opportunities. You can do wonders with a little paint in the right places!! For a modest fee, CDG will assess your club's needs and make effective "quick fix" recommendations.

Can we save money by doing some of the work ourselves?

SURE! We understand not every client is in need of our complete professional services, and often times there are extremely tight budget constraints. However, we encourage you to make decisions based on your club's long-term goals, your knowledge of commercial grade materials and code compliance, and a realistic assessment of your willingness to manage all the complexities.

When it comes to renovating or even updating, what common mistakes do we need to avoid?

Waiting until plans are drawn before hiring a licensed interior designer
Licensed interior designers specialize in space planning and can help clients avoid mistakes in designing an efficient and functional floor plan. It is easiest to include these recommendations during the early stages of development

Establishing FF&E budgets without knowledgeable professional guidance
Using a formula from a book or assigning an arbitrary number will almost certainly result in less than a satisfactory outcome

Working with a decorator instead of a licensed interior designer
It's illegal in Florida when working on commercial projects, and could result in project shutdown.

Involving club members as contractors or service providers
Doing so often leads to political problems and uncomfortable situations In addition to providing unbiased professional advice, a qualified and skilled third party can take the heat off the club manager and committee members

Selecting the wrong materials for the wrong application
Slippery tiles, broken chairs, worn-out fabrics, faded window treatments are all signs of improperly selected materials

Failing to invest money in the proper areas of a project
Few FF&E budgets are open-ended. Knowing how to value-engineer a budget for the best combination of durability and "wow factor" means better investing

Where do we begin?

With a professional Facilities Assessment. You already have a good understanding of your basic facilities issues. A professional Facilities Assessment will confirm those issues and find others that might be even more important to your planning. CDG and its network of design/build professionals can help you identify all of your facilities issues, prioritize their impact on operations, and develop a strategy for addressing them.

When should we hire an Interior Designer? Architect? General Contractor?

Many people don't realize that commercial interior designers specialize in floor planning and effective space utilization. If you are contemplating a major renovation, it is important to engage the services of a licensed commercial interior designer early. Project planning goes much smoother when an architect and interior designer can collaborate on floor planning from the outset. If you are uncertain about the desired scale of renovations, it makes sense to first engage an interior design firm to evaluate the potential of existing facilities. Be sure the firm is familiar with club operations and has a track record of successful floor planning. CDG is such a firm. A General Contractor can be brought on board at anytime, but we suggest you start with an interior designer and/or architect to develop an approved scope of work and preliminary drawings.

How do we develop a realistic FF&E Budget?

Two words: knowledge and experience. You wouldn't ask a cardiologist to give you an estimate for brain surgery. So why ask a contractor or an architect to give you an estimate for FF&E expenses? Don't guess. Hire a licensed interior design firm with club experience. CDG has the knowledge and experience required to help you develop a realistic FF&E Budget.

How long will the project really take?

That depends on the scope of the project. Updates can happen in as little as 90 days (though 4 to 5 months is more realistic if custom design work is involved). Renovations require far more planning, and usually take anywhere from 9 months to 2 years to complete. A renovation timetable will typically revolve around your Board's decision process, scheduling downtime during the off-season, and acquiring permits in a timely fashion. Proper planning and organization will speed the process. CDG has a successful track record of planning and organizing renovation projects.

How do we continue operations during renovation?

We never met a client who was happy about shutting down their clubhouse for renovations. If at all possible, we try to avoid complete shutdowns. Ultimately, though, the scope of your project will determine what operations can continue during renovation. With proper planning many clubs can continue to provide some level of service to members. If the kitchen and/or bar must be shut down, you may be able to improvise with party tents, outdoor grills, and portable bar arrangements. We've seen some very creative solutions along the way...and some disasters, too. CDG can help you develop your options.

How can we enroll our membership in the idea of renovation or updating?

Two more words: research and planning. A professional Facilities Assessment will get you started on the path of discovering your options. From there, our knowledgeable and club experienced team will help you prioritize needs and desires, develop strategies for achieving goals, establish appropriate investment guidelines, set a schedule, and then put it all together for presentation to your membership. CGD can help you gain the support of your membership.

Questions about Club Design Group

How long have you been serving the club industry?

What clubs have you served?

Why do architects and general contractors want to work with you?

What are your qualifications?

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Why should we hire Club Design Group?