What is a primary consideration when setting a per diem rate for travel in design work?

When establishing a per diem rate for travel in design work, one of the most significant factors is the use of standard industry rates. These rates serve as a benchmark for what is typically charged or reimbursed for expenses incurred while traveling for business-related activities such as site visits, client meetings, or other design-related functions. By adhering to standard industry rates, firms can ensure that their compensation practices are consistent with prevailing expectations, which can also help maintain fairness and transparency.

Using standard rates helps interior designers manage their budgets effectively, ensuring that travel costs are reasonable and aligning with what clients might expect based on industry norms. This practice also facilitates smoother communication with clients about expense reimbursement, as clients are often familiar with these standard rates and can more easily accept them for budgeting purposes.

While local economic conditions, design flexibility, and quality of service are important components in a broader context of project management and client relations, they are secondary when determining an objective per diem rate, which should primarily reflect established industry practices.