Design Services
If you are familiar with the process of interior design, you know that it encompasses a vast range of skills, knowledge, and dedication. For the professional, it is serious work, not a hobby. We are here to get to know you, your needs and likes, and to synthesize the best possible solution for your space. Below is an overview of the formal design process and what you can expect from a designer throughout each phase. If you are only refurnishing or redecorating, some of them will not apply to you.
Programming
This term simply refers to the initial information-gathering stage, during which time your designer gets to know you and all about your lifestyle and preferences. This stage is crucial if your designer is going to work efficiently on your behalf. Once we know what you want and don't want out of your project, and we get a feel for your personal taste, we can do our job without working in the dark. Communication is key! Every piece of information about your work and play habits that you share, your family dynamics, and any special needs you might have will contribute to a more successful outcome in the end, not to mention saving time and expense by avoiding unnecessary trial and error. Being honest about what you like and don't like makes our job much easier- we are working for your satisfaction, not for our own.
What to expect: Expect us to ask lots and lots of questions. Expect us to have you look through architectural and home decor magazines and have you point out examples of images you find both attractive and unattractive (so we know what elements to stay away from as well as which to look for!) Expect us to ask about your day-to-day routine, the amount of entertaining you do, your favorite colors, and the behavior of your pets.
Schematic Design
This is the initial design phase of any project, used to determine the basic layout of your space, which is commonly refered to as space planning in the commercial realm. This means deciding where each area should be located in the space (upstairs or down, East-facing or West?), how large each area should be based on its intended use, which areas should be next to each other and which should be spaced apart, and considering existing building conditions such as the location of plumbing stacks and structural framing which might pre-define the placement and shape of certain areas.
What to expect: Expect your designer to make lots of sketches and loose plans to determine the best placement for the areas needed in your space. Expect to be consulted with a few variations on those plans in order to get your preferences for the pros and cons of each. There is never just one solution, and the best solution can always be improved upon with more feedback from you, as well as more insight about the physical properties or limitations of the structure. Keep in mind that any concerns about the integrity of the building should be rectified before remodeling begins!
Design Development
It is during this phase that a designer will refine and finalize plans, working with the client to determine which solution best meets the project criteria and developing more detailed drawings including dimensions, elevations, and sections in order to work out any crucial design decisions. The most important building code issues should be considered during this phase, such as the number of required exits, building construction type, and natural light and ventilation requirements.
What to expect: Expect to see a more exact plan of your space, drafted to scale and including all of the major elements such as build-in cabinetry and fixture placement. Expect to see elevations and/or perspective drawings of those areas, detailing the design intent of those elements. Some general finish decisions may also be made during this phase. Your careful review and approval of the drawings will be neccessary in order to continue to the next phase.
Construction Documents
This phase is usually the most time-consuming and most technical one. If you are remodelling or adding on, you will need a set of construction documents (plans). These are used primarily for two purposes- to acquire permits from the city for the work being proposed, and to communicate the design intent to the contractor and subcontractors. CDs contain at the least the following sheets: Site and Vicinity Maps- so the city knows where the work is being done and what jurisdiction for code compliance it falls into, Demolition Plans- to show which existing features are going to be removed, Floor Plans- to show the location of new walls, cabinetry and fixtures, Ceiling and/or Roof Plans- to show the location of new architectural elements in relation to the existing structure (for example, new skylights or soffits), to indicate ceiling heights, and to indicate locations for ceiling-based mechanical elements such as heating or air conditioning vents, Lighting & Electrical Plans- to show the location and type of permanent light fixtures, power and data outlets, Finish Plans- to show where different finishes start and stop (such as carpet to tile transitions or accent wall paint colors), Elevations- to show design intent for vertical surfaces such as cabinetry or window placement, and Details- to specify how all of the parts and pieces of the project should be constructed.
This phase will usually include the compilation of specifications, which are written documents outlining in detail the selections and technical properties of specific finishes and equipment, including plumbing fixtures and hardware that will be going into the space. Any product being installed needs to be described in detail so that the contractor will purchase the correct item, install it properly and provide maintenance information for the end user. While furniture is not included in a formal specifications package, it may also require documentation in another format.
What to expect: Expect this phase to take some time! Construction Documents are as good as a science, requiring lots of concentration, expertise, and coordination for a consistent package. CDs are relational, meaning that a seemingly minor change to one plan can often have a significant domino effect on all of the other plans. Care must be taken to avoid inconsistencies between drawings or mistakes will be made during construction! That being said, design modifications during the construction phase are also to be expected- never assume that your finished project will exactly resemble your original CDs. Likewise, if the original plans of your home are available to the designer, make sure they are verified for accuracy at the beginning of the project.
Construction Administration
This term generally refers to an official process that takes place on larger commercial projects in order to track the progress of construction. It can involve documenting lots of communication between the different consultants on a project (structural or mechanical engineers, for example) whenever questions arise on site as to how to deal with an unforeseen or unaddressed situation. For smaller commercial and residential projects, this phase simply involves the occasional site visit to ensure that plans are being followed accurately, and to answer any questions that the contractor might have. Details or minor problems can often be discussed and solutions agreed upon during these visits, which helps avoid scheduling delays, as well as any potentially serious issues. Do not make the mistake of thinking you will save yourself a few dollars by telling your designer you don't need this service! Our job is to make sure that the agreed-upon design is actually carried out in the highest quality fashion possible.
What to expect: Expect your designer to pay regular visits to the project site in order to verify that the job is being constructed in a manner consistent with the plans. Expect any changes to the plans to be documented and submitted for your approval if applicable. Remain open to suggestions and always remember that due to the nature of the business perfection is hard to come by.
Decorating/Accessorizing
This is not an official phase of the design process. However, it should not be overlooked! When the high impact decisions have been made, such as wall color and furniture selection, it is easy to think you are finished with the project. But you may be left without artwork, accent lighting, area rugs, even window treatments! This can make a space still seem empty and ignored, which would defeat the purpose of the entire project. Whether you have just completed a remodeling job and need to put the finishing touches on your place, or you've lived in a place for some time but never gotten around to putting that star at the top of your tree, let's get to it! From selecting some beautiful area rugs to complement your hardwood floors, to finding just the right floral arrangement for that empty sofa table or buffet, I can help you track down accent pieces that will coordinate with your furniture, color scheme, and sense of completeness. Are you a minimalist or a collector? Do you have trouble combining unlike objects into a unified display? I can work with you to supplement your existing accessories and create the atmosphere you're looking for. Need seasonal decorating help? You might find that all your place lacks is a little bit of attention.
© 2005 Elena L. Rivellino.