The Process
It’s our desire to familiarize and prepare you with the “thought process” - and to inspire your imagination.
What follows is a generalized breakdown of how we approach your design project. Depending on your ideas and objectives, some ideas discussed may not be relevant, however it provides the opportunity for us to review these areas so that we understand how many components you may want to incorporate into your design.
Initial client meeting (Define)
The first meeting is our opportunity to get to know each other and for the designer to understand your style, needs and objectives related to your home interior. This is accomplished by establishing a relationship of trust and understanding that leads to a clear definition of your unique style and needs that you desire.
It is extremely beneficial if you have photographs of interiors you find attractive or photos of a previous home you particularly enjoyed. We will begin the process of establishing a base from which to proceed by determining the overall feeling you want to experience in your project, and integrate the design flow into each space providing a beautifully cohesive design that meets all your needs.
When we all agree to proceed to the next stage of your project, we will discuss the details of our engagement agreement and then determine the direction of the style, personality, visual impact and functionality of each space and how each room interacts with the entire project - both interior and exterior. We may also determine what architectural elements and details could be incorporated into the project, and items of furniture, art, and accessories that may be or emphasized in the design.
Second stage (Design)
At this point we analyze the architectural details, windows, doors and other openings and how they affect the general layout and function of the project. With a remodel design, we photograph and measure the rooms, windows and any furniture, art or accessories you would like to incorporate into your design. It will save a lot of design time if you have existing floor plans and interior elevations of your home and provide copies for the designer. We will begin the process of refining and determining your style based on color, fabrics, window treatments, furniture and upholstery, rugs, flooring, lighting, art and accessories. We will determine rough budget parameters at this time. In addition, we have painting contractors, wallpaper hangers and other specialized artisan come to your home and prepare a bid for their portion of the design project. At this time we also analyze the need for additional ceiling or wall lighting, electrical & data outlets and any other work that would affect the need for cutting into existing walls and ceilings.
Third stage (Develop)
We start to finalize the details of the architectural or remodeling details, cabinetry, flooring, tile, color scheme, furniture, upholstery, fabrics, window treatments and any other finish material selections. We provide drawings as needed to fully communicate the desired results for the contractors and coordinate with the contractors to visit your home and begin the process of generating bids. We will set priorities and scheduling requirements and begin preparation of a project outline and budget. The Lighting: We will determine the need for chandeliers and ceiling light fixture locations, table and floor lamps, wall sconces, candles and other unique sources of light. Natural light along with additional day & night time lighting options, highlighting focal points and providing task lighting plays a major role in setting the mood of a room.
Fourth stage (Deploy)
We now have a detailed budget, specification package and any contractor bids that may apply, based on decisions from the previous meetings. Upon your approval, this budget is our working tool and guideline for the remainder of the design process. As your interior design consultant, we will begin ordering all materials and scheduling work to be performed by our sub contractors as outlined in the budget. You will be updated on a regular basis of the progress of your project and any necessary changes or further selections.
Fifth and final stage
We will be in communication with you throughout the remainder of your project. We will coordinate delivery, installation and placement of furniture, art and accessories, including the installation of window treatments and the completion of any work performed by our sub contractors.
By the end of this process, we are bound to be good friends !!!