PROCESS
01 // Defining the Design
The first step to designing your space is to define what you’d like to accomplish. Between our initial phone call, design questionnaire and two-hour in-home Design Consultation where we take photos and measurements, we’ll work together to nail down the scope of your project. This is the phase where it’s most important to give us all of the information you have up front so we can do our best work for you - just like a massage, the more you tell us what you like up front, the more you can relax throughout the process. Once we understand what you’re looking for, we’ll create a Design Proposal defining the items we’ll work through as well as a range on time and estimated price and present it for your approval. Once we’re on the same page, we’ll collect our retainer for minimum hours and dive into your concept!
02 // Concept Creation
After you approve the proposal we dive into creating your bespoke concept, including illustrating multiple options for your design direction. This phase can take up to two weeks, depending on the scope of your project.
We start by creating a floor plan for any space requiring furniture selection, space planning or structural changes by building it in 3D. This is a critical step because it helps us determine the best sizes for everything from your windows to sofas, as well as illustrates what your space will look like with our proposed changes so you can make confident decisions.
Once we have your 3D foundation, we work through different design directions for your space. For spaces where we are proposing architectural changes, these directions would mean be different configurations of the floor plan. In spaces where we are designing without structural components - for instance a living room - these options may include different layouts for a built-in and furniture, as well as options for the furniture itself. We illustrate our design concepts in a variety of ways, including mood boards, perspective schemes, 3d renderings, elevations and / or sketches.
This step works in phases by design hierarchy. This means we make sure to lay a sturdy foundation for your space before working through all of the details so we don’t waste your time by designing things prematurely. For example, if we don’t have the floor plan nailed down we can’t accurately recommend sofas, just as if we don’t know what rug you’ll have it would be premature to select styling items. As such, this phase and the next will be repeated several times in conjunction on larger projects.
03 // Design Discussions
After we’ve created your bespoke concept, we’ll present it for your review. Again, this presentation varies on whether we’re working through a remodel where we need to review tile, flooring and other samples in person, or if we’re designing furniture and decor schemes, which can be presented and discussed remotely. We’ll talk about what you love and what you’d like to see more options for, and revise the concept as needed until it’s just right for you aesthetically, functionally and financially.
04 // Design Direction
Once we’ve landed on a concrete direction for your space, we’ll create all of the detailed drawings necessary to implement our design. For furniture or styling projects, these drawings may include dimensioned diagrams for our suggestions on space planning and placement. For design projects that involve coordination with any other trade professionals (architects, contractors, craftsmen), your design documents will include detailed drawings with dimensions and specifications, 3D renderings of your space, and/ or buildable elevations and floor plans.
05 // Implementation
The last phase of the design process is to bring your bespoke design to life! This experience varies on the scope of our work together, and the amount of our involvement completely depends on your preference - we can be as hands on or off as you want.
For instance, in designs where we’re simply working on optimizing your furniture and floor plan, the implementation phase might mean creating a custom piece we designed for your space, purchasing furniture, decor and styling items, and / or overseeing deliveries. For larger projects, in addition to assisting with these elements we may also refer or help oversee the work of tradesmen necessary to execute your design (tile installers, cabinetry makers, plumbers, electricians, etc.).
On the other hand, if you’ve hired a general contractor to do your project management and just want some pointers on questions to ask them to make sure you’re on the right track, we’re happy to help there as well.
Either way, this phase includes a complementary visit with styling tips and photos of your finished space for all local projects over seven hours!