It all begins with an idea! This is the discovery phase… we talk about your needs and wants, your wish list, your end goal. I ask a lot of questions and we both learn how to move forward on the same path together. Site visits to take measurements and photos are usually involved in this phase for a greater understanding of the space.

This is where the ideas flow, and inspiration happens. A conceptual package is presented that will convey how the space will feel. This could come in the form of colours, textures, and inspiration photos. Schematic planning options will be presented along with renderings, if required, for you to fully understand the design and to show the scale and proportion of the space. Big things are possible here!

This is where the ideas that have been percolating, come to fruition. A more detailed look into the approved concept is developed. This can include, and is not limited to, demolition plan; furniture, finish and lighting plans; schedules and specifications; millwork drawings and details; elevations; specific material and furniture selections. Consultants will be brought in as needed depending on scope. This phase doesn’t happen overnight, but is where the magic happens.

The exploration and development leading up to this point brings us into the creation of a construction package that will be organized in such a way, the builder knows what the scope is and how to achieve it. Mechanical, Electrical, Structural Engineers, the Architect; or any given consultant retained for the project are given the approved plans so they can finalize their design. The Interior Designer is often the prime consultant on a project and is responsible to ensure everyone is on the same page. This is a special phase to me and one that is quite possibly the most important of them all. Great pride is taken here to provide an easy to read, clean set of drawings that not only contractors will use to do their budgets, but to also build off of.

The Tender phase is a time to engage and find a good contracting team that you can trust and know you have the right builders on your side. This is also a great time to have conversations to flush out questions the contractor has, and to make sure we are all on the same page and ready for the next exciting phase. On the back end of this phase - drawings are submitted to the local building officials to obtain any permits that are needed for the build out.

Now it becomes real! The build-out is a very exciting and busy time for everyone involved. In this contract administration phase, I am there to oversee the project and ensure the work is completed as per the tender package. I am the point of contact and the liaison between all consultants, fielding any issues or decisions that need to be made to ensure the project keeps running on time and as smoothly as possible.