Full Service Design Process - Interior Alchemy

WE DO MORE THAN PICK COLORS

What is the difference between a decorator and an interior designer?

Decorators focus on elevating the look of a space by choosing materials, furnishings, and accessories. Interior designers focus not only on they way a space looks and feels, but also on how it performs.

We are in search of deeper, more meaningful results from design. We want to empower you to more richly experience your life. Good design has the power to liberate time and vanquish toil from everyday experience. We customize your space to your unique lifestyle by asking the right questions upfront so that the bones of the design will help you move though your life with ease.

A few examples of the ways in which good design can improve the quality of your life are:

Automatic faucets and lighting
Remote and bluetooth controls for speaker, ceiling fans and window shades
Reworking the space to create efficiencies when performing work
Appliances and equipment to perform work for you and make life easier
Reduction of visual clutter
Passive Solar Design principles which can reduce your utility bills

We take the time to understand your lifestyle and how you interact with your space so that we can think through how to improve upon the existing structure, layout, equipment, and design to tailor the space to how you use it.

Our 6-Phase Design Process ensures that we arrive collectively at a final design that will not only delight you, but will serve you and make life easier.

OUR PROCESS

Our spaces are created with our unyielding passion for design, a lot of discipline, and a dash of revolution.

Design is an interactive process between both the designer and the people who will use the space. The more our clients understand the process and their role within it, and the more transparent we can be at every step in the process, the better the end result and the more satisfied our client will be with what we created together.

While every design process is unique, Interior Alchemy follows design process standards which enable us to deliver the best results for you. Smaller projects, such as those which do not require moving walls or building permits, will still follow the same process as large projects such as additions or major remodels. However, some of the steps involved in each of the 6 phases may be condensed for less complicated projects.

Below is an overview of the process. For a more in-depth review of what happens step-by-step in each of 6 Phases of Design, check out our design process blogposts at the bottom of the page.

1: DISCOVER

2: DEFINE

3: DREAM

4: DEVELOP

5: DOCUMENT

6: DELIVER

Discover

Our first step is always about gaining understanding of the space and our clients. Exploring the relationship between our clients and how they interact with the space will unveil everything we will need to know to help us create a better solution.

2%

The Discover phase typically comprises approximately 2% of the designer’s total project work and, at the completion of this phase, the designer’s role in the project will be approximately 2% complete.

Client Interview

We will ask questions designed to discover our client’s wishes, needs and behaviors. All stakeholders should participate in this session.

Analyze the Space

We will measure the space to be designed, take account of the existing structures, barriers, openings, and general conditions that exist.

Determine Project Scope

Together, we will determine what will be included in the scope of the work and how we will work together to complete the project. We will address the project team roles (the client is always a part of the project team) and determine expectations and responsibilities.

The Define phase typically comprises approximately 8% of the designer’s total project work and, at the completion of this phase, the designer’s role in the project will be approximately 10% complete.

10%

Define

We draw insights from the existing conditions of the space, our research, and data from the interview and craft the key objectives of the project, its scope and define solutions to solve the client’s problems. The results will inform every design decision made.

Synthesize the Information

We will draft the existing conditions floor plan, then study the spatial relationship of elements and explore various design concepts for manipulating the space which have potential to resolve the problems.

Research the Project Feasibility

We will research project feasibility before we start designing, such as:

Does enough space exist to add a code-compliant half-bathroom?
Are there any historical preservation restrictions in play?
Will municipal codes allow an ADU at your property?
What is your condo building’s architectural approval process?
Could this qualify for the green certification you wish to pursue?

Document the Solution

We will define each design dilemma and problem which the project seeks to resolve. From that, we develop a mutually-agreed-upon Design Program, which confirms the client and designer’s understanding of what the final results of the project are meant to achieve. This critical step sets the scope and design direction for every design decision that follows.

Dream

We creatively explore potential solutions for organizing the space and test how well those design concepts meet your goals. We select a framework which best solves the problem, performs beautifully, and addresses factors such as fit and function.

30%

The Dream phase typically comprises approximately 20% of the designer’s total project work and, at the completion of this phase, the designer’s role in the project will be approximately 30% complete.

Design Ideas Take Form

We sketch out several potential floor plans and evaluate them to determine the best 1-3 options we will share with you and gain your input in selecting the one they feel best meets your needs.

Code Research

We will research code compliance issues which may impact the design, which is especially important when doing innovative design work.

Resolve Relationships

We will think through and resolve any areas in the project where two or more things interact – door swings, passage space, and how the new design will affect adjacent areas that are not in the project scope.

The Develop phase typically comprises approximately 30% of the designer’s total project work and, at the completion of this phase, the designer’s role in the project will be approximately 60% complete.

60%

Develop

We will further develop the client’s chosen design by researching and selecting materials, finishes, appliances, fixtures, lighting, paint color, furniture, and other equipment which will go into the space. Art, aesthetics and emotions drive this phase.

Finalize the Floor Plan

We finalize how elements of the space work together and enhance how the space will perform for you. We will work with you to determine the look and feel of the finished space as we begin to add finishes, textures and color to bring the design to life.

Permit Process

We will address the permit process requirements for the project in order to verify that the design meets applicable codes and can be permitted and installed as we designed it.

Materials Research & Selection

We will research and evaluate every material, furnishing or fixture for use in the project to verify its applicability, final installed dimensions, installation requirements, and any other special care considerations it may need to verify that it is the right product for the project.

Document

We document everything required for a contractor to successfully build out the design vision and we collaborate with any required architects, engineers, and permitting plans reviewers as needed to help support the project success.

85%

The Document phase typically comprises approximately 25% of the designer’s total project work and, at the completion of this phase, the designer’s role in the project will be approximately 85% complete.

Complete Construction Drawings

We draft highly detailed and important drawings which illustrate every final design decision that was reached. These drawings articulate the design to your contractor so that the project can be built as intended and will become the on-site authority for guiding every construction decision resulting in the final built product.

Specifications Document

We create detailed list of every item along with its model numbers and options that will be purchased and installed as part of the project. This critical tool is used during the bidding, purchase and construction processes and provides important insight to the Contractors about the project requirements, expectations, and crew expertise required.

Procurement of Furnishings, Fixtures & Equipment Initiated

We manage the procurement process of hundreds of components which go into creating the designed space. Understanding the focus and the level of detailed attention required for accuracy in purchasing, logistics and on-time delivery is imperative to your project’s installation success.

The Deliver phase typically comprises approximately 15% of the designer’s total project work and, at the completion of this phase, the designer’s role in the project will be approximately 100% complete.

100%

Deliver

We formally hand-off the design to the builders and installers but continue to advocate for your vision by performing site visits and design consultations, and will help you wrap up the final step of any project by helping you to complete the project punch list.

Construction Consultations

We participate in progress meetings with you and your contractor by phone to answer questions that come up during construction and installation.

Material Approvals

We will review and research all Contractor product substitutions to ensure that the submittal is an approved substitute which will not adversely affect the client’s vision.

Site Visits

We perform walk-throughs to double-check that the Contractor is on track to fulfill the client’s vision of the design. (Designer Walk-throughs are not intended to substitute for a construction supervisory or project manager’s role.)