SA Affordable Housing January / February 2018 // Issue: 68 | Page 21

FEATURES
be considered junk or trash and turn it into something
functional and beautiful again.”
CHALLENGES DESIGNERS FACE
Design of units is crucial to how the interior will be decorated.
Mulholland says that developers aren’t designers. Often
the mistakes come in the design of the home itself, with
unnecessary walls breaking flow and that make the home
appear cheaper than necessary. Developers may initially
have a practical idea of what they require, but the idea may
not work when it’s time to transform the unit. Asset
managers interested in the affordable housing market –
like International Housing Solutions (IHS) – rope in
architects to design their complexes so they don’t look
unattractive or inexpensive.
Maluleke says that it is important for the developer and
designer to work together from the start to avoid
unnecessary costly mistakes. She describes this as one of
the major challenges an interior designer faces.
“Things like having to breakdown the structure because
the wall was supposed to be in a different place or moving
plug sockets [to suit functionality] should be avoided. We
prefer getting involved right from the start – we check your
plans and discuss where things like plug sockets should
go,” she says.
Many challenges of moving things around to fit an
interior occur when an interior designer is called after the
unit has been built. This challenge is also the contractor’s
problem because he must revisit the structure and make
changes to accommodate the functionality of rooms.
Designers, developers and contractors need to understand
one another, work together regularly and be punctual so
there is a seamless cohesion on the project.
“If you want to achieve the best product, make sure you
mesh all these parts together,” Maluleke says.
Maluleke adds that sometimes architects place furniture
in the designs and this assists with the overall aim of
meeting a client’s brief. “However, there are architects that
don’t do this and only put in allowance for plugs,”
she adds.
EXPERTISE TO MEET CLIENT’S NEEDS
Re-purposing a worn out or neglected item can lighten up
a room.
Jaques Scheepers from 70Nine SHADES agrees
with Mulholland.
“Keep it simple and use what you have. The space will
help you to design it. Look at what is required and what the
space will allow and stick to your plan. If a room is clean,
painted with a fresh coat of paint and presented in a clean
and safe environment, you can’t go wrong,” he says.
One of the great things about interiors is that no item
expires, it gets neglected and worn out, however,
Scheepers says, “It’s possible to take something that would
Interior designers are expected to be qualified and
accredited people who are hired to meet a specific brief.
Maluleke has found that some designers impose their ideas
on clients, therefore failing to give them what they want.
“Make what the client wants work, it’s not your house.
My responsibility as an interior designer is to make it work
in the best possible way and not to force my way. You can
advise but if they still insist, give them what they want,”
she says.
It is important for a designer to know the kind of work
they’d like to put their name on. “If you don’t feel
comfortable working on a project then excuse yourself,”
she advises.
TO WRAP UP
Interior designing is about more than just putting in a
couch and TV into a unit. Consideration of room spacing
and design play a vital role to ensure that a practical space
is created. Adding the final touches to a complex or
apartment block can be a laborious affair, however, it
doesn’t have to be when all the parties involved
communicate effectively with one another.
AFFORDABLE
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JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2018
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