Step 1: Consultation

The design consultation is the launching pad for every new project. During this first meeting we will discuss the scope of your project, your goals, your budget, and design process review.

  1. The scope of work: Review job site or architectural plans. how involved you would like the designer to be.
  2. Your Design style: tastes, likes, dislikes, lifestyle and priorities. Please select 6
    Pinterest photos that describe your style to share at this meeting.
  3. Budget review: Create a budget and realistic expectations for said budget.
  4. Review Design Process and set expectations

Step 2: Letter of Agreement Signed and Deposit Paid

Shortly after the initial consultation you will receive a letter of agreement detailing the design fee, payment details and  responsibilities of the client and the designer. Once deposit is paid and agreement signed by all decision making parties work will begin.

Step 3 Design Plan

Remodels

The designer will return to take pictures and measurements, and to talk more in detail about the project. Once we have decided on a floor plan, the next step is to create the design scheme. This starts with developing a color scheme and sourcing materials. Materials for flooring, counters and cabinetry are selected. Wall and floor coverings are considered. Window treatments are designed and fabrics, trims and hardware are chosen. A lighting plan is developed. Drawings, samples and pictures are gathered. Quotes and pricing are researched and cataloged. In other words, this is where it all comes together and every detail is considered. At the end, you will be presented with carefully edited selections that represent the best choices for your space. Throughout this step there will be a fair amount of communication and there may be intermediate meetings to discuss certain elements of the design.

The design Scheme takes time to get together, time is determined by the scope of work.

New Construction

For a large new construction job this is where the designer likes to work with the architect, and client as you build your floor plans. With a designers practice eye we can help you thing through the functionality of your space, include many of the architectural details and finish work so they aren’t after thoughts, thoughtful lighting plans that revolve around furniture layouts, deciding on stained or painted cabinets etc. In making these decisions up front your builder will be able to give you numbers based on the actual finishes and finish work you are wanting to use instead of averages. This process will take time but the more detailed we are up front the less chance for mistakes during the build, which in the end will save you time and money.

The design plan will then be worked on in phases as the project progresses. Choosing the finishes that will be first used in the project. For instance the exterior finishes will come first, and we will move forward from there.

Step 4: Presentation and Sign-Off

Once the design scheme is ready, a presentation meeting will be scheduled. All decision-makers must be at this meeting. We will go through the design in detail and you will be presented with fabrics, drawings, photos and samples for each element in
the design. For some elements, you’ll be presented with two or three options. You will also be given a budget outlining the cost of each item. During the meeting, you’ll provide feedback and we’ll narrow down the options to the best one for each element. If there are items that need to be reselected, we’ll discuss the steps involved with that.

By the end of the meeting we should have a complete design scheme that meets your approval. Once the designs have been approved and all elements are finalized we can begin executing the design.

Step 5: Trades Day (remodels)

Subs are invited to the job site to take measurements, explanation of the scope of work, and estimated time frames accessed.

Step 6: Work Orders & Purchasing

Before any trades are hired or items are purchased on your behalf you will receive a work order that details the work to be done or items to be purchased along with all known associated costs. Work orders are the safety net to make sure we stay on the same page throughout the design execution and nothing gets purchased without your approval. You will receive two copies of each work order – one for your records, and one that you will sign and return to me with an upfront payment for merchandise. Payment must be made in full when the work order is approved. Any outstanding balance on each order will be due within 10 days of order placement.

Step 7: Trades Begin Work

If there is work to be done by trades, we schedule this to begin as soon as possible. The contractor will schedule the trade professionals and we will both oversee the work to make sure the design is executed properly and with the highest quality workmanship.

Step 8: Follow-up

Throughout the design process I, with the help of the contractor manage the project and stay on top of the details. This step takes place as we’re nearing the end. It’s a cross check to make sure work by trades is underway or has been satisfactorily completed, all concerns have been addressed, furniture ordered, payments made, schedule on track, and no detail  overlooked. We’ll schedule a brief meeting to review anything left outstanding or any changes that need to be made.

Step 9: Punch List

A punch list consists of all the little things at the end of a project that are left outstanding or need attention (such as paint touch-ups or a missing lamp). We’ll go through each room together and compile the list. I’ll arrange to have each thing on the list addressed as quickly and efficiently as possible. If there’s something that’s not right, don’t worry… I’ll make sure it gets taken care of and you won’t be left high and dry.

Step 10: Installation & Styling

This is where the vision becomes reality. All work by trades has been completed. Now the furniture is delivered, window treatments are installed, rugs laid, accessories placed and art hung. If it can be arranged, I have it all done on the same day so you get that “wow” effect when you come home.

Styling is what elevates your space to magazine quality status. It refers to adding those finishing touches and follows a different process than the rest of the design. Before the installation I’ll go to several stores and choose various accessories for your space. This could include art, lamps, throws, vases, candles, and other types of accessories. On installation day, they’ll be placed throughout your space. I’ll provide you with the cost of each item and you’ll have a day or two to decide what you want to keep. You’ll pay for what’s staying and I’ll return anything you don’t want.