the brief
Each project is a combination of client aspirations, their personal tastes, the property type and its location. This creates a unique scheme each time
The first stage is to take a detailed brief and organise a site visit. We need to know - and advise on - your current and possible future practical requirements, your aspirations, how you live and what matters to you
We also explore your aesthetic desires, and the likely budget, so that we can obtain an overview of what you require, and can discuss possibilities within this framework
Together, this forms the brief - the starting point for any project, and it is now our role to understand and interpret your brief, by being creative and ambitious and showing you what would be possible
This stage normally takes 1 - 2 weeks, depending on the back and forth with the client
the concept
Once we have the brief, the next stage is the concept stage, to create the style touchstone of the project
We develop and explore your brief, and then present to you how we are interpreting it, in order to create an aesthetic and practical direction for the whole project
To explain our ideas, we create beautiful lookbooks showing the suggested style, vibe trays, with proposed materials and textures, and prepare floor plans and drawings, to show spatial planning, furnishing and lighting placement
On a practical note, we also consider your budget, and prepare a draft outline of the scheme costing, following preliminary discussions with contractors or suppliers to be able to give a broad brush estimate for the whole project
This stage usually takes around 2 - 4 weeks, depending on the scale of the project
design development
Once the concept is approved, the development stage finalises the design, and all of its details before any works commence, or any orders are placed.
During design development, we source all of the pieces for the project, prepare construction drawings for contractors and artisans, produce the schedules and information required for the fit-out of the interior design elements, liaise with any necessary experts, and collate the budget
We present to you all of the developed details, through costed specifications and detailed drawings, so that you are able to confirm that you are happy with the proposed scheme.
We are highly proficient in CAD (computer aided design) and, along with sketches, believe it is an amazing way to be able to communicate ideas to clients, so that they can “see” and even “walk around” the proposed spaces, before they are built. This means that everyone is fully understanding of the next stage in the project, and avoids any potentially expensive misunderstandings
This stage usually takes from 4 - 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project, level of construction to be undertaken, and the quantity of bespoke items being installed or made
construction
Once everything is agreed, the works for the transformation of the property to bring the design to life can start
We will coordinate, curate and supervise a wide range of contractors and master trades. Comprehensive and meticulous snagging will be undertaken to ensure the highest quality of workmanship is delivered
Whilst the installation works are underway, we acquire furniture, lighting, antiques, accessories and artwork through carefully selected artisans and suppliers, ready for installation after completion of the works
The length of this stage depends on the level of construction and whether items are being bought “off the shelf” or bespoke. We will give you a firm time estimate as part of stage 3, Design Development
INSTALLATION
Once the works are complete, the property is finally ready for the ordered pieces to be delivered and installed
We oversee the final placement and installation of all of the pieces and accessories, and then style the finishing touches to the project, before handover back to you to enjoy
This takes around 1 - 2 weeks from the completion of the main construction work and all related trades who are installing specialist finishes, or kitchens/bathrooms etc. Once the work is all complete, we can arrange for a final site clean, and then can install soft furnishings, curtains or blinds, accessories etc
“A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body”