AN INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTATIONS IS…
Be it remotely or in person, the interior design consultation is an opportunity for you to have an experienced eye at hand and for us to see your project first hand. From the get-go we start the conceptual design process. It’s a time to listen to your decorative dilemmas, learn more about your vision for the space and how it fits in with your lifestyle.
This means that we will take a walk through of each area you require; we will discuss what is working for you in each space and what is not. We will focus in on any problem areas that require addressing and will identify the scope of work that you might require. This could be wall finishes, paint colours, furniture styles, lighting fixtures, soft furnishings or unique layouts of existing items. You might consider to discuss fixed furniture, kitchen design or bathroom design during the consultation.
INITIAL CONCEPT COMMENCEMENT
Once we have identified the areas that require solutions, we will then consider and where pertinent, suggest our best creative solutions for these areas during your consultation. These ideas may include best ways for space layout, the addition of furnishings, architectural elements, lighting, art, decorative pieces or window treatments. We may also look at online resources to help you visualize what we have in mind if appropriate. However, please note that these suggestions would be general suggestions. A full design project goes into far more detail and development planning.
BUDGET
We will then discuss your budget. Often clients might not know what their budget should be for a specific room – finishes and level of quality are heavily dependent on the budget available; As such we will discuss your budget and assist in managing your expectations.
HOW WE WORK
The final step in the design consultation is discussing how we work.
From general production times to possible issues or delays in relation to your project, we will share our experience in helping you make an informed and confident decision to move forward.
We operate a 6 phase design system overall with the first phase being the consultation. We will also answer any questions you may have.
Following the remote or in person consultation, we will prepare a design brief based on the information gathered and items discussed during the scheduled time frame.
We encourage clients to always prepare before a consultation with your most pressing and important questions so that we may be sure to address what is most pertinent for you during the consultation. We also recommend that you do some research into styles you relate to and ask that you have some examples ready for our consultation.
If need be, you may forward these prior to our meeting for consideration.
We also offer an e-design service that might be preferable for some clients.
AN INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTATION IS NOT…
While we may suggest our grandest ideas, they are not the actual selections. Good design is always about considering the overall space and how each element relates to each other. Its about finding balance and unique design solutions. This takes time to develop. It might entail visualisation which is our specialty. We give you the ability to see before you invest further with our visualisation service. This might also include pulling fabric and color swatches together or sourcing particular materials and finishes.
To be clear, design takes time and an actual design cannot be achieved during a 1.5 hour consultation. While interior designers can through experience, stand in a room and feel what is needed, we can also turn that initial concept into something more fantastic with sufficient time. You deserve our best designs and we need the time to make sure those ideas work and work for you.
Please note that there is no physical altering of the space during the design consultation. This means we don’t hang art or re-arrange any furniture. We also do not provide any specific paint colour suggestions, window treatments or wallcovering samples etc. during an initial consultation.
WHY DO WE CHARGE A CONSULTATION FEE?
We endeavour to provide value and insight with our consultation service and as such it should be considered an investment in your project. In addition we accumulate hidden charges for travel, project administration and document preparation. Your time is valuable as is ours. A consultation fee covers time that could be directed towards other billable activities. This fee is collected ahead of time (prior to the scheduled meeting) to ensure that our attention is completely focussed on you and your project at the agreed time and date.
Would you like to book a consultation today? Click this link now to book your consultation.
