pre-hire
discovery
design development
The Concept Development phase sets the vision. Design Development is where that vision becomes tangible; where general ideas give way to specific decisions and materials.
The service includes three revisions for accomplishing this.
The in-depth work of Concept Development means that significant revisions are rare.
Instead, the first revision typically makes minor adjustments to make sure the concept feels right. Many decisions remain, but this revision creates a viable concept.
For renovations, this is when I typically prepare a Scope of Work—a document that outlines the structural and system changes so the contractor can prepare an accurate estimate. Without this level of detail, cost estimates can be misleading. And since cost estimates can sometimes influence the way forward, this moment is often a good time for a reality check.
Around this same time, we decide how the materials and fixtures will be selected. The cabinets and counters — being integral to the concept — are part of the baseline service.
Who selects the rest of the materials — the flooring, light fixtures, furnishings, backsplash tile, etc. — varies.
If there is an architect or interior designer involved, perhaps that is their role. If not, then it’s a conversation.
Some clients enjoy selecting materials themselves. Others prefer continued guidance so that each decision continues to reinforce the design direction. This continued guidance is offered as a separate service that complements the baseline service.
As estimates and materials develop, the second revision peels the Onion of Details: replacing placeholder appliances with specific models, refining the color palette, dialing in storage, and integrating specific materials.
By the end of Design Development, the design is substantially resolved. The remaining work is communicating those decisions clearly so they can be priced, purchased, and built.
We begin with a conversation.
We'll discuss your goals, review your space and inspiration images, and talk candidly about budget, timing, and expectations.
The goal of this initial conversation is to assess fit and establish a foundation for moving forward.
If you’ve worked with a builder or architect prior to me, you may have a placeholder plan like this. Often we pick up where others left off. But not always.documentation + procurement
Revision three focuses on translating the decisions into detailed plans and specifications needed for accurate pricing, purchasing, and installation.
Often I meet with the cabinet installer to review the cabinet specifications prior to producing the Cabinet Order Set of plans — the basis for cabinet construction.
I also prepare a set of plans that communicates any relevant Rough In information.
For projects where I have a broader role, I specify the additional materials, prepare the plans, and coordinate with implementers.
The purchaser of the materials — who actually buys what — varies by project circumstances.
Every project begins with understanding of your goals, expectations, means, and how you live.
To start, I provide homework designed to uncover priorities, habits, frustrations, aspirations, and goals for the space.
Then we meet to unpack your homework.
This discussion reveals opportunities, challenges, and competing priorities that were not initially obvious.
Even though implementation is a ways off, we’ll discuss it now to make sure the process and the players are aligned from the beginning.
The result is clarity.
Rather than making hundreds of disconnected decisions later, we establish a thoughtful direction early.
The placeholder floorplan had problematic appliance door swings, the mass was skewed, and the primary view was suboptimal. None of this was failure. It was typical preliminary planning. A variety of refinements could have addressed the issues. This solution aligned best with the client priorities and behaviors identified during Discovery.
Numerous meetings were required to coordinate with the window retailer, the framer, the electrician, the cabinet installer, the hood fabricator, the countertop fabricator, and the tile installer to arrive at the end result.The flow of the initial concept worked well. But the style was just a little too modern for the client's taste. We used this inspiration board to dial in the right materials and resolve the remaining decisions.
concept development
construction support
Good Construction Support means the window is installed in the right location, the appliance fits in its opening, and the backsplash tile pattern is what you expect.
Every project is implemented differently. Some clients have a builder or contractor before meeting me. Others want help assembling their team as the design develops.
Either way, my role is to collaborate with a broad team of implementers, be available to answer questions, and help ensure the design is implemented as intended.
This sounds easier than it is. Framers, drywallers, flooring installers, finish carpenters, painters, electricians, plumbers, countertop fabricators and others are often independent small business people. Even though their schedule may be coordinated by a contractor or builder, their attention is typically focused on what they’re doing today.
Excellent coordination often requires thinking about events six months to a year from now.
It’s like playing basketball with players who are never on the court at the same time.
Connecting with the players to develop the strategy for winning the game is what Construction Support is all about.
What is a design? Is it the workflow, the storage plan, the materials, or the way the room feels when you enter it?
A design is all these things. And every design has nuance.
A floorplan that looks great on paper may disappoint in three dimensions. A beautiful mood board may not translate to real surfaces.
You have to understand the tradeoffs to make them.
Thus, rather than identifying three viable floorplans and asking you to pick one, I explore the opportunities within the space and evaluate them through the lens of your priorities, budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
I then identify the direction that offers the strongest overall result and walk you through the rationale.
Often the initial concept is presented in black and white so that colors and texture don’t distract.
Documentation for a custom storage solution.