what to expect when hiring an interior designer
Posted: 20th January 2022
How will our creativity, problem-solving abilities, personality, and values provide you with what you want, need, and desire? It all begins with the first conversation we have with you. We don’t charge for the initial consultation so you can tell us about what you want to accomplish with your interior design project, and we can go into more detail about how we can help. During your initial consultation, we will show you our interior design portfolio, discuss the different levels of packages we offer, and walk you through our interior design process. This will help you understand the time frame of a typical interior design project we work on.
Design Phases
Our interior design process can be broken up into 5 different phases:
1. Information Gathering
To begin the project we will have an initial consultation with you to gage an understanding of what you’d like to achieve with your interior design project. We will prompt you to think about practical needs, preferences, likes and dislikes. We will also assess the site for the project, location, brand and customer (if a commercial interior design project). It is important to us that your project is unique to you!
Some helpful prompts:
- What kind of lifestyle do you have now, and what kind of lifestyle do you want in the future?
- What are your practical needs?
- Are you hoping to host social gatherings and dinner parties, or are you more interested in relaxing and recharging?
- When and why do you feel the happiest?
- What colours do you like, and which ones make you uncomfortable?
- Do you prefer antique or vintage furniture, or do you prefer newer, more contemporary designs?
- Do you think you’d feel more comfortable in a minimalist or maximalist interior?
- What are your dislikes?
Pinterest.co.uk is a fantastic source of inspiration, as it allows you to create collections of images that excite you. Looking at interior design photos and labelling what you like/dislike and why is a good way to get a sense of your taste. It’s okay to like lots of things – we can combine styles to create something really individual!
2. Interior Design Development
An example of one of our concept mood boards for a dining room. Images from Pinterest.
At this stage we will draw up sketch designs based on your concept feedback. These drawings might include initial interior layouts and space planning and concept mood boards. We may at this stage also show you some key material samples. A concept board is always the starting point for the creative process. Images and keywords carefully selected to represent the mood and the feel that we would like to have as a final result of the room. Like the example above, they don’t have to just be images of interiors. This client was inspired by the Cornish coast and the paintings of contemporary landscape artist Kurt Jackson. Boaz Studio carefully selected colours from the paintings to start developing a colour palette for each interior.
3. Final Interior Design Sign Off
Detailed floor plans with a part render to show some finishes.
After making some decisions on the sketch interior designs produced, we will create a finalised interior design with a full set of drawings. These might include:
- detailed technical drawings (plans, elevations, etc)
- bespoke furniture (if required)
- interior finishes schedule (walls, floor, ceiling)
- luminaire schedule (lighting), and
- materials schedule.
4. Tender/Construction Pack
The finalised designs and drawings will then be issued to contractors.
5. Onsite
Our very own Stephen making some finishing touches!
Work has begun! We will hold site meetings with key contacts and be available to answer any questions you or the contractors may have. Any lighting/electrics can be installed, as well as plumbing, surface finishes, and bespoke items.
6. Snagging/Handover.
The final phase will include the delivery and assembly of furniture alongside styling of the space. Checks for any minor faults will be undertaken and rectified, final photography and voilà! Over to you!
If you are thinking about hiring an interior designer, why not have a free casual conversation with one of our experienced design team members? For more information, please contact Stephen at 07967 042913 or [email protected] or Alice at [email protected]
