Our Full Service Design Process (Step-by-Step)

So, you’ve been wanting to design a space or two in your home…okay, let’s be real…you’d love to do your whole home but you know that would be a feat! You’ve never hired a designer before but you’ve seen so many home transformations on TV, that you feel like you got this thing figured out.

You then realize that you’re way too busy to take something like this on and oh by the way, you have absolutely no clue how to do what the pros do. Designing a space (let alone knowing what to select out of the bazillion options out there) is definitely not your wheelhouse. You’re not even going to pretend you even know where to start.

Well, you’re in for a treat my friend! Because admitting you don’t know what you’re doing is the first step to getting it done right.
Contrary to popular opinion, interior design is not just about picking paint colors and fluffing pillows. You need to know the truth. It hurts but it will set you free, so here goes…interior design is a luxury service. It’s an investment. Period.

When done correctly and by a professional, there is a solid process involved. There’s so many moving parts in a design project, that it overwhelms most people and that’s why you hear about the horror stories. But let me put you at ease…

At Shades of Gray Design Studio, we believe there should always be processes and systems in place – especially when you’re dealing with major home projects. Each project is different, but our process remains the same. When you choose to work with us, you won’t have to wonder what comes next. I’m thrilled to share our process step-by-step and it will take you all the way from start to finish for your next interior design project.

There are four (4) main phases to the Shades of Gray Design Studio experience, 1) Research, 2) Design Development, 3) Procurement, and 4) Installation. We also have a couple extra steps (they’re super easy) after the actual design process is completed. So without further ado, let’s go!

1. RESEARCH

 The Research phase is all about gathering pertinent information about the client. This is such a crucial part of the process.

Since we aren’t mind-readers, we need to get into our clients’ heads as much as we can so that we truly understand what their needs are. We want to know every pain point so that we can customize a solution that fits their space and ensure that it’s functional for how they live.

After conducting the initial Design Discovery Session call and determining the client and their project are a fit for us, we proceed with scheduling a virtual Meet & Greet. This is simply a Zoom call with all decision-makers present and we educate them on our company background, review their project details again to ensure we’re on the same page, go over our design process (which is what we’re doing right now), client and designer expectations, estimated level of investment, frequently asked questions, and next steps for proceeding with design services. This time is also used to address any additional questions, concerns, or provide clarification if needed.

If the prospective clients decide to move forward, we then schedule the Initial Visit. Prior to the visit, we ask clients to provide us with a link to their Pinterest Board or Houzz Ideabook so we can see some of their design inspiration in order to get a general sense of what styles they like. Additionally, we include a link to our Design Lifestyle Questionnaire which is to be completed no later than 48 hours prior to the call. Some of the questions we ask are:

·      What do they like?

·      What do they dislike?

·      What styles are they drawn to?

·      How will they use the space?

·      What’s currently working in the space and what isn’t?

·      What is their level of investment?

The Initial Visit is conducted onsite at the client’s home with the designer for up to two (2) hours. Photos and basic measurements are taken. We will discuss specific pain points as we conduct a walk-through of the space(s). No design advice is provided during this meeting. We are simply doing research and gathering information.

From there, we will prepare a detailed Scope of Work (SOW) outlining what work needs to be done in order to meet their needs and include the design fees for the project. The SOW presentation will be scheduled and take place onsite at a local interior design showroom. If the prospective clients agree to proceed, we will thoroughly review the contract, answer any questions, and sign the contract. Clients will be invoiced for the deposit. Once the contract is signed and deposit remitted, we are ready to officially kick-off the project!

2. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

The Design Development phase is where the creative juices kick in and Shades of Gray Design Studio does what we do best! We are now in our “zone of genius”. This is where we schedule a “Trade Day” and coordinate a date and time to have any trade (plumber, electrician, etc.) or general contractor meet with us at the client’s home to go over preliminary design plans or concepts. It’s a time for us to have a meeting of the minds and discuss what needs to be done and whether or not the plan is feasible (are there load-bearing walls, is there a potential plumbing issue, etc.).

During this phase, we will create floor plans and color schemes, source fabrics and furnishings, select materials, and finishes that will result in an amazing design plan! For full service design, all furniture and furnishings are sourced through trade-only vendors, we don’t shop retail.

The Design Plan Presentation will be scheduled which includes the proposal for all items, mood boards, floor plans, and 3D renderings for client review and approval. This will be conducted in person and onsite at a local interior design showroom. During this time, any requested revisions will be made and design plan presented for final approval.

3. PROCUREMENT

Once we obtain final approval of the proposal, we will enter into the Procurement Phase and start placing orders of all approved items on behalf of the client. This is also where project management begins. Initiation of construction will take place at this time (if applicable) and Shades of Gray Design Studio will manage and track the shipping and receipt of all orders to a receiving warehouse. All items are received, inspected for damage, photographed, and logged into the warehouse’s catalog system. That information is emailed directly to the designer for tracking purposes and in the event a damage claim needs to be filed with the vendor. We take care of all of that so you don’t have to! Project site visits will continue as needed.

4. INSTALLATION

Finally! The part that everyone loves…the Installation Phase or aka “the Big Reveal”. This is where the magic happens. Once all items have been delivered, we schedule furniture delivery. We coordinate with the warehouse and client to book a date and time that is convenient for everyone. We ask that the clients not be home during installation as there is a lot of work that needs to be done – it truly is a full and hectic day. The client’s home needs to be thoroughly cleaned (we recommend hiring a professional cleaning company) prior to any furniture being delivered. We want to ensure we have a clean, clutter-free space to put all of their new beautiful furniture in.

Accessory completion and styling will be done during this phase. If construction was required, we will do a final punch list walk-though with the client and ensure any needed deficiency resolution is accomplished for client approval.

5. PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Once the client has approved of everything and now deeply in love with their new space, we will schedule a professional photoshoot! This is one of our favorite parts of the process because we get to see how happy our clients are with the transformation of their home. That is truly priceless. To top it off, they will have their new space professionally photographed. Who doesn’t love a good before and after? Don’t worry, we always get our client’s permission to do this and never disclose any of their personal information. But we have to admit – it is pretty cool to possibly have your beautiful new home published in a magazine…it’s happened!

6. PROJECT WRAP-UP + TESTIMONIAL

It’s a wrap! The project is officially completed and you can enjoy your new space. We ensure you have all the information you need regarding your project. You will complete an End of Project Survey so we can get your honest feedback about your experience with Shades of Gray Design Studio. We are always looking for ways to improve and want to know what we did well! It’s all about striving to ensure you had an exceptional client experience…nothing less.

Lastly, we will kindly ask if you wouldn’t mind providing a review or testimonial so other amazing clients like you can get the good news about working with us. That’s the best compliment we could ever receive!

I hope these steps have provided you a clearer understanding of our process and how we work. Every designer works differently and that’s okay. It’s important for homeowners to get a good grasp of how this whole design thing works. It tends to be a lot more involved than what people think. That’s exactly what we’re here for and why you need us. We do this every day. It’s our passion, it’s our thing, and it’s what we know.

Let’s chat about how we can help with your next design project! Complete our Contact Form so we can schedule your Design Discovery Session today. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!