• The Design Process

At Arkiteriors, the design process can be “full service” or “ala-cart”....it is your choice, depending on your needs and the scope of your project.  The services outlined here, are typical for a full service remodel, where you can be assured that your project will run as smoothly as possible from concept to completion.

• Get Prepared

Gather your ideas and make a list of your priorities.  What works in your existing space, and what does not?  

Get inspired:  collect photos from magazines showing what you like and even what you dislike.  One of my college professors, called this the “tickler” file.   Get out the sharpie and make notes on the pages—do you love the overall feel of the room, or is there a specific detail that you love?  This helps us designers get a sense of what inspires you and your style.

And there is a new game in town.  It's called Houzz.  Find out what all the buzz is about, and visit www.houzz.com.  Follow me, and I'll follow you back.  Create ideabooks for details, or the overall feel of a space that you love. 

Another great site is www.pinterest.com. Many wonderful ideas there as well! 

Then there is the elephant in the room: the budget.  We can work one of two ways:  either we can design with your entire wish list in mind, or determine your budget and we'll design toward aligning your goals and ideas with your resources. 

• Initial Consultation

An initial in-home consultation, up to 1 hour, is no charge.  We'll discuss the scope of your project, your ideas and budget.  This also gives you an opportunity to get to know me, and determine if I am the right designer for you.  If, after the initial consultation, you are ready to proceed, a design agreement will be executed.

• Design Agreement

The scope of work for your project and estimated design fees are outlined.  You are in control of what services to utilize, every step of the process.   A design questionnaire is given if appropriate to the project.

• Existing Space Analysis

Upon approval of the design agreement and fees, the rooms are measured, sketched and photographed.   Further discussions to gather all the details necessary to begin the design.  The completed project planning questionnaire is collected and reviewed. This information is the foundation for the design work.

• Preliminary Design

Conceptual floor plans are developed and options are explored. By giving you more than one solution, you can decide which option will work the best for you and your family.  Guidance and pros/cons of each option are discussed.  Once a plan is finalized, sketches and elevations are drawn to explore the vertical space.  Conceptual materials/finishes and lighting are discussed.  

• Preliminary Budget

Based on the preliminary floor plans, elevations and product discussions, a preliminary product budget is completed.  The drawings and an outline of project scope will be issued to contractors for bids.

• Design Development & Construction Documents

After the budget is approved, and the contractor is selected, the design and details are finalized.  Lighting plans and building details are documented. Cabinet shop drawings and cabinet installation drawings are finalized and approved for ordering.  Permit and construction documents are completed and issued.  Final product selections are finalized, specified and ordered.   All project documentation is disseminated to the contractors for final pricing and construction.

• Implementation/Construction

Construction administration services are contracted on an as need basis and any outstanding design decisions are finalized.  Ongoing coordination and communication with contractors is important, to insure a successful implementation of your project and avoid mistakes.

• Variations

Because each project is unique, there can be variations on how we proceed through each of the above phases.  The process outlined here, is a template of the steps, and can vary slightly depending on the project.