Clients

Design pre-work

Summary

Curious about how the design process works? With my easy design process, developed by me for discerning clientele, you will not worry about what to expect from your designer. I will work one-on-one with you, there are a few things you should know first.

Design a lookbook

Take the time to figure out what you like is so important. It can be done as a Digital lookbook or get analog and scrapbook it all. The choice is yours.

Digital lookbook: It is as easy as making a folder in your documents, then drag and drop inspirational photos onto a Word document. Save it with the file name CKID lookbook – [your name here].doc. Be sure to write a few comments below the photograph on what inspires you.

Analog lookbook: Create your design lookbook (kind of like a scrap book) with inspiration images from your favorate home style magazine. When making your lookbook, is important to take the time to jot down a couple words about why you have selected the photograph or inspiration image.

Following something like this will help you identify your style, and help me work in what you like into your customized design. For more great style suggestions, please read the NKBA article Taste and Style.

Calculate the budget

So many times the first thing out of someones mouth is “So, what do you think it will cost?”. To tell you the truth, I have no idea unless you drive the bus. If I have no idea what to expect, then I can not properly prepare the best possible design for you. For great tips on budgeting, please read the NKBA article Controlling Your Remodeling Budget.

Get intimate with your space

It is essential that you get to know your space and it’s dimensions. What we really need to happen is for you to be able to understand your space and work with me – believe me when I say that this will speed up the whole design process, thereby saving you a tonne of money you didn’t need to spend. So take the time to measure twice and write it all down. For a FREE kit, please order your free NKBA Kitchen & Bath Workbook.

Put it all together

Assemble your budget, drawing and lookbook together in one file, binder, or folder and be ready to include them with your questionnaire submission. If you would like to submit your files via post, please specify so in your questionnaire and I’ll provide you with my postal address.

Ready? Set? Design!

Summary

Now that you’ve done your homework, this project is going to be a snap! Using my tried, tested, and true process, you won’t be disappointed. Here’s how it could roll out:

Review the services offered and determine what works best for your project. Services can be found by clicking here.
Complete the questionnaire with as much detail as possible. Be sure you upload your budget, lookbook, and hand-drawn floor plan. The questionnaire can be found by by clicking here.
Expect a response from me within 72 hours. I will do my best to find a time to discuss your project that meets all of our needs.
Following our discussion, I’ll draft up the project scope and send it to you for approval. I will be including an itemized list of services in my response, so please be ready to apply a deposit or a retainer.
From there, it depends on your service, but I will generally set up your project page and add your documents, project scope, and begin to work ahead. I will develop a task lists and milestones so that we can measure the progress together. Your page will also include your payment schedule, be sure to make a note of them.
Bi-weekly meetings may be scheduled depending on the designers needs.
Final presentations are fantastic, and depending on what type of project you have it may be a really quick to in-depth meeting.

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How to measure your space

You’ll need the following:

Tape measure
Pencil and eraser
Graph paper

1. Always measure the length of the wall at the top, bottom and middle. Take the smallest of the three, and this is your dimension.

When measuring, you will measure from the start of the wall to the end of the wall.

2. If there is a doorway or window, measure to the door opening, the inside of the opening, and the other side of the remaining wall.

Be sure to note the height above the finished floor (AFF), and the size of the opening like this:

WINDOW 1

24″ X 48″ @ 42″ AFF

A doorway would simply be noted without the “@ 42″ AFF” part.

Make a note to the side of the drawing about the width of your mullions (frame).

3. Always note the ceiling height in inches.

4. Once you’ve completed the walls, take a general look around the room and check for any soffits or bulk-heads drawn as a dashed line. Be sure to make a note as to it’s length and height.

5. Draw a $ symbol where your switches are.

6. Note on your drawings where recepticals for electricity, television, telephone, and internet are located.

Always have fun, and remember it doesn’t have to be perfect.