Boutique
Programming: The first phase and the most important for designers are meeting the client and understanding their requirements. The starting point involves engaging with the client and collecting as much information, so we avoid reading between the lines. This is where we get on the same page with our client by getting to know them, learning what their style preferences are, their lifestyle, their space requirements, wishes, likes, and dislikes, and their dilemmas or paint points. We want to be coordinated with them so we can create a design that will truly reflect their personalities and lifestyle. Time frame: 1 to 2 weeks
In the schematic phase, we begin conceptualizing the design and brainstorming solutions using the information we obtained from the client. There will be continuous communication (both through emails or in-person meetings) with the client to discuss the project goals and to present our initial sets of ideas. We will start analyzing the client’s needs, identifying the space requirements, researching for the relevant building codes and design trends (if applicable), making initial sketches, and preparing floor layouts and mood boards. All of these will be sent to the client for their approval. The schematic phase will give you an overview of the entire design. It’s important to clarify all information to the client before we begin with the practical details of the project. Time frame: 2 to 3 weeks
We finally arrived at the main event: The Design Development. This is my ‘Don’t-touch-me-I’m-busy’ phase.
This is where we get down to the details and start fine-tuning the schematic design that the client approved earlier. Using the approved preliminary design, we will start refining the solutions and adding details to your drawings. We will research the specific items that you need in a space such as the FF&E, fabrics, finishes, millwork, cabinetry, and other interior details that need to be developed.
Design development is the most design-intensive phase in the process because it integrates all aspects and principles of the design while making sure that it doesn’t deviate from the original concept. Time frame: 3 to 6 weeks
We are almost there! At this point, we and the client have finalized everything starting from the aesthetics to the layout. We’ve presented your final solutions and now that they are approved, were ready to prepare the detailed working drawings and specifications. Hold on, isn’t that what we already did in the Design Development? Consider this as the extension of the Design Development Phase. The construction documents act as a ‘guide’ to contractors so they can execute the work flawlessly. We have to be very clear and specific with the items in the drawings to avoid confusion during construction and the building permit application. It’s also important to coordinate with the allied professionals to review our plans to ensure that our design will not conflict with the existing structure. If we have your FF&E and finishes, we can start requesting for quotations because some suppliers take time to reply. We will be working on more meticulous plans, schedules, blow-up details, patterns, specifications, installation instructions, and other drawings that you didn’t know exist. (I’m not kidding.) I find these drawings the longest time to finish. Time frame: 6 to 8 weeks
This is the last phase of the Interior Design process. This is where construction work will finally mobilize and bring our drawings into life. But before the actual construction, we will need send our drawings to our trusted and vetted contractors as well as submit stamped drawings to the building department to secure a building permit. Once we receive permit and the contractor has reviewed the drawings, it’s time to make the magic happen!
In this step, we have purchased already all the necessary FF&E, materials, textiles, finishes, hardware, window treatments, and other items that we specified in our construction drawings and have scheduled its delivery and installation on-site. We will be visiting the site periodically to make sure that the work is implemented as per the design and that the project is following the schedule.
Once everything’s in place, all fixtures are installed, furniture is arranged, and we have popped the champagne, it’s time to prepare the punch list and make good of the defects. In an ideal world without any unforeseen events and a properly supervised and coordinated project, we will be able to turn it over to the client earlier than scheduled.
The design process may vary depending on the scale of the project, but there are five major Interior Design phases:
Programming: The first phase and the most important for designers are meeting the client and understanding their requirements. The starting point involves engaging with the client and collecting as much information, so we avoid reading between the lines. This is where we get on the same page with our client by getting to know them, learning what their style preferences are, their lifestyle, their space requirements, wishes, likes, and dislikes, and their dilemmas or paint points. We want to be coordinated with them so we can create a design that will truly reflect their personalities and lifestyle. Time frame: 1 to 2 weeks
In the schematic phase, we begin conceptualizing the design and brainstorming solutions using the information we obtained from the client. There will be continuous communication (both through emails or in-person meetings) with the client to discuss the project goals and to present our initial sets of ideas. We will start analyzing the client’s needs, identifying the space requirements, researching for the relevant building codes and design trends (if applicable), making initial sketches, and preparing floor layouts and mood boards. All of these will be sent to the client for their approval. The schematic phase will give you an overview of the entire design. It’s important to clarify all information to the client before we begin with the practical details of the project. Time frame: 2 to 3 weeks
We finally arrived at the main event: The Design Development. This is my ‘Don’t-touch-me-I’m-busy’ phase.
This is where we get down to the details and start fine-tuning the schematic design that the client approved earlier. Using the approved preliminary design, we will start refining the solutions and adding details to your drawings. We will research the specific items that you need in a space such as the FF&E, fabrics, finishes, millwork, cabinetry, and other interior details that need to be developed.
Design development is the most design-intensive phase in the process because it integrates all aspects and principles of the design while making sure that it doesn’t deviate from the original concept. Time frame: 3 to 6 weeks
We are almost there! At this point, we and the client have finalized everything starting from the aesthetics to the layout. We’ve presented your final solutions and now that they are approved, were ready to prepare the detailed working drawings and specifications. Hold on, isn’t that what we already did in the Design Development? Consider this as the extension of the Design Development Phase. The construction documents act as a ‘guide’ to contractors so they can execute the work flawlessly. We have to be very clear and specific with the items in the drawings to avoid confusion during construction and the building permit application. It’s also important to coordinate with the allied professionals to review our plans to ensure that our design will not conflict with the existing structure. If we have your FF&E and finishes, we can start requesting for quotations because some suppliers take time to reply. We will be working on more meticulous plans, schedules, blow-up details, patterns, specifications, installation instructions, and other drawings that you didn’t know exist. (I’m not kidding.) I find these drawings the longest time to finish. Time frame: 6 to 8 weeks
This is the last phase of the Interior Design process. This is where construction work will finally mobilize and bring our drawings into life. But before the actual construction, we will need send our drawings to our trusted and vetted contractors as well as submit stamped drawings to the building department to secure a building permit. Once we receive permit and the contractor has reviewed the drawings, it’s time to make the magic happen!
In this step, we have purchased already all the necessary FF&E, materials, textiles, finishes, hardware, window treatments, and other items that we specified in our construction drawings and have scheduled its delivery and installation on-site. We will be visiting the site periodically to make sure that the work is implemented as per the design and that the project is following the schedule.
Once everything’s in place, all fixtures are installed, furniture is arranged, and we have popped the champagne, it’s time to prepare the punch list and make good of the defects. In an ideal world without any unforeseen events and a properly supervised and coordinated project, we will be able to turn it over to the client earlier than scheduled.