My Design Process
Design Stages
Brief
I will visit you at home to discuss your requirements. We will talk about your style preferences, your dreams for your home and also your practical needs. It’s a great opportunity for us to get to know each other and for me to get a feel of the space and your own individual style. I would take lots of photos and notes and we may also discuss budget and your timeframe at this early stage.
Space planning and measured survey
Once we have agreed on the design direction and budget, we would arrange for a full measured survey to be carried out so that we can provide detailed floor plans and elevation drawings.
Visualisation
With all the information gathered, I will start the design concept stage. I would provide digital visual images and ideas for the proposed new layouts and structural changes that I think will enhance the space to get feedback from you. This really helps to narrow down the ideas and we will both start to get a clear idea of the design direction so that we can move onto to the development and detailing of the scheme.
Development
At our next meeting I would present a design book of the overall look of the re-designed scheme, this will include floor plans and elevation drawings showing all changes to the structural layouts, electrical and lighting plans, the general arrangement of furniture items and any bespoke pieces to be built into the space.
Detail
I will provide an outline of the colour scheme with hand painted samples, ideas for the lighting scheme and samples of all the material finishes. We would also be discussing ideas for furniture and any bespoke furniture items to be designed into the scheme. I work with many creators of bespoke pieces and I am able to design, produce drawings and source a maker for these special pieces.
Progress stage
A standard room survey is included in the design fee. If structural changes are to be made, professional drawings and calculations will be supplied by a member of our recommended specialists. The preparation and submission of any applications for consent to local authority, for planning or building notice can also be provided by us.
Construction & Project Coordination
We will provide a detailed build specification along with the new scheme plans. We can recommend our own contractors or you can choose your own. We will assist you throughout the quote and tender stage so that you secure the right team for the project and we will meet with the contractor prior to the build start so they have a clear vision of the designed scheme.
Once the builder and other contractors have been appointed, we would attend regular site visits to ascertain that the progress and the quality of the work is in accordance with the specifications provided. We will assist in problem solving when unexpected variations occur due to conditions revealed on site. If the client would like to make changes to the scheme after the original work has been agreed, these variations will be charged at an hourly rate. I would discuss this with you at the time so that you are fully aware of the variation costs.
Sourcing
Working closely with my long-established network of suppliers and creative makers, I am able to source all items required to fully implement the designed scheme. I will undertake the sourcing of everything that is required for the project from purchase through to overseeing the delivery on site.