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The Design Process
Initial Meeting
This is a brief meeting on location to discuss the general scope of the project, design needs, the design process, the budget, and my fees. Photos and measurements of the space may be taken in order to create an inspiration board.
Concept Meeting/Contract Signing/Deposit
Your designer will present visual aids to convey the overall concept of the project. This may include sketches, paint and fabric samples, and inspiration photos so that the client can imagine what the space might “feel” like.
If the designer and client are motivated by this presentation, they will move forward with a contract and a deposit/retainer is taken to start the job. The cost of the project is determined per job. Conceptual Phase
This is the beginning of the project when research and inspiration are gathered by the designer and client and used to create the fundamental elements of the design.
This phase is the creative phase and is just as important in developing the final product as creating floor plans, choosing final paint colors, furniture, etc. If everything is explored in this phase, the rest of the project will go smoothly.
Hourly fees apply for research (done on the computer, libraries, shopping and sketching) and for meetings with the client to discuss what has been found.
*It is helpful for the client to do research and get inspired as well. The creative process between the client and designer should be a collaborative effort. Feedback from the client is also very important in assuring that their needs are always understood. Everyone has a creative vision. It is up to the designer to take all of these ideas and mold them into a refined, mature, and inspiring space that is more than the client could have hoped for.
The better the communication…the better the design!
Design Development
After the concept is solidified and all ideas have been explored, it is time to develop it into a functional design. This includes creating floor, ceiling, and finish plans, wall elevations, and finalizing all fixtures, furniture, and decorative items that will have to be purchased for the space.
It is a good idea to estimate 4 weeks lead times for all purchased items. This will assure no set backs with backorders, bad deliveries, special-order items, etc.
Depending on the size of the space and scope of the project, fees will either be charged by square footage or a standard hourly rate. To shop for the items, either online or on foot, an hourly fee will apply.
The documents that will be presented at the end of the D.D. phase will be useful for contractors and/or architects. Designers do not have the capability to stamp drawings, as a qualified architect can, for the city for major construction but most construction documents will be accepted for small scale construction.
Construction Phase
During the construction process, the designer will make routine visits to the site to assure that the clients needs and the designs presented are being fulfilled properly.
A schedule can be set up for this with between the client, designer, and contractor. Hourly fees will apply.
Post Construction/Decoration
When construction is complete and all touch-ups have been finalized by the contractor, it is time to decorate. Either the client and designer can collaborate on this, or the designer can be hired alone to come in and finish the project through decoration. This includes hanging art, moving furniture, putting books on shelves, placing decorative items, etc. With permission from the client, photographs will be taken of the finished space and used for the portfolio and possibly for advertisement of the design business.
Misc.
In order to assure paint colors will be as intended, the designer requires the client get poster board sized samples of the paint to view in different locations of the space and under different lighting conditions. Either the client or the designer can provide these by obtaining sample quarts from the paint store and applying two coats to the board.
With all finishes chosen, it is always best to look at the samples in the space they will eventually be housed in whenever possible.
Payment to the designer will be done as phases are completed or on a weekly draw (however the client prefers). The forms of payment accepted are cash, check or money order.
Any decorative decisions made throughout the project should be discussed with the designer out of respect for the design intention of the space. Making a decision without consulting with your designer could conflict with the overall look in the end.
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