PROCESS
Meticulous, Scalable and Customized; Bringing Your Vision To Life!
We follow the 5 phase process of design developed by ASID covering all aspects from preliminary brief and feasibility of the concept, to complete project development and execute and then evaluate. Depending on the project size and scope, some of the steps might be skipped or shortened, yet we strongly believe that all clients benefit from a thorough, detailed progression of the phases required in the overall interior design process. We leverage our expertise and resources to make it as simple, painless and productive as possible.
Programming & Development
This phase is the most important phase of the design process and it is all about exploration and brainstorming. Combining high end aesthetics with supreme functionality is always a new challenge and all features granting a superior result should be considered. This step includes an in depth interview with the members of the household, a field measure of the space to get the dimensions (essential to completing drawings or confirm any dimensions from previous drawings/plans), a survey of the space (with pictures), and a complete investigation of the site. As a designer, it’s important to spend as much time as possible at the site, in order to evaluate the natural light, the architectural details that need to be preserved and/or repeated in the space, the spatial relationship for functions being incorporated within the space, and the relationship to any outdoors areas.
Schematics & Design Development
During this phase, a clearance of the unworkable features and a refinement of the most suitable ones takes place, leading to the emerging concept of the appropriate and necessary elements. It’s the critical point where the layout is determined and the circulation and flow come together to give purpose and substance to all the functions that must be incorporated into the design plan. Flooring, hard surfaces and colors are defined, furniture is specified and textiles are assigned. Window treatments and lighting schemes are selected and coordinated with the other elements on the design plan. During this phase, clients receive preliminary budgets and graphic visualizations, sketches such as scaled floor plans, space allocations and furniture plans, reflected ceiling plans (RCPs), elevations, color and material boards. Typically, it starts with several options and is refined to the final schematic plan, which is merely a thoroughly revised blend of characteristics of the initial options.
Construction Documents
Once we have the clients’ approval of the previous phase, the final schematic design is documented, and final versions of construction drawings are done in order to figure out all construction and/or renovation costs. Clear specifications and instructions about all materials and furnishings are finalized and documented, along with schedules and listing of all architectural and design elements in full detail. A critical path timeline is issued in order to have everything mapped and in sequential and/or overlapping order. Now, everything is clear, specific and in place and all this ensures that the client, contractors, and all trades involved are all on the same page with regards to what is to be done and when. All expectations are defined at the beginning and all tools to manage the project are produced.
Bid Process
Armed with finalized construction documents, we solicit bids from our personal lists of preferred contractors and related installers for the design elements of the plan. We answer all questions, and adjust plans and schedules based on lead times and availability so that the implementation goals are both realistic and cost effective. Once the bids or cost estimates are received, we analyze the results and help prepare the contract between the client and the selected contractor, and we assist the client in the contract negotiations with the general contractor. We provide coordination of trades and installers and we communicate with contractors to assist in the project workflow. We are present during key times to coordinate progress, inspect the workflow and quality, resolve any on-site issues of the installations and keep you informed.
Project Coordination & Observation
This is the final phase of the design process, where all of the hours of planning and drawing come into play. Any requirements for insurance (certificates) are obtained and submitted to HOA and architectural boards where applicable. Elevators and loading docks are scheduled and all deliveries and trades are observed and escorted to the project site. We manage and review all schedules and we confirm with all parties involved the deliverables. We inspect all works and materials for mill work, cabinetry and other fabrications to ensure that all design drawings are being followed per designer’s specifications. A punch list is created at the time of the walk through so that any adjustments can be done, prior to movable furnishings, materials and other necessary installations. The movers are scheduled and a reveal is done on the final load-in day. As soon as the process is completed and the final project is delivered, we follow up to measure the success of the design solution; this includes an interview, a questionnaire and/or a joint walk through with the client to evaluate satisfaction and usability. This knowledge is very important and we refer to it in future projects.
GET IN TOUCH
Let’s Get To Know Each Other.
We are here to answer any questions that you might have.
We would love to hear about your project and how we can help you realizing it!
Drop us a line and our team will get back to you to discuss your inquiries.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Address
1077 Texas Street
San Francisco, CA, 94107
415-218-5470
275 Rose Ave, Suite 200 Pleasanton
CA 94566
925-230-4596
12333 Texas Ave 9, Los Angeles
CA 90025
619-200-4459
