Our projects reflect each client’s style and personality because they’ve had an integral part in exploring design ideas. We feel clients get the best end result when there are opportunities to compare and contrast design ideas with plenty of time to review during meetings. We are good listeners and also understand how to present information to foster collaboration.
During Schematic Design we’ll create 2 or 3 design options that satisfy the design requirements. Options are important – often the best solutions come out of the compare/contrast exercise of reviewing the plans. We also create 3D computer models so you can easily visualize the design. Revisions are included in the process – we’ll strive to make the solutions ideal before we move on to the next design phase.
In this phase we dig into the details – cabinets, lighting, design style and more. We also start the finish and fixture selection process and incorporate choices into the design as we go. Our interior design services are tailored to each client – we’ll provide help with finishes according to your needs. The resulting set of drawings is used for contractor preliminary pricing and we’ll assist with the pricing process, whether it’s negotiated or a bid process.
After pricing we make adjustments as needed. “Value engineering” can reduce the cost of a project without taking away from the overall intent. Let’s make sure money is spent for the best value. Another layer of information is added to the drawings for permit and construction. Permit reviewers need to see code related information, and builders use the drawings to communicate with their subcontractors. Construction details that require more information are carefully drawn. Finally the construction drawings serve as part of the builder’s contract. We take our role as graphic communicators seriously.
Construction is expensive, and your home may be your biggest investment. You may see your project as a way to increase its value, or as money spent to enjoy life more - like a vacation. How we address your budget is an important question, and it is no doubt one of the most challenging. Depending on the project we may suggest negotiating with a single general contractor or bidding the project out to three general contractors. With changing economic conditions and supply chain issues we keep in touch with our building partners to understand how to adapt to increasing costs.
Complete and detailed construction documents are the basis for a successful building process. General Contractors and trades use the drawings to coordinate and fulfill the design intent. The drawings are also uses to obtain a permit and contain specific notes and details that plan reviews will check. Finally construction drawings should be part of the contract with your builder, to avoid misunderstandings about the scope of the project. We do everything we can to make construction go smoothly.
It’s exciting to see your project take shape. We are available for construction administration; questions come up and there may be a few final selections that need to be made. We work well with builders and are happy to be involved. We want the experience of building or remodeling to be what it should be – an enjoyable journey. Often clients will use the time during construction to shop and purchase new furnishings and décor. We can help with that too!