Our Interior Design Process
Habit and Excellence. Why Our Interior Design Process Works.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
Photographer: Pavlo Vakhrushev
As interior designers we make hundreds, if not thousands, of decisions in the course of your project. Making and keeping track of these decisions is complex and we rely on tried and tested systems and processes to design and implement our projects. And while the look and feel of each of our interior designs is as different as each of our clients, the process that sits behind these outcomes stays the same. It’s our working habit, if you will. We follow a three phase, nine step process designed to facilitate a tailored design and the smooth running of your interior design project.
In our experience, the process takes time, especially in Singapore where many items or materials are imported. As much as we would like to be able to snap our fingers and magically transform your home, following a process gives you and us a guiding direction and a measure of our progress. The end goal is a wonderful home that reflects you, your family and the life you want to live. Read on for a summary of our three phases.
Phase 1 - Discovery
This is where the ground work happens. It is a fun and interesting part where we really get to know you and how you want to live. We explore your tastes and find out what inspires you now and how this will translate into your interior design. Firstly, we will book an initial consultation in your home/space. This is a two hour working meeting where we will discover what your style and requirements are and share our ideas for your space. After the consultation, we will compile a Scope of Work and put together a Fee Estimate for the design which accompanies our contract. The contract protects us both and is part of the process. Once the contract is signed, we’re on the same page and off to a great start! We then set about using all the information we have gathered from you to create a concept, basically the look, feel and mood of the project.
Phase 2 - Design
In this key phase, we take the concept and everything we have learnt about you and finalise the design. Depending on the scale of your project, whether it is decorating a single room a whole home overhaul, this takes the form of drawings - floor plans, furniture layouts, technical drawings for lighting, electrical and plumbing and so on. Next, we source and specify every single item that will go into the project from hard surfaces such as tile and stone, to soft furnishings, appliances and more. Nothing is left to chance and everything is accounted for. Then these drawings and specifications are sent out to tender and we collate and share this pricing with you.
Phase 3 – Realisation
This is where you can see the magic really start to happen – the design taking shape in the real world! In this phase we offer design management – we facilitate the formal engagement of external contractors, organising manufacturing, ordering and deliveries plus quality control. And finally, arranging the installation and the interior styling of the home. And while mistakes can happen, remember we are dealing with people after all, from the trades doing the building, to the manufacturers and suppliers; the process always helps the project get back on track. We want you to be happy and part of the process includes an after care service, where we check back in with you and ensure everything is working and you are enjoying the luxury of your new home.
Photographer: Tetiana
An interior design project can be involved process and it may be tempting to rush or skip through parts of the process you think are unnecessary, however in our experience, this inevitably leads to costly mistakes and frustration. The job of interior designer is creative but it is also a complex web of decisions and timeframes, with multiple moving parts. Working with us as your interior designers, with our clear and thorough processes keeping the project on track, leads to a wonderful place you will call your own.