What Interior Designers Need to Know about Materials?

What Designers Need to Know Materials now about 

•Be aware of the broad range of materials and finish products that are available.

•Select and apply appropriate materials and finish products on the basis of their properties or physical characteristics, which will determine how the product will perform.

•Know how the use of the materials will affect the acoustics of the space. Absorbent materials will help deaden the sound, making spaces less noisy. Reflective materials will add to the noise level of a space, which may be desirable in some instances. Some materials will help slow the passage of  unwanted sound from one space to another.

•Consider the life cycle cost of selected materials, which include the required durability of all materials.

•Be aware of the environmental impact of the selected materials.

•Understand the typical fabrication and installation methods for materials and finish products.

•Know and understand maintenance requirements for finish products.

•Be aware of the resources that are available for obtaining information about products and materials.

•Evaluate materials for their function, aesthetics, and appropriateness for a given use.


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