Our PROCESS
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to renovate your whole house or office. Maybe you want to update that tired kitchen. Or maybe you have a blank canvas and don’t know where to start! Whatever it is, we work with you to create spaces that are not only beautiful, but also improve your day to day lives with considered functionality, practical space planning and innovative designs.
We provide a range of services to suit your project needs. Our Director and head designer, Catherine Hamer, is also passionate about making sustainable spaces, to help reduce the impact the construction industry has on the environment. So if saving this wonderful planet we all call HOME is your passion too, and you have a project in mind, let’s talk!
Dream it.
The Design Process
Initial Consultation - $300 + GST
The first step to getting your project off the ground is having an in home consultation. This allows us to see your space in person and gather more information, as well as a great way for us to get to know each other and decide if we are the right fit.
During this 90 minute consult we will assess the property, review and consult on any existing house plans and discuss your project requirements in detail. Together we’ll establish your individual requirements for the space, determine the functionality of the room/s, discuss layout possibilities, aesthetics, your must-haves, wish list and proposed budget.
This is a great opportunity to pick our brains (with no obligation to go further), get our advice, ask questions and get expert advice, hints and tips!
We will then run through the design process and establish what level of service suits you and your project. With this in mind we establish a scope of works and work together to determine the best plan for you and your budget.
After your Initial Consultation we will send you a Design Fee Proposal based on the scope and level of service required. This document will outline a recommended plan that aligns with your design needs and your budget. If you wish to proceed with the proposal a 50% deposit is required prior to works starting.
Post Sign up Meeting & Site Measure -
After you approve the proposal we book our first meeting! This will include taking measurements, photos, exploring what existing pieces you might want to keep, sharing ideas and collaborating with you on the design direction. This is a time for discussing your design in more detail including needs, tastes, style preferences, scope of the project, timeline, budget and find out your wish list/priority requirements.
Initial Design Concept & Development -
After the meeting and site measure we will present to you initial concepts and layout plans to give you an understanding of the design direction and what we can achieve together. We then develop these with your feedback in mind, until we settle on a final concept and layout. Samples are also an important part of this stage to make sure you are happy with the proposed selections.
Following this we will move forward to a budget estimate to ensure the proposed design is in line with your budget. This includes estimated costs for your products, trades and materials so you can get a good understanding of the final figures.
Design Documentation -
During this phase we tweak the design where needed to ensure everything is just right! We then prepare all the detailed Working Drawings and Furniture, Fixtures, Fittings & Equipment Schedule for the construction phase.
Throughout this process we ensure that every detail is outlined and clear on the plans and schedule, for your trades to quote and work from, or for the construction phase outlined below if you opted for us to manage this.
The more detail we provide, the better the execution of the design, whether this is where you leave us or we are managing the construction for you.
At the end of the documentation stage, we’ll arrange a meeting with you to go through the finalised design, plans and schedule, page by page, to ensure you understand all the finer specifics of the design.
All selections will be documented on the schedule to ensure the correct specifications and quantities for each individual item.
We’ll then require the approval and sign off of all drawings and specifications and your final design invoice will be sent.
Build it.
The Build and Project Management Process
Construction -
Once you are happy with the design and documentation, the project is ready for the pricing and execution stage. This means reviewing the project and scope of works in detail, ensuring nothing is missed. As part of the tendering process, if applicable, we will organise trades to come on site to review the extent of works and quote.
We will also need to engage a building surveyor and/or registered building practitioner to assist with any building permits and approvals that may be required. At this stage, we’ll discuss a proposed timeline for construction and coordinate the plan from start to finish.
Following this, obtaining, assessing and comparing of all quotes from trades is finalised. All furnishing selections will be ordered separately as they do not form part of the construction works. Full payment is required before placement of orders.
Once the construction quotes are finalised and ready for implementation, it is time to purchase the products and materials. We will create all of the purchase orders, negotiate with suppliers and organise deliveries to site, ensuring that you get the best price possible by using our trade discounts.
We will source and order everything from flooring, wall coverings, furniture, fabric and window treatments to appliances, fixtures and accessories.
Project Management -
Throughout the construction phase we will project manage and site supervise, and will be in regular contact with you to keep you updated with our progress on site. We’ll coordinate all of the trades, ensuring a seamless work flow.
Install & Styling -
In a full service design and build, we will oversee the delivery and installation process. Deliveries are received on site and installed in phases, or in the final step of the project. We will be on site to ensure the design vision comes together smoothly and pieces are implemented as planned.
LIVE it.
The Handover process
At the end of the construction phase, any nominated defects or omissions are addressed and rectified. Our goal is to ensure everything is absolutely perfect and you love your new home or space!
At this point, with your approval, we will organise professional photographs of the project and kindly request a testimonial/feedback from you on your experience with us and our service.
Your project is complete and ready for you to enjoy!
