Design Phase
Learn more about the steps we take to turn your ideas into unique, thoughtful designs that will transform your space.
Our first meeting with you is by phone. It’s a chance for you and one of our Chicago interior designers to chat about your project and goals. It’s also a chance to get to know each other and see if it feels right. If you’re happy with the conversation, your designer will put together a proposal for you, estimating a range of hours for each part of your project. There is no cost for this.
If you’re eager to proceed, we’ll send you a contract for signature. Once we receive it back with a deposit, your designer will reach out to set up your first in-home visit and encourage you to collect inspiration photos to share on your first in-home visit.
Your first visit will begin with a walk through your space, discussing your project in more detail. Then we’ll go through your inspiration photos, learning from you what you like about them. They are the first step in understanding your taste, your objectives, and any specific features you’re after.
We’ll also talk about process. Are there timelines that must be met? Do you like lots of choices or just a few? Do you prefer emails, texts or phone calls? This discussion will also include your budget. Fitting your design work to your budget is essential to efficiency and success. Visit our FAQ page to learn more.
Before leaving, your designer will photograph and take measurements to prepare drawings. They will give you an appointment for your next meeting, which might be in 2 to 5 weeks depending on their schedule.
Once your designer has researched, compiled and developed drawings, it’s time for you to see it! You’ll review 3-D colored renderings, photos, and samples as your designer walks you through the vision for your new space.
You’ll tell your designer what you like and what you’d like changed. They’ll make changes accordingly. Sometiems that will be right in front of you and sometimes it can take a week or two to prepare ideas or gather samples.
At each future meeting, your designer will present updates, and you’ll give them your feedback. With each iteration we’ll better understand what you’re after and get closer to your final design. After the first two in-person meetings, future meetings can be done either in-person or remotely. The process continues with as many iterations as necessary to complete every part of your design exactly as you want it, down to the last detail.
When you’re happy with the deisgn, we’ll provide you with a complete copy of your design documents to review carefully and sign off on. Once you do, the design phase is essentially done.
With your design documents, a qualified contractor can now bid and build your project. If you want us to build your project, we’ll walk you through our process. You can click below to get a sneak peak of what our constructioin process looks like. In either case, should issues arise during construction, your designer will be there to address them and guide you accordingly.
Truly Reflects Their Vision
“Trust and open communication are the foundation of every interior design project – from the first idea to the final details. When clients are made to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts openly, it helps create a smooth process. The result truly reflects their vision, practically and beautifully wrapped with a professional touch.”
Guoda Marija Zmejauskiene
SENIOR Designer
Case Study
You can review the steps of our process in both our design and construction phases, but sometimes it helps to see a real world example. Take a look at how we transformed this primary bathroom from start to finish.
