Understanding the interior design process
If you are considering hiring a designer to help you with a renovation or design project, it’s important that as a client, you understand the design process we go through to allow you to achieve your vision.
Here at Dekkobird Design, we have a structured design process in place so that every stage of your project goes as smoothly as possible, meets your brief and, most importantly, you end up with a space that you love living in!
So, why is a clear design process important? It is imperative that we have fully understood your vision and brief to enable us to translate it into reality. Every stage of the design process must then be completed in the correct order to reduce any problems arising down the line and to ensure the success of your finished scheme.
Without your agreement of our initial design thoughts presented to you at the concept stage, there is no way of us knowing that you’re on board with our ideas. With your go ahead however, we can proceed with confidence that our ideas align and you can relax, safe in the knowledge that your project is in good hands.
Interior Design + photography by Dekkobird Design
First things first… a chat about your plans
Every client-designer relationship begins with a first point of contact. It might be a message thread following on from an Instagram post about our work that has peaked your interest or you decide to drop us an email to enquire about our services. Before we can get started on any new project, it’s important that we have an informal chat to learn a little more about your project and not only whether it’s a good fit for us, but if we’re a good fit for the client! This initial chat is the gateway to kicking off that project that’s been bugging you for ages to get started or perhaps you need to find your direction again with a project that’s not turning out the way you envisioned it.
Getting in touch
There are a few ways you can get in touch with us. Send us a direct message via Instagram or Facebook, drop us an email (links below) or get in touch via our contact form here
We then give you a call back within 24-48 hrs to find out a little more about your project, where you’re located and what timescales you’re working to. We can also advise the best type of service suited to your needs. At this stage, if you wish to book in a first consultation or online consultation, we can arrange this. The only exception is where a client is looking to book in a one-off video consultation, in which case we contact you directly with a choice of available time slots.
Our design process
At Dekkobird Design, our interior design process is broken down into 7 clear steps:
First Consultation - we meet with you on site or via video call to get to know you and your project, discuss the brief and ascertain what you wish to achieve from the project.
Design Proposal - following the consultation and agreement of the brief, we send you a design fee proposal which sets out the design brief, estimated fees and planned schedule of work. Once this has been signed off, we’re good to go!
Concept Development - we provide you with a concept design, which sets out the overall ‘look and feel’ that we would envisage for the space. We take onboard your feedback to refine the concept until you are completely happy with the proposed design direction.
Design Development - we work on the layout of your space, devise floor plan options and develop the design scheme, pulling together furnishings, fixtures and finishes that align with the concept. This is also the stage we plan out lighting designs, meet with suppliers and our trusted network of tradespeople.
Furnishings and accessories - upon client sign off of the design scheme, we begin the process of ordering up and managing delivery of furnishings and fixtures (known in the industry as ‘FF & E’ - furniture, fixtures & equipment). If the client prefers to manage the installation of the design themselves, it is at this stage that we provide them with a comprehensive sourcing list, allowing them to purchase these items directly.
Ongoing design management - we make regular visits on-site to check progress.
Installation - the final stage of the design process is installing and styling FF & E, (or providing styling advice) and photographing the finished space.
Finally, it’s important to be patient!
The development of a design from its initial concept and proposed floor plans to pulling together the design scheme and managing trades, ordering and delivery of furnishings (and so much more in between!), can take several weeks up to several months. Depending on the scope and size of the project, there is no standard timeframe that every project falls into and it’s really important for clients to understand this. The design process will undoubtedly meet hurdles along the way and these need to be managed carefully to ensure the final scheme meets the client’s vision - and beyond!