SERVICES
Interior Design
Often mistaken for decorating, interior design encompasses much more than just pretty curtains or wallpaper. Interior design is the definition of the space that you live in both architecturally and aesthetically. It ranges from the re-model and new layout of a kitchen or an entire second story addition, to that perfect window treatment in your breakfast room, or a beautifully embellished silk pillow on your sofa.
It involves the structural aspects of the environment (Is it working for you the way it is now or could it serve you or your family’s needs better?). This is where structural design comes in and a new layout is produced. Other times, a client may just want a whole new look, new furniture, flooring, window treatments or bedding. Interior design encompasses all these issues.
Space Planning
Space planning involves several aspects of the design process. It can be as complex as designing a whole interior layout for new construction, or be as simple as planning furniture placement in your living room or any area in the home.
It can involve the outside areas as well such as garage, patio, or even garden areas. Starting with a good space plan helps the rest of the design fall into place naturally for an efficient and well designed space to suit the purposes and activities that it will be intended for. Space planning is an integral part of the design process because it involves detailed thought on how and where you spend your time and what layout best suits your own individual space needs.
Concept, Color and Style Development
This is the guidance a designer gives a client on themes, color palettes, and styles that most attract them. Sometimes a client doesn’t even know and the designer can then weed out what they do and don’t like until a great concept is unveiled that will inspire the client and give them a vision of an environment they would love to come home to every day; a place that would reflect their personality, lifestyle and color preferences.
A very good way for the prospective client to find this out before the designer is on the scene is to study design magazines and books.
o Cut and clip pages even if it something as simple as a footstool, or as complex as an entire home room by room.
o This will give the designer a place to start, such as ideas on what elements get your attention and attract you to a space, or even what ones don’t.
This is also where the designer’s expertise comes in to play. Our knowledge starts with using the elements of design such as:
o Line
o Space
o Shape and Form
o Texture
o Color
From there, the designer then refines these elements to the client’s needs and tastes. By using the Principle of Design which encompasses
o Unity
o Variety
o Balance
o Rhythm
o Proportion and
o Scale
the designer will then be able to create a harmonious and delightful home, office, or space that will not only meet all the users needs, but that they will be able to enjoy and take pride in for years to come.
Drafting, AutoCAD, Construction Documents
Drafting is the tool that designers and architects use to relay their ideas to the client as well as the contractors to go from a creative thought to the actual building process. Drafting is either done manually with pencil or pen on a drafting table and then blueprinted, or it can be done on a computer software program such as AutoCAD.
The design is then plotted on a very large printer called a plotter on blue print sized paper. These are then called construction documents which are simply blueprints that the contractor needs to implement the designs and build the necessary improvements.
Specifications
This is the process when the designer “specifies” or “specs” all the products and materials that will best suit the clients tastes, needs and budget. With my vast knowledge and access to products and services unavailable to the public, a whole world of possibilities is opened to the client.
By using all the aforementioned knowledge of design elements and principles, as well as the needs of the new client, the designer is able to specify wonderful solutions for each and every aspect of the new space and then also will have the resources to know where to get it, how to get it and if it isn’t available, to have it made.
This includes the specifications of all custom made items too. The designer is able to produce drawings or sketches for the client’s review, until a design is derived that they are delighted with. This includes designs for tile patterns, wall units, custom cabinetry, furniture designs, bedding, pillows, window treatments, and lighting designs.
Whatever the client needs or desires, the designer’s job is to produce results and come up with inspirational, as well as practical, designs to enhance their environments and meet those needs.
A good designer will be able to take
o all the knowledge they have learned from school and work experience,
o their intuition of the client,
o as well as the written and spoken knowledge the client provides,
o and then their own natural talents and almost unlimited resources,
to provide an aesthetically appealing and wonderfully useful space for any client no matter what the budget dictates.
Construction Contract Administration/Project Management
This is the process of obtaining licensed contractors and vendors to implement the designs that are necessary. The designer needs to oversee the bids and then make sure that the client is provided with quality services at the best possible rates.
The client is always involved in this process and has the overall say of what bids are accepted or not. Once a contractor (or sometimes many) is on a job site, it is important that the designer manages the project and makes crucial decisions on the client’s behalf and with the client’s consent and signature before the contractor proceeds. This eliminates the contractor choosing materials on his own and/or costly mistakes.
Development of Post Occupancy Monitoring Systems
This simply means that the designer will have a system of contacting clients after the project is finished and they have had a chance to live in the new environment for some time. This ensures that the new surroundings are working out for the client and that they are happy with everything.
Sometimes there may be some fine tuning or adjustments that they might want done that they hadn’t thought of before, or have found out since the design was completed, that they want added or deleted. If not, and they are totally happy, it is just nice to check in with them and find that out.
I believe in keeping clients happy long term and always staying in contact with them if future needs come up.
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