For years, I have taken clients from drawing up floor plans right through to the finish line, including fixtures, finishes and final touches, but the thing that really makes me tick is planning the layout of a space. Don't get me wrong, plumbing, tile choices and paint selections are important too, but if you don't have the right layout of rooms or cabinetry, the rest honestly has very little impact.
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Fact is, there is nothing quite like experiencing a properly planned home or a high-functioning kitchen. ​But I have encountered a great many house plans that have neglected to take into account one (or several) important aspects. While they may include all the required components (# of bedrooms, # of bathrooms, square footage), do they really address function in the best way? Is that door in the best spot? On which side does the sun rise? Is this the most functional layout for the kitchen?
With this in mind, my business has evolved over the last while to allow me more time to focus on the foundational aspects of great design: getting it right for the things that are too difficult to change down the road. Not addressing these sorts of questions can often produce regret at the other end of the project finish line. And nobody wants that!
Step One in the process is a 15-minute Discovery Call. This is an opportunity for me to learn a little about your project and for each of us to get a sense of the other to make sure we are a good fit. We will also chat about fee structure, timelines and potential next steps. There is no charge for this call. ​​
the process...
Step Two is the Initial Consult - the first detailed meeting and official kick-off to your project. This is often an in-person site visit but for long-distance or out of province clients, a virtual walk-through of your space also works well. This meeting will involve a more in-depth review of the challenges you face, and will often include a small visualization exercise to help me understand the best way forward for your particular needs. This may also be an opportunity for me to take photos and key relevant measurements (otherwise, you can send them to me by email, along with a floor plan if you have one, or a rough sketch if you don't). In cases where there is no "site" just yet, we can review plans and ideas to get things started.
Step Three is the actual Design Time, where I get in to the nitty gritty of it all. In this phase, I work to unpack your concerns and priorities and formulate a plan for you to move forward, working towards a recommendation that aims to bring you a healthy return on your investment of time, energy and resources.
Step Four involves a follow up meeting to review the plan and talk through the rationale. This meeting happens either in person or virtually, but almost always includes a visual mock up of your layout, including 3D renderings. Since most people have a difficult time imagining what could be, this is an exciting part of the process that is key to helping you visualize how the new space can look and feel. Clients find this a very worthwhile part of the exercise to work out any kinks and provide reassurance before committing to the costly construction process.
Finally, I wrap things up with a recommendation document that summarizes the details, so you can take it on to your draftsperson, contractor, or cabinet maker to bring the designs to life in your home.