The Design Process

 Step 1: Set up an initial consultation with designer. Plan to spend 1-1.5 hours discussing your goals for your project. Prepare to ask questions of the Interior Designer. You may be asked to bring along any preliminary drawings or ideas that you have to get a better understanding of what is expected of the designer and what they can offer on the proposed project.

Step 2: Once you have made the decision to move forward, schedule an in-depth interview with the designer. The objective of this meeting is: 1. Establish and clarify goals; and 2. Create a timeline and a budget (if one hasn’t already been set up.) Often times step 1 and 2 can be combined if time allows. At this time pictures of the space will be taken and dimensions will be noted for space planning.

Step 3: A written agreement is prepared based on the terms outlined in this meeting. After a successful review of the agreement is conducted, the Interior Designer will request a retainer for services to be performed. Once a retainer is received the Designer will begin working on your project.

Step 4: The Interior Designer will establish a design concept and prepare a detailed presentation of how the design is to be executed. This is the point at which the Designer will collect furniture images and color/fabric samples, do some sketches and begin developing an overall design scheme to present to you for review.

Step 5: After you approve the design concept, a discussion will be had about how to execute the plan. There are several options available. Some clients prefer to be left on their own and others prefer the full-service approach. Most often, a middle ground approach is preferred.

Step 6: If furnishings are needed, the purchasing phase will begin once the specific items have been approved. In general, deposits are required before an order can be placed with the balances due prior to delivery and installation. Custom orders are typically not refundable. These transactions will happen between the client and the vendor. If the designer can help with pricing, they will.

Step 7: Construction/project management is left for the homeowner to take care of. The designer can be available to meet with any trades hired by the homeowner but the homeowner must be present during such meetings.

Step 8: A delivery date is determined as construction of interior work (if any) nears completion and furnishings are ready for shipment.

Step 9: Depending on the size of the project, delivery and installation of interior furnishings could be as little as one day or a series of days in phases. After everything is delivered and installed, the Interior Designer will walk through the project with you to ensure complete satisfaction