understanding you
To best serve you, we must first assess, identify, and understand your needs. Starting with a 20-minute telephone call, we start to learn about you, your project, and what you'd like to achieve. You will also learn about us, how we work, and have the opportunity to ask your big questions. Following our call comes the opportunity to take the next step towards the development of your project, The Consultation.
Full Service Interior Design FAQ'S
What does Full Service Interior Design consist of?
Developing Brief
Conceptual Design
Spacial Planning
Creative Vision
Furnishings Layout
Technical Drawings
Bespoke Joinery + Furniture Design
Lighting Design
Floor Coverings and Rug Design
Window Treatment Design
Wall Coverings
Project Coordination
Project Execution and Installation
Problem Solving
Fitting + Finishes Specification
Third-party Collaboration + Liaising
Documentation + Budgeting Management
How does full service interior design work?
To set our projects up for success, we follow a strategic process throughout all projects that is based in alignment with RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Standards of Work. Our full service approach enables us to manage projects from concept to completion in a streamlined manner that focusses on getting our clients the best results.
Full Service Interior Design consists of three major phases:
Conceptual Design Phase
Detailed Design Phase
Execution Phase
What is the Conceptual Design phase?
During the Conceptual Design Phase, we create a detailed brief by thoroughly assessing your space, asking questions, encouraging conversation, taking measurements and photos, and detailing documentation for everything pertaining to your project. We take care to gather as much information as we can to learn about you, your space, and your aspirations for the project. It is during this phase that we begin to develop a creative direction for your project.
Here's an edited selection of expertise required and tasks undertaken during the concept phase:
Thorough site survey and detailed brief-taking
Space Planning: We design the ideal floor plan and layout for your project
We enlist our creative vision to establish interesting, unique ideas and recommendations for the design
We create inspiration boards to communicate our vision based on your input and objectives
An investment estimate is created to capture the elements required to bring your project to reality.
Collaborations with various third party experts and suppliers begin with onsite meetings to review the technicalities of the project.
Samples of fabrics and finishes are ordered so that you can touch and see how all the elements relate
This phase can take anywhere from four to six weeks or many more, depending upon the scale of the project.to complete. When complete, we schedule a Concept Design Meeting to review the direction, floor plans, sample and inspiration boards, and a few initial selections. It's a high-level overview that ensures we're headed in the right direction.
What is the Detailed Design phase?
Detailed design happens when we take the approved conceptual ideas, refine them, and create a targeted plan for your project's execution. This phase takes from four to six weeks to complete and consists of executing the following design elements in accordance with the brief::
Finalise scaled floor plans and spacial planning integrated with actual selections
Generate relevant elevational drawings with details for implementation such as tiling layout, lighting plans, bespoke joinery, and plumbing fittings
Procurement of written quotations from trades and suppliers
Selection and documentation of all items required to complete the design plan
Full client presentation to communicate every aspect of the design
Proposal of each item for client approval
Investment estimate updated and finalised with approved selections
What is the Execution Phase?
It is during the Execution Phase that all of our preparation and targeted planning is put into action. Purchase orders are issued, the construction begins, and the overall project implementation takes place. The amount of time it takes to complete the Execution Phase is dependant upon the scope of the project and the contractor's schedule. During this phase, our team is dedicated to carrying out the following requirements:
Purchasing
Place orders and assess lead times and delivery times
Complete all purchasing of goods on your behalf
Clarify, communicate, and track delivery times
Manage orders efficiently
Work in accordance with the construction and installation timeline
Construction
We oversee the design-related elements onsite with scheduled site visits to ensure quality standards
Coordinate project logistics with principle contractor and suppliers
Ensure adherence to design plan with all collaborators
Installation + Styling
Coordinate deliveries and plan for installation requirements
Provide a turnkey furniture installation, meaning that all furnishings are delivered at one time once construction is complete
Onsite studio presence for installation to execute a strategically-planned installation process
Style and photograph the completed project, as applicable
Project Reveal + Handover
Provide documentation that supports the care and maintenance of your newly completed project
Identify and document any deficiencies that we've noted during installation
Present styling price list for accessories, as applicable
Confirm any selections from accessory list, as applicable, the remainder will be removed and returned , as appropriate
Resolve any deficiencies as noted during installation
How long does it take?
When embarking on a design project, planning and preparation are the keys to success. While we endeavour to work through projects in the timeliest manner possible, the entire design process takes time. There are many variables to consider and many moving parts that must align.. We encourage our clients to trust the process that will ultimately help them achieve their objectives so that their completed project is everything they hope it will be - and more. You'll be informed with regard to timing all along the way.
How do you charge?
Our fee structure is as follows:
1. Flat Fee for Design: The value of our expertise lies in our creative vision in combination with our industry experience and knowledge as well as in our ability to effectively execute throughout each phase of the process. Our flat fee is based on the scale and scope of the work and the estimated amount of expertise and time required to deliver the best outcome. Our work commences and/or is fixed on our calendar upon receipt of initial instalment of design fees.
2. Procurement/Purchasing Management: Procurement consists of the issuance of all purchase orders, invoicing, buying management, tracking, storage, delivery management, and documentation of orders placed through the studio. We charge hourly for this service and products are priced at retail.
3. Design Management: Design Management is an integral part of the design process, ensuring the design plan that’s been so diligently formulated is executed to a high standard and with the clients’ best interest in mind. Real time decisions, last minute reviews, and troubleshooting onsite are all aspects of effective design management, often requiring quick-thinking/responsiveness in the moment, which should always be done by someone who fully understands and advocates the clients’ objectives. We allocate a specific number of site visits and desk hours for design management according to the scope and scale of each project, which will be confirmed in your contract. Additional project management hours will be billed hourly.
How does the purchasing work?
For most projects, we request that the procurement of relevant furnishings, fittings, and equipment (FF+E) goes through the studio. By conducting projects in this manner, we're able to organise and keep track of all the important details to install and finish your project. As we work through your project, we develop an investment estimate that will, upon your approval, be finalised before the procurement stage gets initiated. We source with variety, from auctioneers to trusted trade suppliers to local artisans and craftsman to create a unique environment that is aligned with your vision.
For larger projects and in order to provide a streamlined service, all items ordered are delivered to a receiving warehouse where they are photographed, documented, and safely stored until installation. Full payment for all items is required prior to our placing of orders.
Why do you require full payment for goods at purchasing?
We require 100% deposit on all orders in advance of our placing the order. This protects you, us, and the supplier and enhances our process efficiency as well as protects our business. After all, we're a design studio, not a bank! Projects move more quickly this way as administration time is greatly reduced.
Custom orders are non-refundable and return policies depend on the supplier.
Can you recommend a contractor?
We thrive on collaborations with industry experts and one of our greatest resources is our team of designers, suppliers, craftspeople, artisans, installers, and contractors. While we don't run the construction aspects of your project through the studio, we can guide you in your decisions and offer recommendations on who's required to get the job done. Third parties are hired directly by our clients and we assume no responsibility/liability for work undertaken by third party companies.