THE BASIC INTERIOR DESIGN PROCESS SYNAPSIS

STEP 1: CONSULTATION

The initial consultation is our way of getting to know our new client and our new client getting to know the m2m team in more depth and our design process. In the initial meeting the following is generally covered in order for us to really listen and get to know the full requirements necessary for the new project.

  1. A detailed description of the scope of services
  2. This will include all of the spaces, what they are intended for and the frequency of use of each space.
  3. Our client’s tastes, likes, dislikes, preferences, architectural style and lifestyle and anything else that might aid us in creating the desired outcome.
  4. We’ll ask a lot of questions, some might not even make sense at the time but, we promise, there is a method to our madness!
  5. Architectural images in order to get a better sense of your taste.
  6. Budget – It’s best to work out your finances and set an overall budget before you begin the project. If you are unsure about where to begin, we will work with you to determine your goals and set a realistic budget for your space. Design fees are calculated separately from the overall project budget.
  7. Design Process and agreement are discussed.
  8. We will review our Design Process in detail and go over a sample Agreement so you know how things will precede every step of the way.
  9. Questions, inquiries or concerns.

STEP 2: DESIGN SERVICES PROPOSAL / CONTRACT

We will provide you with the documentation required to move onto the next step that’s specifically tailored to your project.

  1. Design proposal
    • Full scope of services that were discussed in the initial consultation
    • Schedule of work
    • Schedule of payment and fee structure
  2. Design Contract
    • Designer and client responsibilities
    • Policies and procedures

Once both the contract and the agreement are signed and the initial installment is received. The m2m team will begin the design process

STEP 3: SITE MEASURE

A site visit will be scheduled shortly after the signed contract and proposal and the deposit have been received.

One of the m2m team members will go to the site and take detailed measurements and photographs of the space(s) involved in the project.

Where necessary, we will have trades people who are bidding on the project come in and take their own measurements for estimating purposes. Over the course of work we might bring on additional trades people when required.

STEP 4: FLOOR PLAN & PRELIMINARY DESIGN CONCEPT

This is where the fun stuff starts!

A well designed space takes some carefully thought out space planning where the designer will take into account specific principles and elements of design in order to make the space harmonious, proportional and to scale. The designers will come up with a few loose preliminary layouts within the space(s) for the client’s approval. Once everyone is happy with the space layout of the preliminary plans, the designers will move on to integrate the proper dimensions of the FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) needs and requirements for the space(s) being designed and will come up with a floor plan to be reviewed with the client. When working any floor plan, the designers are extremely mindful of anthropometrics, ergonomics and circulation in order to generate the most suitable layout to the client’s necessities. There will generally be a few floor plans to discuss where a meeting will be organized to explain the benefits of each. After this meeting, a decision will be made for approval of the finalized floor plan by the decision makers.

STEP 5: DETAILED DESIGN CONCEPT

During this step there will be A LOT of interaction. We’ll be honest with you, you might even get sick of us at times! After the floor plans have been finalized and approved we get into the detailed design concept. This step is where the visual aesthetics start to come together and we work on the part of the project that you will actually see. Meetings will be scheduled to discuss the many combinations of elements and principles of design and how they will be incorporated into your space. Taking into account our client’s requirements and desires, a detailed concept will be developed by the m2m team, which will be dependent on the scope of services that might include, but is not limited to the following:

  • Paint colours
  • Light fixtures
  • Furniture selection
  • Drawings, pictures and samples are collected
  • Plumbing fixtures
  • Custom furniture and built-ins
  • Technical drawings (furniture plan, reflected ceiling plan, electrical plan, finishes plan, schedules, elevations, detail drawings)
  • Materials for flooring, counters and cabinetry
  • Wall and floor coverings
  • Window treatments are designed and fabrics, hardware and trims are chosen

Quotes and pricing will be researched, gathered and catalogued at this stage of the project as per the feedback our clients give us on the above selections where we will narrow down the options to the most appropriate one for each element chosen. If certain items require re-sourcing, we will discuss the steps involved with that. The end product will be presented with the carefully sourced items and finishes that have been approved by the client. Creating a design scheme is an extremely time consuming process and may take up to several weeks depending on the scope of work.

STEP 6: TENDERING OUT TO TRADES

m2m has carefully trades that they tender out the work to by sending them the finalized technical drawings of the work. Each contracting company will bid on the work and will meet with the clients. Just as it is important to have a good client-designer relationship, we want our client to have a trusting relationship with the trades that we bring on board. The client will then choose who they are most comfortable to work with and which contracting company they want to work with.

STEP 7: PRESENTATION AND SIGN-OFF

Once the design scheme is ready a presentation meeting will be scheduled. We strongly suggest that all decision-makers attend this meeting. We will go through the design in detail and you will be presented with fabrics, drawings, photos and samples for each element in the design. By this stage, we should have a complete design scheme that meets your approval. You will also be given a budget outlining the cost of each item, and work orders to sign off on where appropriate.

Timely approval of the design scheme is crucial for maintaining accurate pricing and ensuring the availability of some design elements (fabrics or antiques, for example). If the design is not approved in a timely manner there may be additional costs associated with replacing items that are no longer available. Once the design has been approved and all elements are finalized we can begin executing the design.

STEP 8: WORK ORDERS & PURCHASING

Prior to placing any orders or trade doing work, the client will receive a detailed work order letting them know the work to be done or items to be purchased along with all known associated costs (freight and delivery charges will be separate if applicable). No trades will begin work and nothing will get purchased without the written approval from our clients. Upon approval we will create a payment schedule where necessary, process the payment and move forward with scheduling trades and/or shipping instructions. Off-the-shelf items must be paid in full when the work order is approved. The balance on each order will be due when merchandise is ready for delivery or when services by trades are subsequently complete.

STEP 9: TRADES BEGIN WORK

m2m will set a work schedule that works best between the client and the required trade awarded the work. We will manage the scheduling and oversee the work each step of the way to make sure the design is executed properly and with the highest quality workmanship.

STEP 10: WALK THROUGH AND DEFICIENCIES LIST

Near the completion of the project, we will do a walk through with our clients through each space and comprise a deficiencies list, which may include things such as touch up paint, door stoppers, a missing lamp, etc. Anything that might be missing from the scope of work. This is to confirm that everything that was specified in the initial scope of services has been provided by the designers and the trades. We will arrange to have each item on the list addressed as quickly and efficiently as possible. If there is something that’s not right, don’t work… We will make sure that it gets taken care of and our client gets taken care of to the best of our abilities.

STEP 11: FINAL INSTALLATION AND REVEAL

This is the final step where everything comes together and the vision becomes a reality! The work has been completed by the trade and it’s time to bring in the furniture, window treatments, rugs, accessories, art, personal trinkets, and anything else dealing with the décor portion. IF it’s possible, we try to organize all of this within a day or two, to really get you that “wow” factor when you open the doors. Payment for all décor and furniture is due one week after the install date.

STEP 12: ENJOY YOUR NEW SPACE!

We thank you for your business and hope that you enjoy your space as much as we enjoyed working on it.

Scroll to Top