Full Service Design
Full Service Design Project Phases
Each phase is charged separately and approval is required before we progress to the next phase. This puts you in complete control of your budget and project outcome.
01
Discovery
This phase is where we scope out exactly what you need and want from your project.
It starts with an in-depth design questionnaire, completed prior to a working design consultation at your home.
We will tour your house, uncover your interior design style and confirm all aspects of your brief. I'll take basic sketches and we can discuss initial design ideas.
You will then receive a detailed scope of work and a costed fee proposal for the next phases of your full service design project.
02
Concept Design
The next phase is the concept design, and this begins with a kick-off meeting back at your home. Full measurements are taken in a site survey, and all aspects of your design brief are finalised.
After signing off on the brief you can sit back while I work on your concept design and space planning.
Your presentation will include mood boards, colour schemes and 2D floor plans with suggested space planning options. Once you're happy with the design direction and layout we can progress to the next phase.
03
Design Development
In this phase your detailed design documents are drawn up. This can include detailed floor plans, room visualisations, 3D perspective drawings, elevation drawings, bespoke joinery drawings and electrical and lighting plans. You may also want to include photorealistic renders and virtual walk-throughs if needed.
Fabric and material samples are presented to you and all your fixtures, fittings and finishes are sourced and specified in a detailed schedule. I have contacts with local makers and suppliers, and bespoke items can be made to your unique specification.
You can choose to take all your design materials and manage your renovation yourself from here. Or we can work together on the final project delivery phase.
04
Project Delivery
The final design phase starts with the purchase and management of all fixtures and fittings, including access to my trade only supplier discounts.
I’ll work with your chosen trades and attend regular site visits to make sure the interior design intent is being followed, and manage any issues that might arise.
Once the construction has been completed, I can also arrange an installation and styling day where I come back to style your space and put all the finishing touches together. Before final photography and handover of your new space.
Want to talk it through?
Re-designing your home is a big decision and you still might be unsure what you need.
Book in for a free discovery call, and during this no-obligation call we can discuss your project and how I might be able to help you.
Choose a time that suits you. If you can’t find a suitable time, please just get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to provide you?
You need to come with an idea of what you want to achieve in your space, as well as a rough idea of your budget. It helps to understand your interior design style, but we can also work through that together. A full site survey and measuring service is included in the Concept Design phase, with virtual clients providing their own room measurements and photos.
What if I don’t know what my interior style is?
Don’t worry! You’re not alone, this is a very common concern and easily worked through. Start by pinning images to a Pinterest board, or if you’re more tactile, try collecting magazine clippings. At first just collate images without overthinking it. Then go back and edit it down. I can help you do this during our interior design consultation.
How much will it all cost?
Full Service Design projects are charged in stand-alone stages, and outlined in a fee proposal before we start.
Every project starts with a paid interior design consultation. The next two phases: Concept Design + Design Documentation are fixed price and outlined in your fee proposal. The cost depends heavily on the scope required and the budget you wish to spend on furniture and decor.
The final procurement and installation stages, site-visits and meetings are all charged on a percentage of spend or hourly rate. These are invoiced throughout this phase so you can keep track of your spend.
Do you pass on trade discounts?
Yes, my trade discounts are passed to you in full. I do not have any hidden fees or margins added on top of my design fee. Most clients undertaking projects find that design fees paid to me are more than recovered via the substantial trade discounts I secure for them throughout their interior design projects.
Why do you charge for the interior design consultation?
The 90-minute interior design consultation takes place in your home and is a working meeting. It’s a chance for us to get to know each other and to understand your brief. We’ll go through how you live and use the space, your interior style ideas, as well as discuss budgets and timescales. It’s also a chance for you to show me your home and I’ll provide initial interior design ideas and inspiration. Some people find this is enough, and take my initial ideas and work on their project themselves. Others wish to proceed, so I’ll use all the information from the interior design consultation to prepare a detailed fee proposal for your project.
What if I don’t like the design?
This very rarely happens as we carefully work through each stage of the design process before moving on. I work collaboratively with my clients, I’ll never foist my ‘designer style’ on you. In return it’s equally important that you are completely honest in your feedback. That way you get a finished design that is totally you.
Do I really need to hire a designer?
Of course not! You might have a strong design sense and good local sources. You might feel confident spatial planning and pulling together a cohesive colour scheme. If you have these skills and the time for product research and sourcing, access to trade-only discounts and suppliers and dealing with contractors, then you may not need any professional help. If not, I’m happy to help, saving you time, money and probably a bit of your sanity!
What my clients say
Cathie's experience was invaluable. She acted as mediator and negotiator, helping us and our builders stay on brief. She was worth every penny. Highly recommended.
- Rachel, C + John, F
Let's talk.
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