A solid design process is key in any interior design firm and we would like to share ours with you. We get a lot of questions asking “what do interior designers actually do?”. We craft a design process that focuses on creating a design plan that reflects their wants and needs. Our detailed documentation relays the design message to contractors and trades. For a more detailed view of our design process, continue reading below.
At Blue Copper Design, we understand that creating a space that truly reflects your needs and lifestyle is a journey. Our design process is built on clear communication, collaboration, and a passion for functional beauty. Let us walk you through the key phases of working with us, from the initial inquiry to the final installation.
01. Inquiry: Laying the Foundation for a Successful Project
The first step in our process is a 30-minute video consultation to understand the scope of your project. This call is crucial to gathering the high-level details of your vision, timeline, and budget. We talk through the various services we offer and recommend the best option tailored to your project’s needs.
Following this call, we create a design proposal that outlines the approach, timeline, and budget. After reviewing and approving the proposal, we move forward with the contract signing and deposit payment. You are officially be a part of the Blue Copper Design family, and we can begin bringing your vision to life.
2. Design: Bringing Your Vision to Life
The design phase is where the magic happens. It’s a collaborative effort, ensuring that the final design will meet your functional needs while capturing your aesthetic preferences.
The process begins with “client homework,” where you’ll be asked to complete a brief survey to help us understand your needs even further. This ensures that we are fully aligned before diving into the creative aspects of the project. During the design concept meeting we present a mood board to establish the overall direction of the design. Together, we’ll explore colors, materials, furniture options, and the general style that will define your space.
Once we’re aligned on the design direction, we schedule measurements to gather all the details needed to develop your design plan. This is when we start creating a detailed plan that includes floor plans, elevations, and other essential technical drawings. The design development process typically takes about four weeks to complete.
After we’ve developed the initial design plan, we present it to you with renderings, material samples, and other visual aids. This presentation allows you to visualize the space before any physical changes are made, ensuring that we are heading in the right direction. During this meeting, we take notes on what you love, what might need adjustments, and any changes you’d like to make.
Our design process includes two rounds of revisions, giving you the opportunity to refine the design until it meets your expectations. We allow a week for feedback and another week for adjustments. Once you’re happy with the direction, we finalize the design package and prepare to move forward to the next phase.
3. Design Management: Turning Design into Reality
With the design approved, we move into the design management phase. This is where we oversee the execution of the design, working closely with contractors, trades, and suppliers to ensure everything is built and installed according to plan.
If your project involves any construction or trade work, this is when the contractors and tradespeople come into play. We start by conducting walk-throughs with all involved parties to ensure they fully understand the design intent. However, it’s important to note that we are designers, not contractors. You, as the client, will be responsible for hiring contractors, though we provide a list of trusted professionals we’ve worked with in the past.
Throughout this phase, we monitor the procurement of products, from furniture and accessories to larger items like appliances or custom pieces. For large construction projects, we create a schedule of site visits to track progress and ensure that everything is going according to plan.
Another key responsibility during design management is overseeing product deliveries. For items we’ve ordered, we manage everything from receiving the products to coordinating their delivery, ensuring they arrive on time and in excellent condition.
4. Installation: The Final Transformation
The installation phase is where your design truly comes to life. Once all construction and trade work is complete, we schedule the installation day, marking the beginning of the finishing touches. Our delivery team carefully brings in all the items and places them according to the finalized design plan.
After the physical placement of furniture and key elements, we begin styling the space. This is where the final touches – such as accessories, textiles, and art – are added to make the space feel complete. We give you up to five days to review and approve the styling, allowing you to make any changes or returns on the accessories we’ve chosen.
Installation days can take anywhere from one to five days, depending on the size and complexity of the project. During this time, we work diligently to ensure everything is perfect, and we request that pets are kept away from the area for safety and logistics.
Once the installation is complete and everything is in place, we conduct a grand reveal of your newly designed space. This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for, where you see the final result of all the hard work and creativity that went into the project.
5. Project Wrap-Up and Photoshoot: Capturing the Finished Product
Within a few days of installation, we conduct a photoshoot to capture your newly designed space in its best light. These professional photos and videos showcase the transformation and provide beautiful imagery of your home before real life takes over. Depending on the size of the project, the photoshoot can take anywhere from one to six hours.
Finally, we provide you with a project wrap-up guide, which includes maintenance tips, any necessary product care instructions, and a summary of your project. You have a beautifully designed space and the confidence that your home has been transformed to reflect your unique needs and style.
This comprehensive process ensures that we’re not just designing your space, but creating an experience that’s seamless and stress-free. At Blue Copper Design, we are committed to empowering our clients with spaces that are both functional and inspiring. Whether it’s through inclusive, barrier-free design or a thoughtful approach to aesthetics and layout, we work to elevate every project to its highest potential.
