Our Full-Service Design consists of 3 major phases: Conceptual Design, Detailed Design, and Procurement and Execution.
Research Phase:
• Assess the current project space, take measurements, photos, and note any items that will be staying.
• Work with our Client to determine direction and obtain inspiration and a deep dive into what they are looking for in their space in both functional and aesthetic terms.
Conceptual Design:
• Design the ideal floor plan to ensure the best possible layout
• Create inspiration board(s) to communicate what we envision for the project
• Determine initial selections to confirm the design direction
• Conduct “Trade Day” at your home. This is where we consult with our trades and vendors on site to review the project concepts and take detailed measurements in order to receive accurate quotes. (It is imperative to be on site with the vendors to discuss obstacles and options at the outset.)
The Detailed Design is the Development Phase for the project:
• Selection of each item according to design direction, investment estimate, and floor plan(s)
• Creation of quotes for purchases and procurement of quotes from tradesmen
• Completion of selections in accordance with approved inspiration boards and initial selections
• Finalizing the approved floor plan(s) with actual selections
• Drawing relevant elevations of the space
• Completing any custom piece drawings as needed
• Presentation preparation to communicate the design
The Execution Phase is time dependent on scope of project, lead times, and the contractor’s schedule.
Purchasing and Implementation:
• Placing orders and assessing lead times and delivery
• Clarify and communicate estimated delivery times
• Manage open orders by efficiently tracking goods
• Prepare the construction & installation timeline
Construction
• Oversee the construction and installation timeline
• Coordinate project logistics with contractors and vendors
• Provide site checks for project accuracy
Installation
• Coordinate deliveries and installations
• On-site presence during deliveries and installations, where applicable
Furniture Installation and Styling
• Provide turnkey furniture installation, which means that all of the furnishings are delivered at one time, once any construction is complete
• Plan and execute the styling process
• Style and photograph the completed project, where applicable
The Reveal
• Provide documentation that supports the care and maintenance of your newly completed project
• Identify any deficiencies that we’ve noted during installation in the format of a project punch list
• Present the styling price list for each item installed, where applicable
• Confirm what you want to keep or return from the styling price list, where applicable
• Pick up and return any items identified to be returned, where applicable
This is one of the fun parts of the work we do. It is the exploration of the aesthetic and functional aspects of the project. We dive deep into your ideas and inclinations via interviews, questionnaires, and a collection of inspiration photos provided by you. We take our time and go back and forth with you until we’ve understood you well.
The Conceptual Design Phase typically takes approximately eight weeks and the Detailed Design Phase takes approximately eight weeks. The Purchasing and Execution Phase is time dependent on scope of work and the contractor’s schedule.
Absolutely! And we actually love to do this, as these make your project unique and very “you”. We also love to work with expert craftsmen and women who dedicate so much expertise to making your space special.
As a baseline element of communication, we have a Friday Follow-Up email communication which goes out every single week, even if it’s to communicate that there is no news. Other than that, we communicate via email, text, phone call, or video call as needed.
Our only minimum is that we take charge of a complete space, even in cases when there may be existing piece(s) the client wishes to keep and use.
The earlier, the better. Oftentimes people believe that once they have the builder and/or architect and all the plans in place, then it’s the best time to engage an interior designer. This is a mistake we hope to avoid for our clients! The earlier we come on to the project, the fewer mistakes will be made along the way.
This service is ideal for people who are not yet ready to engage in a full-service commitment and can also take on the work of purchasing, overseeing contractors, installation, etc.
We will start with a discovery call to understand what you are looking to do. Then we get further into your thoughts and desires for the project via a questionnaire.
Actually, a fair bit can be accomplished if the preparatory phase has been completed with clarity and within the required 48 hours ahead of the visit. Some of the things we can do include: color selections, floor plans, rethinking the use of space, and even shopping online or in person.
We can, and sometimes that’s a great way to go about the process. Do keep in mind that transportation will take part of the allotted 6 hours dedicated to the session.
We do. After the session has ended, we go back to the office and create a spreadsheet for you with all the ideas and links that we collected during our session. Any floor plans created will also be shared.
The Designer for a Day is a great way to tackle many design issues in a single session, as well as an opportunity to pick our expert brain for ideas. Once we submit the consolidated items, we are happy to clarify specific questions within the next 24 hours. If you have any follow-up questions or new, fresh ideas, this may be an indicator that you may want to engage in a second session.
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Our Art Consulting is a unique service, as art is an investment, it’s highly personal, and sometimes hard to find exactly what one wants. The three main steps of the process are the Research Phase, the Sourcing and Proposal, the Commission or Purchase, and finally the installation.
It all starts with an in-person meeting to see the space(s) our client wants to add art to. The client is expected to have inspiration photos and to have completed a questionnaire at least 48 hours before our meeting. Then we will source through our network of artists around the globe.
We love to do this! Collection art sounds like a big word, but it’s not more than loving art and procuring pieces that will be the crown jewel for your home. We help people start collections with different price points too. Don’t be afraid to launch into this endeavor. We think it is a process meant to be fun and an opportunity to learn.
Absolutely. Our network is broad and we have artists who fulfill different clients’ aesthetics. For this, it’s always a better idea to spread your wings and explore near and far.
Our process begins with learning about what you like and dream of having in your home. The result of the process will happen only after our clients have learned about the artist(s) we propose and are happy to own a piece for their collection.
Yes, we do. We work with expert framers and installers. Scale is a very important aspect of art living in a space. Proper scale will make the piece feel natural in the space. “Wrong” scale may feel out of place, or it may be used to create part of the experience.
Yes, we can. This is part of the Research Phase of our process in which we learn how our clients hope the art piece(s) they are purchasing form part of the whole. And this does vary among people.
We do both. Most of our network is directly with artists, but we occasionally also collaborate with galleries.
This is one of the most popular approaches to purchasing art. By commissioning an art piece, we can customize—to a good extent—scale, color range, and style within the artist’s own body of work.
Many people do this. We love taking charge of the full home, including the art, as it allows for a very cohesive result, and we come to know our clients well enough to best serve them along these two avenues.
It’s part of our training! Among others, Natalia Allende has an M.A. in Aesthetics—the history and philosophy of art. The love of art has always run strong in our veins.