Project Milestones
1. HELLO CALL
A Hello Call is a phone call to discuss the possibility of working together. During this call, I’ll ask broadly about your design needs, and answer any preliminary questions you may have. This call usually lasts between 15-30 minutes. If after talking we decide to move forward, we will schedule an initial consultation.
2. THE INITIAL CONSULTATION
At the Initial Consultation, I will come to your home to meet you in person and look at your space. We will discuss your design needs and goals for your space.
This Initial Consultation usually lasts 1-2 hours and there is no charge because it’s our chance to make sure the project is a good fit. After this consultation, and if we choose to move forward, I will send you the design fee for your project. Payment of half the design fee allows us to get started.
3. CREATION OF DESIGN PLAN
This is where the creative process begins.
Each project has many variables and no project is the same. However, most projects usually include the following: photographing and measuring the space; speaking with trades and scheduling site visits; sourcing furnishings (lighting, wall coverings, furniture, fabrics, accessories, etc); and collecting samples (fabrics, tile, finishes, wall paper, paint, and more). During this time, I draw floor plans and elevations to help you better visualize the concept. When needed, I consult with my trades to help develop electrical plans, plumbing plans, architectural plans, etc.
As the Design Plan comes together, I create an estimate and put together a design presentation for your approval.
This process, depending on the size of the space, usually takes at least 2-4 weeks.
4. PRESENTATION OF DESIGN PLAN
I’m not sure who enjoys the Design Presentation more, me or my clients! I love it because I get to show all the beautiful elements that will come together to make your new room perfect just for you. Clients love the Design Presentation because they are excited to finally see a complete plan curated for that space they’ve been anxious to change. Each curated item for your space was chosen with your needs and style in mind.
I will bring samples that you can see and touch. This includes the fabrics, tiles, floor and wall coverings, paint colors, etc. I will show you photos of the furniture, lighting, art and accessories. You will see rendered elevations I have drawn of your new room(s) to help you visualize every element in its place, as well as floor plans, lighting plans, tile plans, building plans, etc. Your feedback is important during this stage, so we can discuss and adjust the design concept as needed.
Lastly, I will provide you with the design proposal. This is an itemized list showing the cost of all furnishings and tradespeople needed the design concept to life. This estimate is a good indicator of what the total job will cost.
5. IMPLEMENTATION OF DESIGN PLAN
At this point, you have approved the Design Plan and have paid a deposit for the furnishings budget. I will begin placing, scheduling and managing orders with vendors for furnishing items and trades. Furnishings are sent to my receiving warehouse and are held until installation day. Trades come to upgrade electrical, replace windows, sand and polish floors, install wallpaper, paint, install built-ins, etc. Everything is based on the approved Design Plan. That said, this can also be a time for refining the Design Plan as needed.
6. INSTALLATION DAY
Installation Day is the BEST! After months of dreaming and working toward it, it now finally comes together in one very long and work-filled day. And it’s sooooo worth it!
Before Installation Day, all the work by the trades has been done. All the hard finishes have been installed, walls have been painted or wallpapered, and electrical work is ready for the new fixtures. On Installation Day, a large truck will arrive and, under my supervision, my team will bring in each piece of new furniture. Mirrors and artwork will be hung, accessories put in place, window treatments and chandeliers installed, etc.
It is an exciting day, and I absolutely love it when clients come home to see their brand new, awesome room. I love seeing my client’s eyes grow big with disbelief and their joy at how wonderfully different their new space has become!