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Week 7 - The Importance of Concept Statements

In an article entitled “How to Write an Interior Design Concept Statement”, Linda Chechar discusses what a concept statement is, why it is important, and things to include and avoid while writing one. Linda Chechar is a writer with over twenty years of career experience in advertising, real estate, and retail décor, so her article will be helpful from a professional standpoint. Linda defines a concept statement as “the essence of an interior design proposal.” Since you are not always there to present your ideas, and since your design usually can not speak for itself, the concept statement is necessary to convey your ideas.

Concept Board | Statement

Linda addresses two main pointers necessary to create an effective concept statement – keeping the statement simple and addressing client requests. Simplicity is necessary because your client needs to know the intent of your design and how you accomplished it. Addressing client requests is also necessary because, since they have employed you, you should be sure to incorporate their vision and desires into your concept statement.

Concept Board | Statement

In this article, Linda also addresses things that should not be included in your concept statement, such as overly descriptive language, drawn out statements, and egocentricism. Flowery language leads to ambiguous concept statements and makes it harder for the client to see what you want them to see. Long sentences make it easy for the reader to lose track of what you’re trying to say, so keeping it concise will be more impactful. Egocentricism should also be avoided because the design is about your client, not you.


My concept statement for NEXT focuses on keywords such as individual, positive, welcoming, biophilic, invigorating, collaboration, relaxing, inspiring, nourishment, and growth. These words are used to convey important ideas and concepts that are important to the overall design of this NEXT clinic. NEXT wants to welcome individuals, whether patient or professional, into the space in order to provide a positive experience for them all. Biophilic design elements are important in creating that positive experience because nature is known to calm, soothe, and relax. Concepts of nourishment and growth are also shown through these natural elements because patients need to be encouraged by their surroundings. Finally, this clinic is also a center for invigoration, inspiration, and collaboration as opportunities are provided for professionals and patients to come together to discuss options in meeting spaces that provide privacy as well as adequate technology. Overall, my concept statement strives to take into account design aspects deemed important by NEXT and integrates these aspects into design choices to provide a suitable atmosphere for NEXT.

Comments

  1. UnknownOctober 6, 2017 at 1:15 PM

    Catie, I really like the article you chose this week. There were a lot of good reminders about how to write our concept statements, like not writing in first person. It's also good to remember to write in short succinct phrases that make it easier for clients to follow. I think concept statement has really come together well too and I'm really excited to see how you incorporate biophilic design as it connects to your key words!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Professor VanderNoordaaOctober 9, 2017 at 2:08 PM

    "How to write an Interior Design Concept Statement" is an excellent article to look at during this phase of our studio project. Things that should not be included in your concept statement, such as overly descriptive language, drawn out statements, and egocentricism are all valid points.
    Keeping the statement simple and addressing the client needs is the essence of concept statement.

    Your concept statement has evolved into a document that reflects in requirements of the NEXT healthcare project. Well done!

    ReplyDelete

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