Our Design Processes
Sandra has honed her process and service through years of experience to ensure she provides an efficient but in-depth design solution that is split into the following stages.
STAGE I : CLIENT BRIEF
During this initial stage, Sandra will arrange few meetings with you and will take the time to gain a better understanding of your brief, wishes and the vision for your project. We will ensure that we understand all factors such as time scale, budget, and any structural or administrative requirements prior commencement. Finally, we will share some design insights and send you a fee proposal outlining the scope of work, with an approximate estimated budget, our associated design fee and letter of appointment.
STAGE II : CONCEPT DESIGN
This stage forms the cornerstone of our creative process, when Sandra and her design team create and present their design narrative and vision. We will develop in our presentation, a concept design capturing the atmosphere of each room, illustrating all structural changes and proposed furniture layouts, mood board presentations of materials (such as soft and hard samples of all proposed finishes) as well as imagery of suggested furniture and bespoke joinery concepts to help you visualise the completed space. Specialist consultants (structural, mechanical, lighting, AV, etc.) may be appointed if required. We invite our clients to give as much feedback as possible, and the chance to revisit any areas that may need rethinking.
STAGE III : DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Following approval of all of the concept designs, we progress to the design development and detailed design stage. All final interior architecture drawings including full set of floor plans and elevations, detailed design intent for kitchen, bathrooms, custom-made FF&E pieces and built-in joinery, RCPs, skirting, curtain details, light switches and all final finishes will be presented. We will create high-definition CGIs (Computer Generated Imagery) renders to key areas to help visualise the finished space for client's final approval. At this stage we will also present an approximate cost of the project in line with the previously agreed budget. Once a client has signed off the detailed design package, Sandra will proceed to the technical stage.
STAGE IV : TECHNICAL PACKAGE
Our architectural team will work closely with an extended network of expert consultants, including structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, planning consultants, quantity and party wall surveyors to produce documents detailing all the works required. Depending on the level and scope of complexity of the project, this phase may involve securing planning and building regulation consents, tendering the project, as well as presenting to client a fully itemized breakdown of costs and comparative quotes for works from trusted contractors. Finally, we agree an installation programme with completion dates, and we appoint contractors for on-site works on behalf of our client.
STAGE V : FF&E Procurement
Together with our personally selected global network of suppliers, our committed team seamlessly procure with access to the most competitive trade values available on both a local and global scale. Whether residential, hospitality or commercial projects, the procurement process is always managed with the client in mind, to ensure we protect their investments from start to finish. At this stage, we develop a fully itemized breakdown of costs for FF&E (furniture, fixture & equipment) and decorative pieces for client's approval, we place orders, agree an installation programme with estimated delivery, and once delivered to the site we inspect the goods to ensure everything is up to our high standards.
STAGE VI : On-site Inspection & Installation
Once the schedule of works will be outlined and agreed, works will commence. Our project coordinators, architects and designers under Sandra’s direction will attend regular site meetings to ensure our designs are being carried out to their exact specifications and that the project is progressing as planned. We will keep the client updated throughout the works and once furniture is placed, the property is finally ready for thoughtfully placed individual accessories, right down to flower arrangement to welcome our client. At the time of the property handover, we will oversee the snagging allowing our client to enjoy their property with peace of mind.
