People can be understandably wary of using an interior designer, they may not fully understand what it is we do, they may consider it an extravagance on top of an expensive project. Let me explain how I work and how I can work not only within your budget but how I can help to maximise your budget too...
Inspiration
The Initial Meeting - our chance to talk about your ideas and aspirations for your project, however big or small. If you have already instructed an architect or builder I am more than happy to work with them or if you would like an alternative quote I have various tried and tested contractors whom I know to do a good job.
Proposal - once we've agreed the brief I will produce an outline of works, a building specification if need be and a clear list of times to be sourced, as well as a simple contract so we all know where we are.
Budget - even the wealthiest of clients need to stick to a budget and it is my job to keep every penny in check. My estimating and ordering programme does just his. At the click of a button I can tell you what has been ordered and paid for and what has yet to be accounted for so there will be no nasty surprises. Since designers receive trade discounts, it is possible for both the client and the designer to benefit financially. Often, particularly on a large job, these discounts equate to such an amount that clients can make huge savings, even after the designer is paid.
Drawings - it is helpful to start with floor plans, to map out the furniture layout exactly. An inch here and there can make a big difference when the furniture arrives and it is always important no matter how big the room to maximise its space. I am a skilled draftsman and can also produce electrical plans, joinery details and curtain drawings.
Design - the fun bit. Years of trawling the showrooms of London and keeping a keen eye on what's new has created a vast mental library of wonderful products, so I know exactly where to go to find you the very best of what's on offer.
Presentation of scheme - this is my opportunity to enthuse you with my ideas, through showing you physical fabric and finish samples as well as images of furniture and lighting. Although I have a high success rate and clients tend to be happy with the first scheme, it is often tweaked to reflect a client's personal taste. It is your home after all. The scheme can be reworked as many times as is necessary to achieve the home of your dreams.
Perspiration
They say genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. The same applies with interior design. I'd say about 95% of my job is to oversee the estimation, budget control, ordering process, building dramas, manufacturing malfunctions, coordination and installation all at the same time so that you don't have to.
Estimation - once the scheme had been agreed I got to work on the estimate, this is a detailed description of the goods and services with exact pricing so the exact budget can be realised.
Project Management - Ordering, coordination and installation. Whether it's dealing with builders, cabinet makers, upholsterers, furniture, fabric or curtain producers, there are an infinite number of things that can go wrong when dealing with contractors and it's my job to ensure that they go right. I have a team of tried and tested contractors whom I know will do the best job for you at a competitive price. If you prefer to use your own contractors I will work with them to ensure you get exactly what we planned, to budget and on time. I am a renowned perfectionist and attention to detail is not something I will compromise. I am passionate about interiors, it is my art and I take huge pride in every project I do. I will not consider the project complete until I know that you are 100% happy.