Interior Design Project Management Reviewer: Blocks 1–3 Flashcards

A vocabulary flashcard deck covering key project planning, site analysis, and programming concepts from Blocks 1 through 3.

Project Planning

Establishes what needs to be accomplished before proceeding with design and project execution, helping the designer understand project requirements, limitations, resources, and objectives.

Scope

A project variable that establishes what work is included in the project and what is expected to be delivered.

Time

A project variable concerning when project activities happen, including deadlines, phases, sequence of activities, duration, and completion requirements.

Cost

A project variable that identifies what financial resources are available or required, affecting what can realistically be included in the project.

Quality

A project variable concerning the expected level of performance, outcome, and standard the project should achieve.

Project Site

The existing physical environment where the interior design project will take place.

Site Visit

An information-gathering activity performed to understand and document existing physical site conditions before design begins.

OBSERVE (Site Visit)

The first step in a site visit where the designer looks carefully at existing conditions to identify what is present, working, problematic, or impacting the project.

COLLECT (Site Visit)

The second step in a site visit involving the gathering of relevant project information, such as measurements, photographs, existing plans, and client information.

DOCUMENT (Site Visit)

The third step in a site visit where gathered information is recorded into notes, drawings, photos, or checklists for future reference during planning and design.

Site Analysis

The process of evaluating gathered site information to ask 'What exists?' and identify existing conditions, problems, opportunities, and constraints.

Existing Conditions

Physical elements, structures, and site features that are already present at the project location.

Problems (Site Analysis)

Site conditions that may interfere with or hinder the project's objectives.

Opportunities (Site Analysis)

Existing site conditions that could potentially support, enhance, or benefit the project.

Constraints (Site Analysis)

Existing site conditions that limit or restrict possible spatial solutions.

Observation vs. Analysis

Observation describes what is visually present (e.g., 'There is only one entrance'), while analysis determines what that condition means for the project.

Programming

Defining what the space needs before deciding what the space should look like, establishing functional, dimensional, and relational requirements.

Function (Programming)

The component of programming that asks 'What happens?' by identifying activities, users, frequency, privacy requirements, and equipment needed in a space.

Space (Programming)

The component of programming that asks 'What physical spaces are needed?' by determining room types, quantities, sizes, equipment, and dimensional requirements.

Relationships (Programming)

The component of programming that asks 'How do spaces work together?' by establishing adjacencies, direct access, separation, and circulation paths.

Four-Step Client Translation Process

The sequence SAY → ASK → DEFINE → PROGRAM (Client Says → Ask Why → Define Need → Program Requirement) used to turn client statements into clear design requirements.

Need vs. Solution

The principle that designers must investigate and solve the underlying functional need rather than simply providing a client's first proposed solution.

Functional Requirements

Programming requirements that specify what must happen, including activities, users, functions, equipment, storage, and operational needs.

Dimensional Requirements

Physical and quantitative programming requirements concerning space quantities, capacities, area sizes, equipment dimensions, and clearances.

Relational Requirements

Programming requirements specifying how spaces connect or relate to one another, including adjacencies, separation, circulation, access, and public/private relationships.

Program Document

A clear project brief created from client information and site analysis that outlines project goals, space requirements, functional needs, and client-approved projections.

Program vs. Design

Program defines WHAT is needed (requirements and capacity), whereas Design explores HOW those requirements will be provided spatially.