''Everything is designed. Few things are designed well.''

Why Studio AB Design?

Because...

The 4 stages of the interior design process:

     So, what does an interior designer do? And what should you expect when you’re redesigning a room, a few rooms, or your whole house?

Expect the process to take time. A lot of time.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect when you hire an interior designer:

1. The Meeting (Excitement and Exploration, Programming)
2. The Work (Space Plans, Materials, Design Boards, and Decisions)
3. The Waiting (Quotes, Proposals, Orders, Deliveries)
4. The Rush (Installation, The Reveal)

1. Programming

The first meeting and sketching phase can be broken down into four distinct stages:

1. Problem statement
2. Research
3. Project document
4. Client review and approval

The initial Design Statement defines the project in very general terms.  It identifies  the client(s); the nature of the project (primary residence, holiday home, office, etc.); the location of the project; the purpose of the space and the extent of the design work.

The research process begins with identification of each of the users – from principal occupants to guests and friends.  In a residential design, a profile may be developed for each of the principal residents, including such information as their age and sex, hobbies, habits, need for privacy, style and colour preferences, and an inventory of possessions and furnishings that need to be accommodated in the redesigned space.  This stage involves interviews with the client and other end-users, surveys, inventories and wider research.

It is important to ascertain the objectives, requirements, feasibility, extent and constraints (regulatory or financial) associated with the project.  Space adjacencies, circulation patterns (‘traffic flow’) and spatial and activity relationships may be sketched in the form of ‘bubble diagrams’.

The programme data is analysed and the results are compiled in a Programme Document that articulates the design problem and outlines a solution.  The programme document is reviewed and approved by the client.

2. Schematic Design (SD)

Once we collect the first and most important basic information from the client, the concept development phase begins where we will create the first basic design/layout, thats the starting point on the entire project, and of course we will present this basic design.  This phase may be broken down into 2 stages:

1. Ideation stage
2. Concept Statement with Schematics

Once the Design Programme Document is approved, the concept development phase begins.  The initial ‘ideation’ stage involves brainstorming design solutions (verbal, sketched or written) before filtering out unworkable ideas and refining the workable ones until one or more main design concepts emerge.

The main design concept is articulated in the form of a written Concept Statement expressing the principal ideas and approach behind the proposed design solution.  The Concept Statement is accompanied by Schematic Drawings – quick sketches and graphic visualizations of these main ideas – portraying the siting, orientation, space allocations, circulation patterns, spatial and activity relationships from a variety of perspectives, colour schemes and other important details of the proposed design.  Bubble diagrams are refined by the addition of proportion and character.

3. Design Development (DD)

Three design concepts are presented to the client in the form of a proposal, for review, feedback and approval.  The proposal may consist of

1. The Design Concept Statement and supporting conceptual drawings, including scaled floor plans showing furniture placement; mood boards showing colour, materials and finishes.
2. Depending on the scale of the project, the proposal may include additional sketches, perspective drawings, full colour renderings, 3-D models or computer simulations.
3. Cost estimates for the project, including materials, labour and a fee for design services.  At this stage, project costs can only be estimated as precise costs can only be obtained once final working drawings are submitted to contractors, suppliers and installers for their bids.
4. Time frame showing events in sequence and a proposed completion date
5. In any case (private design or commercial) 3 design ideas will be created and based on the 3 ideas a 4th option will be created, considered the final design project.

*We are convinced that by creating 3 basic design ideas we can achieve any target or desire of the client, based on these 3 initial projects, together with the client we will complete a 4th final design project which will be the final one. We are absolutely convinced that achieving all the objectives from the first design is absolutely impossible, that's why we provide clients with more ideas and creations, because after all that's what we do, we create!

Final Design Development and Documentation

Final Working Drawings (also called ‘Construction Drawings‘) are produced.  These may include perspective drawings, site plans, floor plans, reflected ceiling plans (showing lighting and ceiling fixtures), sections, elevations and detailed drawing of architectural elements (e.g. doors and windows) and design elements (e.g. paint, trim, wall coverings and window treatments), along with all drawing notes necessary for the construction and installation of the design.

Written Specifications list and describe in detail all furnishings and materials to be acquired, and Schedules list the type, finishes and placement of architectural and design elements.

A critical path timeframe maps the duration of each activity in consecutive, overlapping order.

The final design documentation, including drawings, specifications, schedules and timeframe become part of the designer’s contract with client.

4. Implementation Documentation (CD)

Once the final design is approved, the execution or implementation phase marks the realisation of the design.  Contractors’ bids are sought and the designer prepares a detailed schedule of works, choreographing construction, installations and finishing in their proper sequence.

All materials, furnishings and accessories are ordered.  Delivered goods are inspected and damaged items are repaired, returned or re-ordered, and marked according to project and placement.

The designer will make regular site visits to co-ordinate progress, inspect the quality of workmanship and resolve any on-site issues.  Once construction and installation works are complete, the designer will draw up a ‘Snag List’ (also called a ‘Punch List’) of defects to be resolved before movable furnishings, materials and accessories are installed.

     Documentation involves the following tasks:

          Creating the documents needed to get bids from contractors from which they will construct your project and any necessary building permits as required.

          Finalizing details for floor plans, elevations, cabinet and finish specifications, lighting plans, door and window schedules, etc.

          Review and coordination of electrical, plumbing, mechanical details according to project scope.

          An architect or engineer may review the plans depending on the complexity of the project and if structural elements require alterations.

          Deliverables: Finalized set of contract documents ready for bidding and permitting. Any further changes will be documented as addenda or change requests/ change orders.

          Sign-off: Client signs off on documents received.

*We will never agree to intervene on the resistance of the building/space without prior consultation, at the cost of the client and together with the client, of a specialist (architect or engineer, depending on the nature of the changes)

6. Evaluation

The Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) is an important final step in the design process.  The designer follows up after completion of the project to measure the success of the design solution.  This may involve a questionnaire, interview or walk-through inspection with the client.  The designer may make adjustments and revisions to improve the result.  Evaluation may also be invited from peers.  Project evaluation should be repeated at intervals to measure user-satisfaction and to increase professional knowledge for future projects.

A diagram of the Interior Design process will look like this:

Initial Consultation - Schematic Design - Final Design - Purchasing and Installations - Final Delivery

Our target is: YOU HAVE TO BE HAPPY...and surprised!