Design Process
About the design process
In commercial interior design, the process is collaborative and strategic, focusing on creating spaces that are both visually compelling and highly functional. The designer must balance the client’s vision, brand identity, and practical business requirements while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
Whether designing a corporate office, a hotel, or a retail space, the objective is always to enhance the user experience, improve productivity, and reflect the values of the business through the design.
1. Initial consultation, Briefing and site visit
Client Input: The process begins with meeting the client and understanding the client’s needs, preferences, budget and functional requirements, how the space will be used and who the prospective end users will be.
Site Visit: Meeting at the site to take in the environment and assess any features, lighting, natural elements, and other physical factors that could affect design is crucial to understanding the project and being able to create the best scheme for the project and reach the right target audience.
2. Concept Design (Sketches & CGI)
Mood Boards & Inspiration: I usually present mood boards via electronic format to capture the overall aesthetic direction, incorporating colour schemes, materials, textures, and furnishings that reflect the client’s desires.
Sketches/ CGI: Hand-drawn sketches or Computer-generated imagery (CGI) are built and presented if required to explore spatial arrangements, proportions, and layout. These visuals provide a detailed and realistic view of the design, often including lighting, materials, and furnishings to help clients understand the proposed concept. They give a very realistic vision
to help understand how the space will look.
3. Space planning, Costings and Specifications
Space planning: focuses on optimizing the layout of a space to enhance flow, maximize utility, and meet the client’s needs. It involves careful consideration of furniture placement, circulation paths, zoning for different activities, and ensuring that the space is comfortable and functional.
Costings: Itemised costings of fixtures and fittings ensuring the project meets the budget. Competitive quotes are obtained at this point if needed.
Specifications: Details of the materials, finishes, lighting, fixtures and furnishings chosen for the design to enable contractors and suppliers to build and make what is required to ensure the design is installed as intended.
4. Procurement & Ordering
Sourcing Materials & Furnishings: At this point we order furniture, materials, fixtures, and finishes according to the approved design. This process involves collaborating with suppliers and ensuring that everything is available within the required timeline so the project will complete for the deadline.
Custom made items are agreed and ordered at this stage.
5. Construction & Build-Out
Appointed contractors install the agreed scheme in the time frame agreed. Site meetings are undertaken if required to answer any queries as the site develops
6. Final Install and Styling
Once the contractors have handed over site the furniture, soft furnishings, artwork and accessories are delivered, the individual items sourced and made for each concept bring each project to life and create a unique environment.
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Let’s bring your vision to life! Get in touch today to start creating a space that feels uniquely yours.
