How it Works
The Design Process
During this time, the client and the designer meet for the first time to discuss the project. This meeting serves as a time for the client and designer to get to know each other, as it’s important that the designer and client both feel like it’s the right fit. This is also a time to discuss on a higher level what the project scope is and what the client desires for the project both functionally and aesthetically, and to discuss the fee structure for design services. From this meeting, the designer will prepare an estimate of design hours and a design contract.
This phase is the first phase of the project, after the design contract has been signed. During this phase, the designer meets again with the client to take initial measurements, photos, and discuss the client’s needs and tastes in greater detail, and any current spatial or functionality issues the client wishes to resolve with the new design. Utilizing the information obtained at this meeting, the designer typically creates a minimum of two options for a design style using “mood boards”. These are similar to a collage of images that give an overall feel for the design of the space and how the various furnishings, finishes, and fixtures (selections) will look together. Mood boards are a very helpful and efficient way to hone in on and to refine a final vision. This is also when a basic floor plan is created (sometimes more than one option) for the client to get a feel for the layout and “flow” of the space. After the mood boards and basic floor plan are created, a meeting will be scheduled to review them. This phase can be thought of as the first stage of the design and selection process.
Based on the design direction (mood board or options selected), the design gets refined further during this phase. Any modifications needed are made and any smaller details are added. This is also when the designer obtains samples and an initial budget or quotes can be prepared. Any edits to the floor plan are made as well, dimensions are added, and any detailed elevations, cabinetry, etc. are drawn up and finalized.
When the design is finalized, a meeting will be scheduled with the contractor(s). At this meeting, the contractors will see the space and discuss the design with the designer and client. Detailed and dimensioned construction drawings and specifications for final selections will be given to the contractor for review. The contractors will then draw up an estimate or quote for labor and any materials they may need to purchase for the project. Edits and adjustments to the final design are sometimes made during this phase, based on the contractor’s assessment of structural or other limitations.
After meetings with the contractors, final quotes or invoices are prepared and sent to the client. Between the time a client places an order with the designer and the delivery/installation, there are several steps going on in the designer’s office. During this time, the designer will write purchase orders for each item with detailed specifications, order cuttings for approval or samples to confirm dye lots or finishes will be as specified, and review acknowledgments for any errors. The designer will then track and manage delivery, inspect deliveries as needed, and handle any issues that need resolution.
During the installation phase, the contractors are working based upon the drawings and specifications provided by the designer. The designer stays in communication with the contractors and stops in at the project location periodically to check progress. Throughout this phase, the designer will also remain in close contact with the client to provide any updates, discuss any concerns the client has, etc.
When the contractors have completed their work and everything ordered has been delivered and/or installed, a final meeting is scheduled. This final meeting serves to ensure client satisfaction, discuss any “punch list” items that may be needed, and take final photographs. A project is considered complete when all punch list items have been fully resolved.
Step One - FREE Consultation
During this time, the client and the designer meet for the first time to discuss the project. This meeting serves as a time for the client and designer to get to know each other, as it’s important that the designer and client both feel like it’s the right fit. This is also a time to discuss on a higher level what the project scope is and what the client desires for the project both functionally and aesthetically, and to discuss the fee structure for design services. From this meeting, the designer will prepare an estimate of design hours and a design contract.
Step Two - The Schematic Phase
This phase is the first phase of the project, after the design contract has been signed. During this phase, the designer meets again with the client to take initial measurements, photos, and discuss the client’s needs and tastes in greater detail, and any current spatial or functionality issues the client wishes to resolve with the new design. Utilizing the information obtained at this meeting, the designer typically creates a minimum of two options for a design style using “mood boards”. These are similar to a collage of images that give an overall feel for the design of the space and how the various furnishings, finishes, and fixtures (selections) will look together. Mood boards are a very helpful and efficient way to hone in on and to refine a final vision. This is also when a basic floor plan is created (sometimes more than one option) for the client to get a feel for the layout and “flow” of the space. After the mood boards and basic floor plan are created, a meeting will be scheduled to review them. This phase can be thought of as the first stage of the design and selection process.
Step Three - The Design Development Phase
Based on the design direction (mood board or options selected), the design gets refined further during this phase. Any modifications needed are made and any smaller details are added. This is also when the designer obtains samples and an initial budget or quotes can be prepared. Any edits to the floor plan are made as well, dimensions are added, and any detailed elevations, cabinetry, etc. are drawn up and finalized.
Step Four - The Construction Documentation Phase
When the design is finalized, a meeting will be scheduled with the contractor(s). At this meeting, the contractors will see the space and discuss the design with the designer and client. Detailed and dimensioned construction drawings and specifications for final selections will be given to the contractor for review. The contractors will then draw up an estimate or quote for labor and any materials they may need to purchase for the project. Edits and adjustments to the final design are sometimes made during this phase, based on the contractor’s assessment of structural or other limitations.
After meetings with the contractors, final quotes or invoices are prepared and sent to the client. Between the time a client places an order with the designer and the delivery/installation, there are several steps going on in the designer’s office. During this time, the designer will write purchase orders for each item with detailed specifications, order cuttings for approval or samples to confirm dye lots or finishes will be as specified, and review acknowledgments for any errors. The designer will then track and manage delivery, inspect deliveries as needed, and handle any issues that need resolution.
Step Five - The Installation Phase
During the installation phase, the contractors are working based upon the drawings and specifications provided by the designer. The designer stays in communication with the contractors and stops in at the project location periodically to check progress. Throughout this phase, the designer will also remain in close contact with the client to provide any updates, discuss any concerns the client has, etc.
When the contractors have completed their work and everything ordered has been delivered and/or installed, a final meeting is scheduled. This final meeting serves to ensure client satisfaction, discuss any “punch list” items that may be needed, and take final photographs. A project is considered complete when all punch list items have been fully resolved.