Full Service Interior Design

Creating cohesive, beautiful homes and offices is our goal with full service Interior Design. Our full service offering includes the completion of entire homes, groups of rooms, or solitary rooms in a single installation. While projects may be phased one room at a time or a group of rooms, our Full Service Interior Design process does not lend itself to providing individual furnishings or accessories. Investing in our Full Service Interior Design process involves a flat design fee in conjunction with a furnishings budget.

The typical Full Service Interior Design process is outlined below.

1 ~ Consultation
The design consultation is the starting point. During this first meeting we will discuss the scope of your project, your goals and your budget. I will ask you to fill out a questionnaire and we will discuss your tastes, your lifestyle, and how you intend to use the space. You will want to make sure all decision-makers are at this meeting and plan for two to three hours of time.

During the consultation we will cover:

A.  The scope of your project in detail.
This will include all the rooms involved in the project, how you intend to use each room, and your ideas and goals for each space.

B.  Your tastes, preferences, likes, dislikes, style and lifestyle.
I will ask lots of questions and we will look at photos to better define your tastes.

C.  Budget
We will set an overall budget before we begin your project. I will work with you to determine your options, goals and set a realistic budget for your space.
We use an in-depth step-by-step process for determining your best budget right from the very start.

D.   Assign the Main Contact
If there is more than one decision-maker, we will need to assign a primary contact person for the project. This person will be the one that makes decisions and approves the proposals.
This individual will be the person we have direct contact with and receive direction from during the course of the project.
Because it is not always possible to meet with both people at the same time, the contact person will be responsible for communicating any ideas or decisions to his or partner.

2 ~ Site Measure and Assessment
This on-site meeting generally occurs within two weeks after the letter of agreement and retainer are received. We will take detailed measurements and photographs of all the spaces involved in your project.
Where appropriate, we will also arrange to have the trades people who will be working on your project come in and take their own measurements for estimating purposes.

3 ~ Space Planning
Carefully considered space planning is crucial to a well designed space. After all the measurements have been taken we will develop floor plans for each room.
Floor plans allow us to determine what pieces will best fit into the space, how it is arranged, and the scale of each piece. We will then schedule a meeting to review each floor plan and discuss the pros and cons of each.

4 ~ Design Concept
Once we have decided on a floor plan, the next step is to create the design scheme. This starts with developing a color scheme and sourcing fabrics, furniture, fixtures and materials.
Custom furniture and built-ins are designed and finishes chosen. Materials for flooring, counters and cabinetry are selected. Wall and floor coverings are considered.
Window treatments are designed and fabrics, trims and hardware are chosen. A lighting plan is developed. Drawings, samples and pictures are gathered.
Quotes and pricing are researched. Every detail is considered.
Generally, at this time, there will be a fair amount of communication and possibly intermediate meetings to discuss certain elements of the design.
Creating the design concept is a multifaceted process and generally requires several weeks, depending upon the scope of your project.

5 ~ Concept Presentation and Approval
Once the design concept is ready to present, we will scheduled a meeting. You will be presented with carefully edited selections that represent the best choices for your space.
We will go through the design in detail and you will be presented with fabrics, drawings, photos and samples for each element in the design. For some elements, we will present multiple options.
During the meeting we appreciate feedback which helps us to narrow your options to the absolute best choices for your spaces. If there are items that need to be re-sourced, we will discuss the steps involved at this time.
By the end of this meeting, we should have a complete design concept that meets your approval. If you want to see, touch, feel or sit on some of your furniture options we can arrange a trip to various showrooms.
Timely approval of the design concept is crucial for maintaining accurate pricing and ensuring the availability of some design elements (fabrics or antiques, for example).
If the design is not approved in a timely manner there may be additional costs associated with replacing items that are no longer available.
nce the design has been approved and all elements are finalized we can begin executing on the design.

6 ~ Scheduling
A schedule is developed for purchasing, placing orders and any work to be done by various trades. We also set a goal date for final installation.
This schedule will be adjusted along the way to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. Please be aware that most projects take several months to complete. The lead time on custom furniture can often be 8-15 weeks.

7 ~ Procurement
Take comfort in the knowledge that before any trades are hired or items purchased, you will receive a proposal for approval that details our planned work along with all items to be purchased and their associated costs.
Nothing will be purchased without your approval.
You will receive two copies of each proposal; one for your records, and one that you will sign and return to our office with a 50% deposit. For fabrics, antiques and other items, payment must be made in full when the work order is approved.
Any balances will be due when the merchandise is ready for delivery or when services provided by trades are completed.

8 ~ Design and Trades Implementation
If there is work to be done by trades, we will schedule them as soon as possible. We manage all scheduling and oversee the work to make sure the design is executed properly and with the highest quality in workmanship.
Throughout the design process we manage all the details, making sure any work done by trades is underway or has been satisfactorily completed.
It is important that all concerns have been addressed, furniture ordered, payments made, scheduling on track, and no detail overlooked.

9 ~ Installation & Accessorizing
Now it is time to make vision and planning a reality! At this point, all work by trades has been completed, furniture delivered, window treatments installed, rugs laid, accessories placed and all the art is hung.
If it can be arranged, generally, it is our goal to complete your installation on the same day. What wonderful fun returning home to a fully completed design project! Wow!
Styling is what elevates your spaces to magazine quality status. It involves those detailed finishing touches and is generally a different process than the rest of your interior design.

10 ~ Refinement Punch List
Once the installation is completed, we will walk through your space and review each room together. A punch list will be made of any small things that are left outstanding or need perhaps need more attention (such as paint touch-ups or a needed item).
We will, of course, address each item on the list as quickly as possible. Once all the items on our punch list are completed, the project will have come to a close.
With your consent, we can then discuss possible plans for photographing your space! At this point, it is time to celebrate!