The Five Step Design Process

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Wouldn’t it be fabulous if your design project progressed as quickly as they do on the television shows? Imagine…. you sign a letter of agreement and voila the demo crew is at your front door at 7:00 a.m. the next morning ready to go!

Ok, ok, time for a little reality check. Here’s a brief outline of the real phases an interior design project moves through so you know what to expect before you begin, and feel comfortable with the process.

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Phase 1 - Programming

The Programming Phase is like a first date. This is where we get to know you and your desires — for your new space, that is.  We’ll ask you a number of relevant questions, inventory your existing furnishings, photograph your space, and discuss your project budget and timeline.

If needed, we will meet with your architect, and any other consultants involved, before beginning the next phase – Design Development.

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Phase 2 - Design Development

The creative ideas are flowing and we can’t wait to share them with you. 

We develop furniture plans and color palettes, select your new interior finishes such as paint, wallcovering, flooring, ceiling and window treatments.. This is also the phase when any custom-designed pieces or ideas would be sketched for your review.

After we finish sourcing your items we meet with you to review the plans and finish selections, make any refinements needed and finalize the detailing of your plans and ordering your furnishings, fixtures and equipment.

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Phase 3 - Construction Documents and Administration

During the Construction Documentation phase it’s all about the details so your contractor knows exactly what our design intent is to price out your job.

After you receive several contractor bids and their proposed timelines, we assist you in reviewing each to ensure accuracy and fair pricing.

We also draft and submit purchase orders for all of your equipment, interior finishes, and furnishings so items are received and ready to install before construction begins.

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Phase 4 - Construction / Installation

We’re engaged and we’re starting to build something new together. We see our ideas come to life. We stop by the job site frequently to oversee the sub-contractors and ensure work is progressing on schedule and as planned. We meet with you weekly to address any of your concerns.

Following construction, we coordinate the delivery and installation of your new furnishings, accessories and artwork. It’s like Christmas morning all over again!

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Phase 5 - Project Completion 

Before we conclude our time together, we do a final walk-through with you and prepare a list of any remaining small items needing attention.  We also discuss the care and maintenance of all your new finishes, furnishings and equipment so you can enjoy them for many years and maintain their new appearance.

As we drive away, we are content knowing our collaboration has laid the foundation for you to live and work in a personalised space you never want to leave.

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*Please note not all of these activities will pertain to your job as defined by its scope of work.

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