BlogInterior Design

Why you need built-for-purpose hotel design software

Hotel interior design software built by & for A&D pros
Programa
Programa
Updated: 03 July 2024
Know your numbers. Instant insights into monthly leads, total leads, and lead value—all in one place.
Know your numbers. Instant insights into monthly leads, total leads, and lead value—all in one place.

There’s no question about the fact that technology permeates nearly every industry, and interior design is no exception. There are so many benefits associated with using interior design software that it’s virtually impossible for anyone keen on succeeding in the field to ignore, especially regarding hotel interior design & architecture projects.

Every hotel comprises many moving parts working together to ensure pleasant guest experiences. One of the foundations of any hotel comes from the hard work of interior designers.

Your job as the interior designer or stylist is to come up with a hotel design that:

  • Considers the comfort requirements of guests
  • Addresses operational challenges
  • Meets aesthetic standards

With the right interior design, hotels can save on expenses, ensure employee satisfaction and retention, and provide guests stellar service. And therein lies the challenge of hotel design, particularly in terms of project management.

As a hotel interior designer, you must keep track of a million things: design concepts, floor plans or design sheets, inspiration images, furniture boards, 3D models or renderings, approvals, product lists, etc. You also need to know who’s in charge of specific tasks and stay on top of schedules, communication, documentation, etc.

While software like Excel may help in small residential interior design projects, it’s not the ideal application for large-scale planning and management. This is where dedicated interior design software like Programa comes in.

Here, you’ll find out why generic software just won’t cut it for hotel design projects and why Programa is the best hotel design specification software.

The impracticalities of using generic software

The selection and approval of the numerous individual components necessary for the successful execution of a hotel design project can prove to be a formidable task. This process includes the procurement of furniture for various spaces such as offices, bedrooms, dining areas, and function rooms, in addition to the selection of mattresses, linens for the bedrooms and bathrooms, window treatments, kitchen fixtures, equipment and appliances. Coordinating and approving all these elements are crucial to ensure the overall design aesthetic is cohesive, meets safety requirements and delights guests.

  • Inefficient document version control: Various stakeholders will have their own versions of documents or files that may also undergo several stages of modification. There’s no quick and efficient way of knowing whether what you’re seeing is the latest schedule version. This limitation can lead to costly mistakes, such as wrongly approved documents and the incorrect ordering of items.
  • Unaligned with interior design workflow: Several good project management tools are available. However, with dedicated interior design software like Programa, built from the ground up with professional interior design and architecture workflows in mind.
  • Data loss: Files could end up missing or lost; if they’re not backed up, you lose them forever, leading to lost time and money.
  • Time-consuming and impractical: You and your staff may need to log hours of data entry to make sure every single tap, shower door handle, door stopper, and other products are properly documented, including product specifications.
  • Single-user sessions: Some apps don’t support collaboration, so only one designer can access a file simultaneously. This can make it difficult for multiple designers working on the same schedule to meet a deadline, no matter how urgent.
  • Limited use: Your work will have little to no use after the project has been delivered.
Spreadsheets: great for accounting, not so great for interior design.
Spreadsheets: great for accounting, not so great for interior design.

Enter Programa.

As opposed to using non-bespoke interior design software, Programa is a specification and project management software designed to streamline the work of interior designers and architects.

  • Programa is built by and made for professional interior designers & architects.
  • Programa is centralised and cloud-based, enabling quick and easy collaboration; your projects can be accessed anywhere and are always up-to-date.
  • Programa’s clean, minimal design allows for easy data management, even in the presence of large amounts of information. For example, you can easily add, change, delete and view specification details for any specified product.
  • Scheduling & specification is a breeze when you use Programa’s Web Clipper, as it allows you to import specs and images from anywhere online. In addition, the Web Clipper eliminates the need for time-consuming and error-prone data entry.
  • Programa perfectly aligns with your daily workflows, built with consultation with hundreds of interior designers worldwide.
  • All tasks and deadlines are centralised, so keeping track of your team and resourcing is easier than ever.
  • One-click sharing of Programa’s Schedules with stakeholders saves hours on presentations, preparing spreadsheets to share and internal studio communication.
  • Once the installation is complete, use your Programa schedules to track inventory assets essential to the hotel industry.

Programa is the complete suite of software for hotel interior designers, from the earliest conceptual stages to on-site installation.

A Programa lighting finish schedule.
A Programa lighting finish schedule.

Remove unnecessary stress and double handling with Programa:

Hotel design involves many stakeholders and professionals, tasks, documents, products and a million other details you need to deliver better projects with less stress.

Start Programa free today, and make hotel interior design a breeze.

Table of contents
  1. Why Winning Work Matters for Interior Designers
  2. The Benefits of CRM Software for Interior Designers
  3. Using Project Management Tools as a CRM
  4. Outcome
  5. A Collaborative Journey
  6. Movement & Aesthetic
  7.  
  8. About Coco Flip
  9. Interior Design Software For Professional Interior Designers
    1. Programa Interior Design Software: A Comprehensive Project Management and Collaboration Solution for Architects and Interior Designers
    2. User-friendly Interface and Tools for Seamless Project Management
    3. Spreadsheets Weren’t Built for Interior Design
    4. Specification Simplified: Say Goodbye to Arduous Data Entry
    5. Always Up-to-Date: Live Schedules for Real-Time Collaboration
    6. Seamless Sharing and Client Communication
    7. Build Your Own Product Libraries
    8. Eliminate Stress with Real-Time Version Control
    9. Track, Manage, Deliver: Stay On Top of Your Projects
    10. Effortless Integration and Customization
    11. Join Thousands of Designers Transforming Their Workflows with Programa
    12. Key Features:
  10. Interior Design & Architecture Software For Professional Interior Designers & Architects
  11. The Issue
  12. The Result
  13. The Solution
  14. Latest Updates
  15. Board View:
  16. List View:
  17. Timeline View:
  18. Seamless Integration for Holistic Project Management
  19. Simplify Your FF&E Selection Process
  20. Effortless Updates and Revisions
  21. Collaboration Made Easy
  22. Optimized Finishes Schedule Management
  23. The Future Of FF&E With Programa
    1. Task Management
    2. Phases
    3. Dynamic Views
    4. Prepare your Studio
    5. Key Changes
    6. Detailed Steps for Current Studio WIP Users
    7. Future Releases
    8. Support
    9. We interviewed Associates Callie van der Merwe, Calvin Janse van Vuuren & Roberto Zambri from COOOP, about their latest project, the Vogue Cafe.
  24. <strong>Principles for when you use the Services</strong>
  25. <strong>Implications for violating the User Guidelines</strong>
  26. <strong>Dangerous Content</strong>
  27. <strong>Deceptive Content</strong>
  28. <strong>Sensitive Content</strong>
  29. <strong>Illegal Content</strong>
    1. Introduction
    2. Why we have User Guidelines
    3. User Guidelines for what is strictly prohibited
    4. Rules for user-generated content
    5. How can I report an issue or get support?
    6. What We Do
    7. Our Mission
  30. Comprehensive Guide to Client Communication Software for Interior Designers
    1. The Importance of Effective Client Communication in Interior Design
  31. Programa Invoices
    1. Why Time Tracking is Essential for Interior Designers
    2. How to Use Programa for Effective Time Tracking
    3. Tips for Maximizing Your Time Tracking Efforts
    4. Addressing the Need for Flexible Project Management in a Global Context
    5. The Issue - Complex Tax Handling<br />
    6. The Solution - Streamlined Tax Tool
    7. The Result - Enhanced Clarity and Compliance<br />
  32. Interior Design Approvals and Client Communication
    1. The Significance of Client Communication in Interior Design
    2. Key Features of Programa’s Interior Design Approval Tools
    3. Benefits of Using Programa’s Interior Design Approval Tools
    4. Practical Applications of Programa’s Interior Design Approval Tools
    5. Conclusion
      1. Features
      2. Integrations & Sharing
      3. Upgrades
    6. Register to join our highly requested webinar On February 27th
    7. What To Expect In The Session
      1. Why Your Studio Will Benefit?
      2. Reserve Your Spot
  33. Why These Events Matter More Than Ever
  34. Where Innovation Meets Implementation In The States
  35. European Design Destinations: Where Dreams Take Shape
  36. Maximizing Your Event Experience
  37. Making It All Work Together
  38. Discover the future of sourcing and specification within Programa
  39. The marketplace made for designers and suppliers
  40. What’s new. Trade Portal 2.0?
    1. Sleek new look and feel
    2. Find exactly what you need
    3. Recommendations, category and brand highlights
    4. Tailored to your needs
  41. Why designers love this
    1. Start using Trade Portal 2.0
      1. Tasks: The Building Blocks of Effortless Studio Management
      2. Phases: Your Project's Roadmap to Success
      3. The Magic of Combining Tasks and Phases
      4. Getting Started is a Breeze
      5. Hommeboys Interiors
      6. CUAIK | CDS
      7. AKI Design
      8. Meraki Design
      9. Nickolas Gurtler Design
      10. Mera Studio Architects
      11. A Note from Zoe
    2. Join the Future of Design
    3. Schedules: Organized and Up-to-Date Project Tracking
      1. Benefits:
    4. Pinboards: Visual Inspiration and Design Curation
    5. Canva Sharing: Collaborative and Seamless Presentation Integration
    6. Invoices: Simplified Financial Management and Transparency
    7. Client Dashboard Controls: Complete Access Management at Your Fingertips
      1. How the Client Dashboard Transforms Your Workflow
      2. Benefits of the Update
      3. Redesigning Industry Workflows
      4. Moving Beyond Spreadsheets
      5. Industry-Specific Features
      6. Better Client Communications
      7. Try Programa Today
      8. The Hidden Cost of Chaos
      9. Enter the Digital Design Revolution
      10. Master Your Design Universe
      11. Design Intelligence at Work
      12. The Feedback Doesn't Lie
      13. Beyond Organization: Empowering Creativity
      14. A Day in the Life with Programa
      15. The Future of Interior Design is Here
      16. Why Leading Design Firms Choose Programa
      17. Time Tracking That Speaks Your Language
      18. Client Communication Reimagined
      19. Automation for the Creative Mind
      20. The Impact on Your Studio
      21. <a href="https://programa.design/features/best-interior-design-project-management-software" target="_blank">Beyond Project Management</a>
      22. Your Design Evolution Starts Here
  42. The future of sales and marketing for A&D brands
    1. What sets Programa apart?
  43. What’s in Trade Portal 2.0?
    1. Sleek new interface
    2. Advanced search and filters
    3. Showcase product collections by category
    4. Curated recommendations
    5. What's unique for brands?
      1. Take Full Control of Client Access with Ease
      2. View and Manage Access
      3. Client Overview & Quick Access Controls
      4. File-Specific Filtering
    6. Introduction to Programa
    7. Getting Started Dashboard
    8. Schedules
    9. Client Dashboard
    10. Web Clipper
    11. Pinboards
    12. Project Management
    13. Address Book
    14. Invoicing
      1. The End of Creative Interruption
      2. Where Inspiration Meets Intelligence
  44. The Dawn of SmartSpec: Your Creative Companion
    1. Creativity Amplified
    2. Beyond Documentation: The Future of Design Workflow
    3. Your Practice, Transformed
    4. Join the Creative Revolution
    5. The Future is Here
    6. Experience the Transformation
    7. In a discussion with Yasmine Ghoniem, Director of Sydney-based interior design studio YSG, we delve into the studio's founding story, cultural ethos, and groundbreaking projects.
    8. Based in Sydney, YSG is a multi-disciplinary practice trailblazing architectural builds and interior design across the residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. The studio charges spaces with atmospheric potency, staging, and storytelling driving their narrative process. With bold concepts and resourceful details, YSG's projects hopefully stir the soul and spark an emotive drive to feel one's best self within them.
    9. Key Benefits:
      1. Why MKCA Turned to Programa
      2. How MKCA Uses Programa
      3. Key Impact
      4. Scheduling with Programa and Client Approvals
      5. Streamlined Procurement Management
      6. Budget Tracking for Financial Clarity
      7. Hidden Feature for Internal Reviews
      8. Client Dashboard for Transparency and Easy Communication
      9. Centralized Project Management for Cohesion and Control
      10. Long-Term Efficiency with Programa
      11. Why AKI chose Programa
      12. Why the Trade Portal matters
      13. A streamlined process, from inspiration to installation
      14. Start sourcing on the <a href="https://app.programa.design/trade_portal/main" target="_blank">Trade Portal</a>
      15. How Does the Programa x QuickBooks Integration Work?
    10. Goodbye Fragmented Financial Management
    11. Build Connected and Efficient Processes<br />
    12. Meet The Programa x QuickBooks Integration<br />
    13. Studio WIP
    14. What else is new?
    15. What’s coming in February?
    16. Setting Clear Expectations and Boundaries
    17. Professionalism in Operations and Contracts
    18. Managing Finances and Discounting
    19. Handling Product Purchasing and Trade Pricing
    20. Protecting Relationships
    21. Keep it Professional
    22. Design Fees & Discounting
    23. Product Purchasing & Trade Pricing
    24. Data Encryption in Transit and at Rest
    25. Security Controls
    26. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
    27. Monitoring and Breach Protocols
    28. Your IP is Yours, Forever
    29. <strong>Why Programa is a Better Choice</strong>
    30. <strong>Easy Transition</strong>
    31. Task Management: Keeping Every Detail in Check
    32. Phases: Breaking Down Your Projects
    33. Combining Studio & Task Management for Optimal Workflow
    34. Getting Started: Setting Up Your Tasks & Phases
    35. Bringing it all together.
    36. Recognising the Impact of Mood Boards in Design
    37. Elevate Your Mood Board Creation and Collaboration
    38. Leveraging Programa’s Pinboards Throughout the Project
    39. Information about the Programa Terms of Service
      1. 1. Account Terms
      2. 2. Account Activation
      3. 3. Programa Rights
      4. 4. Your Responsibilities
      5. 5. Payment of Fees and Taxes
      6. 6. Confidentiality
      7. 7. Limitation of Liability and Indemnification
      8. 8. Intellectual Property and Your Materials
      9. 9. Additional Services - Programa In App Communication Tools<br />
      10. 10. Third Party Services and Integrations<br />
      11. 11. Beta Services<br />
      12. 12. Feedback and Reviews<br />
      13. 13. Takedown Procedure
      14. 14. Privacy and Data Protection
      15. 15. Programa Contracting Party
      16. 16. Term and Termination
      17. 17. Modifications<br />
      18. 18. General Conditions
    40. <strong>Contact Support</strong>
    41. What is an Interior Design Quotation?
    42. Key Components of an Interior Design Quotation
    43. Interior Design Quotation Format and Free Template
    44. How Do You Create an Interior Design Quotation Quickly & Easily?
    45. Beyond the Proposal: Invoicing with Programa
    46. Start Your Project Proposals with Programa
    47. Our new release puts the Pro, in Programa.
    48. For Designers
    49. For Brands
    50. What’s Next?
    51. Seamless Integration with Product Library
    52. Tailored PDF Exports
    53. Intuitive Schedule Navigation
    54. The impracticalities of using generic software
    55. Enter Programa.
    56. Remove unnecessary stress and double handling with Programa:
Reading: Why you need built-for-purpose hotel design software, Hotel interior design software built by & for A&D pros
Try Programa for free with a 7 day trial

Try Programa for free with a 7 day trial

Join the world’s best studios

Why You Need Built-for-Purpose Hotel Design Software

In the realm of hotel interior design, utilizing dedicated software tailored to the specific needs of the industry is paramount. Discover why generic software falls short and why Programa stands out as the premier hotel design specification software:

The Challenges of Generic Software Hotel design projects entail managing numerous components, from furniture procurement to design approvals. Generic software lacks the specialized features required for efficient project management, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors:

Inefficient document version control: Generic software often lacks robust version control capabilities, resulting in confusion over document versions and potential errors in approvals. Misalignment with interior design workflow: While general project management tools exist, they often lack alignment with the intricate workflows of interior designers and architects. Data loss and time-consuming processes: Generic software may lead to data loss or require extensive manual data entry, consuming valuable time and resources. Limited collaboration and usability: Some software lacks support for collaborative work, hindering teamwork and project efficiency. Enter Programa: Tailored Hotel Design Software Programa offers a solution tailored to the needs of professional interior designers and architects, revolutionizing hotel design project management:

Built for professionals, by professionals: Programa is designed with input from industry experts, ensuring it meets the unique needs of hotel interior designers and architects. Centralized and cloud-based: With Programa, collaboration is effortless, and projects are always up-to-date, accessible from anywhere. Streamlined data management: Programa's intuitive design allows for easy specification management, eliminating errors and streamlining workflows. Seamless integration: Programa's Web Clipper simplifies scheduling and specification by importing specs and images directly from online sources. Aligned with daily workflows: Programa is built in consultation with interior designers worldwide, ensuring it seamlessly integrates with existing workflows. Centralized task management: Keep track of deadlines and team resources effortlessly with Programa's centralized task management system. Effortless sharing: Share schedules with stakeholders in just one click, saving time on presentations and internal communication. Start Stress-Free Hotel Interior Design with Programa Hotel design projects come with a myriad of complexities that demand specialized solutions. With Programa, streamline your workflow and elevate your projects with ease.

Start your free Programa trial today and transform your hotel interior design process.