Unveiling Our INTERIOR Design Process
THE PROCESS
At Rodrigues Interiors, our interior design process is more than just a series of steps; it's a collaborative journey tailored to your unique needs and aspirations.
As a nature led, biophilic interior design studio in Essex, we focus on creating nature inspired interiors that look beautiful and work effortlessly for everyday life, whether you are planning a whole home renovation or a considered refurbishment.
Below, you can explore each stage of our six step process in more detail to see how we take your project from first ideas to a calm, cohesive home.
1 - The NO-OBLIGATION clarity call
Overall, this initial call serves as an introduction and a way for both parties to assess whether working together is a good fit. It’s important to be prepared with your questions and project details to make the most of this conversation.
Initial Contact
f you’re right at the start of your design journey it may be useful to first download our free Project Planning Guide. If you are considering a home renovation or extension then click here, if you are considering an interior design project with minimal build work then click here. The guides are full of useful information and can perhaps clarify a few things at the initial stage.
Convenient Timing
The next step is to schedule a clarity call. This will be a 30-minute Zoom chat where we can go over the basics of your project, what you’re hoping to achieve, your timeline, and a rough idea of your budget. It’s also a great opportunity for us to get to know each other and see if we’re a good fit to work together. Feel free to choose a time that works best for you by clicking on our calendar here. Before the call, you'll be asked to share a bit about your project. The more details you provide, the more productive our conversation will be.
Q&A Opportunity
During the discovery call, you have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you'd like! This is a chance for you to get to know we and understand how we can assist you with your interior design needs and to find out more about our interior design process. You can inquire about our expertise, design portfolio, pricing structure, and any other relevant information.
Project Details
We will likely want to understand the details of your interior design project. This may include the scope, budget, timeline, and your specific preferences and goals.
Explanation of the Next Step
During the call, we’ll walk you through your next steps in detail. We've often see people who have previously rushed into design without fully exploring all their options, and that can lead to disappointing results. That's why our interior design process includes a vital pre-design stage. This phase allows us to dive deep into research, ensuring we fully understand your design criteria to set your project up for success. You may have heard stories of homeowners unhappy with their design investment because this crucial step was skipped. Our goal is simple: if you're happy, we're happy, and this process ensures your design needs are clearly identified and guide every decision moving forward. The pre-design stage is a smaller investment than the full design process and gives us a chance to work together before any bigger commitment. Plus, the report you receive from this phase can be used with us or any design professional of your choosing.
2 - pre-design stage
Our unique The Cornerstone Workshop™, is for homeowners wanting to renovate and extend their home and is a crucial service that you would use to ensure that every design option is explored before engaging an architect. Through our work with clients, we have uncovered a crucial insight: whilst architects possess incredible skills, they often focus solely on technical aspects, missing the essence of how you want to live and feel in your home. This can lead to projects that fall short of expectations, leaving homeowners disheartened.
By engaging in our The Cornerstone Workshop™, we uncover your Design DNA and using further research and analysis, we’ll develop clear design criteria tailored specifically to your lifestyle and aspirations. This will result in us delivering The Cornerstone™ Bueprint, that aligns perfectly with you, ensuring every detail has been thoughtfully considered before moving to the design stage. This Blueprint will be an invaluable resource going forward for your design team, whether that includes us or other professionals, guiding every decision to reflect your values, priorities, and ultimate vision for your home. Just as a surgeon would not perform an operation without the correct diagnosis first, why would you embark on an expensive renovation without ensuring that you have the right strategy for your design?
You’ll avoid costly mistakes and regrets, gaining a clear idea of the final outcome. By using this method, you will spend more time on the foundational reasons for the design, to gain an accurate assessment of where you are now and where you want to be. You will have much greater clarity on what the perfect end result will look like, so you are able to make more informed decisions. This will also enable you to see where you should be spending your budget in order to achieve the end result. This is a paid-for service and is from £950 depending on the size of the project. Your Cornerstone™ Blueprint will follow within two weeks of our first onsite meeting and will be presented in person.
3 - The design fee proposal
After the presentation of the report from your pre-design stage, we will present your design fee proposal. This proposal outlines the costs associated with her interior design services for your project. It will include:
Scope of Work
The proposal will clearly define the scope of work. It should detail what services we will provide, the project's objectives, and any specific deliverables you can expect. This might include concepts, plans, material selections, and more.
Hourly or Flat Fee
The fee structure may be based on an hourly rate, a flat fee for the entire design, or a combination of both. This will all be clearly detailed in the proposal.
Payment Schedule
The proposal will typically outline the payment schedule. This could include a deposit upfront, milestone payments tied to specific project phases, and the final payment before design presentation.
Additional Expenses
Any additional expenses not included in the design fee, such as purchasing furniture, fixtures, or materials, project management and so on will also be clearly laid out.
Scheduled Client Call
We will give you a quick call just before sending the proposal to make sure that you know that it is about to be sent as sometimes emails can end up in junk and we would not this to go missing! We will at this point set a date to call you after you have had time to read through all the information, so that any queries or questions can be cleared up at this time.
4 - Client approval
Once we present the design fee proposal, you’ll have the opportunity to review and discuss it. If you have any questions or concerns, this is the time to address them with us. We will also have scheduled a call at a convenient future date to discuss any queries that you may still have.
Agreement
If you're satisfied with the proposal, you and us will typically sign a formal agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of your working relationship.
Terms and Conditions
The proposal will be sent to you along with the business terms and conditions, Rules Of Engagement, cancellation policies, and any other contractual agreements. The Code of Ethics from the British Institute of Interior Design will be sent also as we are a member and therefore abides by this at all times. Copies of our insurance is also available.
Getting Down to Creating the Design!
5 - The design process
The process outlined below is a typical sequence of steps in the design and planning of an interior space. It’s important to note that the specific order and elements involved can vary depending on the project, the client’s needs, and the complexity of the design.
Client Brief
This is the initial phase where we meet with you to understand your needs, preferences, and requirements for the space in much greater detail. It will be a lengthy meeting. We will gather information on the purpose of the space, the budget, and any specific design preferences. We will also delve deeper into your personality, what inspires you and gather vital background information about you and your family, so that your design will be totally bespoke and unique to you.
Measured Survey
Before any design work can begin, accurate measurements and documentation of the existing space are essential. This includes noting dimensions, existing structures, and any architectural features.
Compilation of Drawings for Space Layout
Using the measurements from the survey, detailed drawings will be compiled that represent the current layout of the space.
Provision of Options for Space Layouts
We will develop alternative space layouts or floor plans for your consideration. These options may include different arrangements of furniture and functional zones.
Client Brief Analysis
This step involves a deeper analysis of the client's requirements and preferences to refine the design direction.
Concept Design
Based on the approved layout, we will start to develop a design concept that encompasses the overall style, colour schemes, personality and design elements.
Establishing the Decorative Scheme
This includes selecting materials, colours, and finishes that align with the design concept.
Sourcing of Materials and Fixtures
We will identify and procure materials, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. This involves working with suppliers and contractors to ensure the specified items are available and meet quality standards.
Compiling FF&E Booklet
FF&E stands for Furnishings, Fixtures, and Equipment. A booklet is created to document the selection of these items for your approval. It includes product specifications, images, and pricing.
Drafting of 3D Rendered Drawings
3D renderings provide a visual representation of the design concept, allowing you to better understand how the space will look when completed.
Analysis of Window Treatments
Selection of appropriate window treatments (e.g., curtains, blinds, shades) is important for both aesthetics and functionality. We will also coordinate with a furnishings maker if custom window treatments are needed.
Analysis of Window Treatments
Selection of appropriate window treatments (e.g., curtains, blinds, shades) is important for both aesthetics and functionality. We will also coordinate with a furnishings maker if custom window treatments are needed.
Additional elements that may be part of the process include:
Kitchen Design: If the project includes a kitchen, we will plan its layout, cabinetry, appliances, and finishes.
Bathroom Design: If a bathroom is included in the project, we will plan it’s layout, tile and surfaces, vanity and sanitary requirements and finishes.
Lighting Design: An essential part of any scheme, we will address both functional and decorative lighting, considering fixtures, placement, and lighting control systems.
Joinery Design: Custom-built furniture and cabinetry, may be designed to fit the specific space and design concept.
Commissioning of Artwork: The inclusion of artwork can enhance the interior design. We may collaborate with artists and select pieces that complement the overall aesthetic.
The design process can be iterative, with ongoing communication and collaboration between the designer and the client. Adaptations and refinements often occur as the project progresses, and the end goal is to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing interior space that aligns with your vision and requirements.
6 - Presenting the final design
The moment when the design is presented to the client is indeed an exciting and highly anticipated one. This presentation meeting serves as a crucial milestone in the interior design process. Here’s what you can expect during this presentation:
Professional Drawings
You will be presented with a set of professional drawings that depict the proposed design. These drawings typically include floor plans, elevations, and detailed construction documents that illustrate the layout, dimensions, and specifications of the space. You can visually see how the design will translate into the physical space.
Sample boards or trays
Will be provided to allow you to touch and feel the finishes and materials that are chosen for your project. This tactile experience is essential in understanding the texture and quality of the materials and how they will look and feel in your space.
Furniture and Equipment Presentation
We will also present a comprehensive list of selected furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) items. This presentation will include images, specifications, and costings for each item. You'll have the opportunity to see what each piece looks like, understand its dimensions, and be informed about the associated costs.
Review and Approval
You will have the opportunity to thoroughly review the entire design, including the layout, materials, finishes, and FF&E items. This is your chance to provide feedback, ask questions, and ensure that the design aligns with your vision and requirements.
Visualisation
With the help of the professional drawings and rendered perspectives, you will be able to visualize how the design will come to life in your space. This is a critical step in making sure that the design meets your expectations.
Budget Discussion
The costings provided in the Furniture and Equipment Presentation will allow you to understand the financial aspects of the design. It's an opportunity to discuss the budget, any potential adjustments, and ensure that the project stays within your financial parameters.
Ultimately, this presentation is a collaborative step in the design process, where you and us work together to finalise the design and gain your approval before moving forward with the implementation phase.
Documentation for implemEntation of the design
Once you have approved the final design, We will compile all the schedules and specifications for the contractors to refer to, so that you should end up with the design that you agreed to and expect. By providing detailed schedules and specifications, it helps maintain quality control and consistency throughout the project. Contractors can refer to these documents to avoid misunderstandings and deviations from the approved design.
All you then need to do is to tender out for the various trades to then implement the design and bring it to life.
At this stage we can also help to make recommendations for specific companies if required.
BOOK YOUR CLARITY CALL WITH NATALIE
- The top 3 blunders that sabotage design projects (and how to avoid them)
- Budget! Just how realistic is your budget or how you gain clarity on what your budget should be for you to achieve what you want from your project
- The stages of the process that you will need to go through to ensure the best outcome for your project
Founder of Rodrigues Interiors
