Process

No matter how large the scope of your project or the number of our services included, our process remains simple:
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1 - Evaluate

Before we ever put pen to paper (hmm...mouse to screen?), we need to understand why you called to begin with.  Not the surface level why either.  The real why.  The deep-down-didn't-even-know-it-yourself-why.  We like to do that informally - normally over coffee or tea.
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2 - Define

Once we understand your why, we chat about overall inspiration and vision.  We take those design ingredients and distill them through our areas of expertise to come up with 2-3 big picture concepts.  We review those together, discuss pros and cons, and ultimately collaborate on iterations until we get to one overall plan that defines the scope of work (we have a well-tested technique that makes this process fun, effective, and efficient). 
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3 - Detail

Once we understand the scope, we focus on the details.  Details could mean many different things depending on your project.  It could be a permit application or construction documents.  Maybe it means tile or paint selections.  It could mean the color of the piping on your new sofa.  It could be all of that and more.

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Ready?

Let's take the first step toward a happier home:

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Interested in more info about how our process ties into the construction process?  Keep on readin'...
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People find us at all different times during their remodeling/construction process.  We're happy to work with you whether you've already identified the builder you want to work with, or if you need help narrowing it down (or if our help begins and ends with décor, you don't need a builder at all).  The process is slightly different depending on which path you're on...

Path 1 - You're already working with a builder:
On this path, we follow whatever process your builder has.  Some builders have a designer on staff and they handle all of the selections.  In that case, we handle the architecture (and the décor if you're interested in that service).  Most builders have different milestones in the design process, and those milestones will dictate how much design work gets done in each phase.  For example, one builder might get through enough of the design process to understand the scope of work, and then ask for an additional deposit, while another might not want another deposit until you sign a construction contract with them.  Some builders are happy enough to know that they'll be building whatever project we design together, and in those cases, we follow the process outlined above.

Path 2 - We'll help you select a builder:
If you read the book, you'll know that we are big advocates of the design/build process, especially with remodeling projects.  For that reason, we encourage you to choose a builder before we start designing.  That way, they are part of the team and you have a sense of your costs up front.  We have relationships with some of the best builders in the area, and after chatting about your goals, priorities, and your why, we can set up a few conversations.  Some people prefer to design a project and send it out for bid, choosing their builder after a competitive bidding process.  This is our least preferred way of working, but it does make sense in some situations.  If this is the way you think you'd prefer to work, we can talk about the pros and cons upfront so there aren't any surprises later on.