Our process
1. Initial Consult
Our first date, if you will. No commitment yet. For this meeting, we come to your home to discuss your design goals, priorities, and preferences. We analyze needs, establish the scope of work, and begin to discuss the project budget. Most importantly, we talk about you and your story. We spend a few minutes capturing a few basic measurements necessary for putting together our Design Fee Proposal. There is a fee for this meeting to cover our time; however, the fee is waived if the proposed design fee is paid within 10 business days of receipt of proposal.
2. Proposal
We return to our studio and develop your Client Portal and Design Fee Proposal. The Design Fee is determined by the scope of work and is the fee for our design work and expertise and is not for actual furnishings, fixtures, or equipment. This fee will take you through Step 6 of the Design Phase. Typically, we will create as-built plans of the existing space(s), catalog existing pieces, create detailed and dimensioned space-plans and elevations, and source and specify products for your unique design and budget. Often, there are custom solutions to design (window treatments, millwork, etc). The design fee covers our time to prepare for meetings, meet with you (and applicable contractors), and present the agreed upon deliverables (i.e. design boards, construction documents, specifications, etc.) during each step of the design process. It also pays for our team to price each component of the design.
We will send you a link and password to your Client Portal. In the portal, you can view your Design Fee Proposal. (An additional Project Management fee is collected in Step 7.) The ball is now in your court. When you have inspected the invoice and you're ready to move forward, you can send a check, do an online bank transfer using the prompts in the portal, or pay with credit/debit card. (FINE PRINT: There is a 3.5% charge on credit card payments.) A signed copy of our Agreement and Payment in full are REQUIRED to move forward with scheduling and the design process.
3. Gathering
Our Work: Time to measure. Budget and dimensions are the least fun parts of our job BUT definitely the most important. If it doesn't fit, we didn't do our job. To make sure this part is done correctly, we require a separate measuring appointment. For existing spaces, we come to measure all the rooms, windows, existing pieces you have, etc. For new construction, we spend time with your architectural plans and may also visit your existing space if specific elements need to be measured and included in your new construction. Then, we take the data back to the studio to really get started on the good stuff. You are not allowed to hang out with us! We are too chatty for that. Give us a key, a nanny's phone #, or a gate code, and we go at it!
Your Work: This is also the time to dive into your story full force! We have a list of questions prepared to get you thinking of who you are and how that affects the design of your home. The instructions are simple. Answer only the questions you want. The goal is to dig into who you are so we can design the perfect space for you - the more info, the better. There are NO wrong answers, and there is never too much information. This is also a time to share any inspirational images with us that you may have.
4. Love-Hate
This part might be our favorite! This meeting takes place at our studio. First, we show you preliminary scaled space plans and ideas. Sometimes, these include rough sketches and elevations if your project is a renovation or new construction. We present you with TONS of images of molding, furniture, art, lighting and plumbing fixtures, lamps, rugs, architectural details, and so on…as well as samples of fabric, flooring, cabinetry, finishes, and paint samples specific to your project for you to attack. Your job is to share your feelings about the items, samples, and plans. Be honest! Here are a few examples of what we have heard before: "I hate this chair!", “I need a bigger island in the kitchen.” "I'd love this if it were orange.", "This looks like my grandmother's table, and I loved that table!" “Marble is not my favorite.” We take all this feedback to create the perfect design for you!
5. Semi-Final
In your next design presentation at our studio, we give you a "peek behind the curtain" to let you in on where the design is headed. Examples of what we may share include: scaled floor plans, elevations and 3D drawings (if applicable), samples, selections and general pricing ranges for the entire design. The design is still very much in flux at this stage of the process.
6. Final Design Presentation
At this meeting, we have finished the design for your space down to the last detail and dollar. In the design presentation at our studio, we present finalized scaled floor plans, elevations and 3D drawings (if applicable), samples, selections and pricing for the entire design. This will include any alterations that were made after the Semi-final Design. At Final Design, you will be provided all pricing details for goods, labor, project management, shipping, receiving, installation, and delivery. Your Design Fee includes space for revisions. A meeting (via phone or Zoom) is set up a week after this presentation to review any questions or revisions. As long as 25% of the project's components are not revised, additional design fees will not be charged.
7. Revision Review
After the final design, the client is given 1 week to digest and request revisions. 25% of the project can be revised within the original design fee. These revisions are typically discussed in a Zoom or phone meeting but can also be conveyed in an email.
8. Revision Presentation
2 weeks after GD receives the request for revisions, the revised project and pricing is presented to the client via Zoom or recorded video.
9. Ordering Project Management
Once you are happy with what is to come, you initiate the ordering by paying 80% of the invoice (including the Project Management Fee) via check, bank transfer, or credit card. (FINE PRINT: There is a 3.5% charge on credit and debit card payments.) Then, we get to ordering and handling all the logistics of getting all the pieces of the puzzle to come together for installation day. Your boards and invoices will be uploaded to your Client Portal. You will be able to check order status, pay your balances, and review your boards whenever you choose. Furniture and custom softgoods typically have a lead time of 8-20 weeks. Prepare to wait a bit. Trust us! It is worth it! As mentioned above, this is where the Project Management Fee kicks in to cover our time to manage the project. We handle scheduling all of the labor (painter, electrician, plumber, carpenter, wallpaperer, drapery workroom, etc.), ordering product, coordinating delivery, and dealing with damaged/inaccurate goods. This fee also includes our time to oversee installation and accessorizing. We include this fee estimate in the invoice we present to you at the final design presentation. The estimate in the Final Design Presentation is an estimate; however, the fee is not to exceed 25% of the total project unless the scope of the project expands at your (the client's) request. Every Friday afternoon, an update is sent to each client to keep you aware of your project’s progress, to ask any questions, and/or to get approval on any changes that may come up along the way.
10. Installation Day
The part we've all been waiting for! We set a date with our installation teams to bring in all the furniture, art, rugs, etc. The installation of most items is done in one (or two) day(s) with the exception of construction, paint, wallpaper, and similar tasks. We prefer clients not be present on install day if at all possible. This makes it more efficient for our teams to work together to make your space perfect so that you can more quickly come home to enjoy your new space (and have an exciting reveal!). We kick you out and get to work arranging each and every piece perfectly. We bring accessories and art so that space feels truly finished and tells your story! When you arrive home, you should do nothing but sit in your space, soak it in, and enjoy a glass of...whatever you fancy. We are not present when you arrive home. This is when the remainder of your balance will be due. Your balance - as well as your decision on which accessories to keep - is due 10 business days after you receive your final invoice. Then, voila, you are at home in your new home...hopefully planning your next project with us. ;) Cheers!
