Hello! I’m a green interior designer almost finished with school and looking to launch a virtual design business. For those out there already doing this, how do you get accurate floor plan dimensions from the client? I’m thinking room scanner apps using Lidar might be the best option. But it would be nice to get the electrical info too. Eventually putting together a how-to or checklist the client can do for me. What all are you using? Anything else I should be thinking about that I may have not considered?
Hi @melaniewarren1 welcome! I am always skeptical of digital measurements and not had much success with lidar apps. If an architectural diagram or landlord floorplan isn’t available, a trusty tape measure is my go-to and have walked clients through that process over the phone step by step. If I am not designing architectural details or built-ins, then this process usually works well enough for FF&E.
I know @kateseymour does a lot of e-design projects, hopefully she has some great advice on measurement gathering from virtual clients too!
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Yes, this process can be rather frustrating as a virtual designer lol. I don’t even trust the landlord type plans because 99% of the time they are not accurate. I usually just walk them through how to measure with a tape measure ie measure at the floor so I’m getting the space inside the baseboard, measure at the corners to help keep it straight, indicate on the plan where the outlets, lights, windows and doors/openings are. I also let them know the drawing doesn’t have to be good or to scale since I’m just going to put everything in my own planner. A laser measure can be great if someone is doing it by themselves and to get super accurate. If something is getting custom made or built in, I always make sure to tell the craftsperson to do exact measurements themselves in the space.
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Thank you so much for tips and tricks! I’m bummed about the apps. Maybe that will improve with tech so for now maybe nothing trustier than doing it the way that it’s always been done. I thought having a client do it would be as equally faulty, or they would put up a stink for all the work, but i’m sure it factors on how you communicate & teach them too.
@kateseymour I loved your tip about using the corners! This may be a dumb newbie question but why use inside the baseboard? I would think wall to wall but I’m guessing it must be becuase of furniture being pushed against the baseboard.
It can make a difference in how things fit, especially if you are filling a nook or trying to do a lot in a small space. It’s also easier to measure against the floor and keep it straight. It is more work for the client, but their only other option is to pay way more for an in-person designer so I haven’t had anyone take issue with it.
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