The SCID Design Process
Over the last few years we have worked hard to refine our design process to ensure our clients are getting the best experience possible. Today we will run you through how it will look once you hire us to help you design your home! Every project is different so the process is always molded to fit different project requirements but having a detailed guide to fall back on guarantees success!
1. Project Introduction & Client Consultation
We start by scheduling an initial phone call with every potential new client. During this phone call we ask a series of questions that will help us better understand your goals for your home and things like timing, budget and scope of work.
At the end of the call we schedule a consultation - which is really the kick off meeting for your project! At the consultation we visit your home in person and learn about your goals and needs for the project whether it be a new build, renovation or decor updates. We also discuss our process with you and review our contract so that you know what to expect from our team.
2. Programming & Concept development
Our next steps look different after our first meeting, depending on the type of project in front of us.
If it’s a new build or renovation, we’re setting up meetings with an architectural technologist, builders and/or contractors if you don’t have a team in place already. Our goal here is to create a team that will work well together throughout your project in order to get you to the finish line successfully.
We also create a “Design Brief” that depicts the direction we are hoping to take the design in, as well as a high level fee proposal and preliminary furniture pricing estimate should that be part of the scope.
The concept board consists of a few images, descriptive words and colours based on the inspiration images you send us and the conversations we’ve had. This allows us to have a visual document that you approve in order for us to head into design development. These items, along with the above steps listed, help us create a budget in line with what you are looking to do.
Once the concept is approved, we schedule a site measure at your home. We measure windows for drapery, existing furniture you want to keep, and colour matching anything we’ll be keeping into the new design. At the end of this step we we have all of the information we need from your home, so we are ready to start designing!
3. Design Development
Step three takes the longest because it’s when we make the most headway on your project. We source hard finishes and furniture. We start designing floor plans, layouts and millwork, selecting fabrics, lighting and paint and then pull it all together for your design presentation.
When it’s ready to go, we invite you to our office for snacks and Prosecco to celebrate your new home! We walk you through every detail and show you materials, finishes and photos clearly laid out on our presentation table. We oftentimes have 3D renderings to review, and discuss alternate options if need be.
We look forward to this day as much as you do! Every project is different but presentation day can be anywhere from 10-16 weeks after our initial consultation, and for those weeks we are invested in your home and your goals for it. During this time we provide weekly updates that include questions we stumble upon along as we design, we request your input on items here and there, and give progress reports so you never feel out of the loop.
We are also pulling together construction drawings and specification documents for the contractor if included in the scope. We elevate all the millwork, plan for electrical and lighting, annotate where finishes will be and make sure the floor plan is functional for your lifestyle. At the presentation we give you all of this information for review and then we step back so you can take some time to digest it as we understand it's a lot to process!
4. Contract Administration
After we get your approval, we start ordering all of your goods and furniture and a date is set for demo (or breaking ground). At this point we do everything we can to adequately manage the renovation so the experience is as seamless as possible for our clients.
This is the hardest part in a way as it feels like “hurry up and wait”! We do our best to mitigate any issues that arise and deal with any delays we are notified of because not only do we take on all the stress on your behalf and handle any concerns, we’re as excited as you are for your project reveal!
5. Project Install & Reveal
As everything starts to arrive and construction is nearing completion we schedule delivery for all furniture and decor. We then spend a day or two (or more depending on the scale of the job) at your house setting everything up so it is move-in ready! We want you to see every detail completely pulled together when you walk through the door. This may be our favourite part! After the reveal we hand over your space so you can start enjoying it.
Depending on the details of the project, the steps above may change and that is an important part of the programming we do in step 2. Our process is functional because it's adaptable.
If you are ready to build, renovate or update your decor and would like more information about the above contact us here!
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