Lifecycle of a Project: The Pre-Design Phase
Every project we undertake is uniquely tailored to our clients' preferences, lifestyles, and needs. Our process—from the initial consultation to the final punch list—is designed to ensure a personalized, seamless, and bespoke experience. Last month, we explored the first step: the Initial Consultation. Now, the fun truly begins as we dive into the Pre-Design phase.
At the end of the Initial Consultation phase, the client will receive a formal proposal that includes a comprehensive outline of the scope of work, the design fees, and the estimated design schedule. Once a final agreement is reached, we will begin the Pre-Design phase. In this phase, we set the groundwork for the project. First, you’ll get a comprehensive design questionnaire to complete. The questionnaire helps us to understand your family and home in an intimate way. We ask questions about your lifestyle, design style, budget, and schedule.
Next, we schedule a site survey, which typically takes about two hours. During this time, we take detailed measurements of each space within the project scope, including overall room dimensions, window and door placements, ceiling heights, and any unique architectural features. Once recorded, these measurements are used to create precise floor plans in AutoCAD, serving as the foundation for all planning and design documentation.
Finally, we schedule a kick-off meeting to dive deeper into your vision. During this meeting, we review your questionnaire responses and discuss any inspiration images you’ve gathered. Identifying visuals that capture the look and feel you love (or want to avoid) helps ensure we’re aligned on your design preferences. We’ll also take this opportunity to discuss your preliminary budget. Many clients are unsure of their overall budget, so this is a great time to explore high-level investment decisions and set realistic expectations for the project.
If you are looking for a little bit of inspiration for your project, please visit the Portfolio page on the website.
