Design Process

SCHEMATIC DESIGN PHASE

Communicate with the Client and other parties in order to establish a clear and concise understanding of the “Scope of Work” and implementation of the Project and review the understanding of such requirements with the Owner.
Determine design criteria from Clients verbal direction and photographic imagery and prepare “Scope of Work” document for review and approval by Owner.

CONCEPT PHASE

Based upon the written and verbal direction along with Clients photographic imagery, prepare for the Clients approval, a look and feel concept presentation.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PHASE

Based upon the approved concept, prepare for the Clients approval, preliminary plans showing the functions and space allocations to fix and describe the size and character of the construction of the Project for the areas included.

PRESENTATION PHASE

Proposal presented to the client for feedback, revision and approval before proceeding.
This may include conceptual drawings, elevations, scaled floor plans, materials and finishes, and renderings.
Graphic Investigation of design solutions.

CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION PHASE

A. Specification for all interior and exterior finishes- flooring, tile, wall coverings, cabinets, carpet, rugs, paint, doors, windows. Exterior finishes including but not limited to paint color, finish materials, roofing, fencing, hardscape, and landscape specs. Provide all ordering sheets and detail Spec sheet for Contractor approval.

B. Design all finish work, millwork and detail molding. Attend and collaborate with any custom fabricators. Provide all needed drawings and documents. All measurements to be verified and confirmed on site on all designer drawings.

C. Provide floor plans, interior elevations, and details necessary to execute the work.

D. The Designer shall develop and issue drawing packages necessary to execute the work. The Designer shall negotiate contract agreements and or Purchase orders on behalf of the Client necessary to execute all portions of the work necessary for project completion.

PURCHASING

Shop for, select and/or specially design items of furnishings, decorative light fixtures, decorative hardware, decorative fixtures, appliances, decorative accessories, and the like (including related third-party services in their fabrication and installation) such as wall covering installation, decorative painting, window treatments, etc. (“Merchandise”). Provide the client with detailed specification sheet and any needed installation information required. See Purchasing Policy.

Construction Management

The Designer shall visit the jobsite to ascertain if the work is progressing in accordance with the plans and specifications and shall communicate with the contractor and subcontractors accordingly to facilitate said work to be executed in keeping with those plans and specifications.

Project close out: The Designer shall, with the assistance of the Client make final inspections of finishes and equipment necessary to aid in the final completion and acceptance of the project. A “punch list” shall be issued

FAQs

Which design fee pricing model is the most cost-effective: hourly rate, 12% flat fee, or $12/sq ft?

The most cost-effective model depends on the scope of work and the level of service you need. Here’s a breakdown of each option:

- **Hourly Rate Design Fee:** Best for smaller projects or if you only need guidance on specific aspects. However, costs can be unpredictable as they depend on the number of hours spent on your project.

- **12% Flat Design Fee:** Ideal for full-service design projects, as it covers all design work at a fixed percentage of your budget. This is often the most cost-effective for mid-to-large-scale projects, as it ensures a comprehensive design plan without hourly overages.

- **$12/sq ft: Design Fee** Best for projects where the scope is well-defined by square footage. This can be more affordable for larger spaces compared to the percentage model, especially if you have a higher budget for furniture and decor.

If you're working with a specific budget, we can help determine which model would be the most cost-effective for your needs!

How does the 20% purchasing fee work, and does it reduce my overall furniture budget?

The 20% purchasing fee is not an additional markup on furniture but rather a flat fee that covers the entire purchasing process, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for you. In most cases, this fee comes at no extra cost to our clients because we leverage exclusive trade discounts, which range anywhere from 10% to 75% off retail pricing.

To break it down further, the purchasing process includes:

Sourcing quotes and creating a detailed budget with lead times
Issuing invoices, credit card forms, and applying for trade discounts
Facilitating payments, tracking orders, and coordinating deliveries
Checking shop drawings, ordering samples/finishes (which are free for trade members but often come at a cost to customers)
Handling any issues with deliveries, damages, and warranty claims—even years after installation

For example, a brand like West Elm offers a 20% trade discount, which means that the cost of purchasing through us is effectively the same as if you purchased it yourself, but with the added benefit of us handling everything start to finish. Additionally, we provide extended trade warranties, which often go beyond standard consumer warranties. If anything were to break two years down the line, we don’t charge to handle replacements or repairs directly with the manufacturer.

For higher-end brands, the savings are even greater. A Minotti sofa, for instance, may come with a 40% discount, but these brands require more extensive approvals, finish selections, and coordination with overseas factories, which is why there’s more labor involved. Generally, the 20% purchasing fee balances out with the discounts we secure for you while providing all the added benefits of logistics management, priority support, and post-installation care.

I completely understand how the numbers can seem high at first glance, but I want to reassure you that this does not reduce your actual furniture budget. Our goal is not to profit from commissions but to streamline the process, maximize your budget, and ensure the best pricing, scheduling, and overall experience for your project.