This week on ArtEvolve we were joined by Javier Lara Maya, Condition & Risk Expert at Articheck and former Shipping Coordinator for some of the top Interior Design houses in the world. We discussed de-risking the movement of interior design objects using technology.
We often talk about fine art innovations in the ArtEvolve Webinar Series, with obvious examples relating to paintings and sculpture etc, but the industry handles a multitude of other objects. Who might work with interior design objects?
- Private homes
- Interior design houses
- Fine art shippers
- Museums
- Galleries
How is Interior Design shipping different from traditional fine art pieces?
- Objects are often not seen by shipper or client before being installed
- Assembly and complicated installation of objects almost always required
- Difficult access issues due to large size, odd shapes, and private locations
What issues/challenges might arise during an Interior Design project?
(Even the most meticulous plans can’t cover all possible eventualities!)
- Other players/projects overrun, leading to unexpected issues, such as builders/workers unexpectedly still on site.
- Key details were not communicated during the planning stage, e.g. it wasn’t mentioned that the coffee table weighs 1 ton and will require specialist equipment to get inside the building.
- Object delivery and storage – staff may not have time to immediately condition check objects upon arrival, so damage may not be discovered until much later.
- Managing multiple communication channels and keeping track of hundreds of items at the same time
- Staff have limited time to share updates with clients during the installation
How can technology be used to improve processes?
Handheld computers (aka smartphones and tablets)
– Documentation/record keeping
– Speedy/efficient communication
3D rendering software/digital measuring
– Proper placement
– Proper measurements
– Better planning
GPS
– Efficient communication
– Timing
Video
– Chain of condition, condition evidence
– Installation
– Packing
– Instructions
Digital sensors
– More accurate
– Less risk
– Use data to inform decisions about unpacking, installation, treatment, etc
Sign-on screen & shared online workspaces
– Efficient communication
– Improved documentation and record keeping
