PROCESS
The interior design process involves a series of well-defined stages that ensure a successful transformation of a space. It begins with an initial consultation, where the designer and client discuss goals, preferences, budget, and timelines. This phase is crucial for understanding the client's vision and establishing the project's scope. Following this, the designer conducts a site analysis to assess the space's potential and constraints.
Next, the concept development phase involves creating mood boards, sketches, and preliminary layouts. These visual aids help the client envision the proposed design direction. Once the concept is approved, the designer moves to the design development stage, where detailed plans, elevations, and 3D renderings are produced. This phase also includes selecting materials, finishes, furniture, and accessories, ensuring all elements align with the overall design theme. The subsequent phases are the procurement and project documentation. We ensure everything is secured, and comprehensive drawings and specifications are prepared for contractors and suppliers. This ensures that all aspects of the design are clearly communicated and executable.
Afterward, the implementation phase begins. This involves coordinating with contractors, overseeing construction, and managing timelines and budgets. The designer ensures that the project progresses smoothly and any issues are promptly addressed. Finally, the installation phase involves placing furniture, arranging décor, and adding the finishing touches. A final walkthrough with the client ensures satisfaction, and any last-minute adjustments are made. The entire process, from concept to completion, is meticulously managed to deliver a cohesive, functional, and aesthetically pleasing interior that aligns with the client's vision.
getting starteD
CONSULTATION
Before we can set a fee structure we need to understand more about your project and make sure we are a good fit to work together. All projects start with an initial design consultation. During this meeting we will look at your project and we can talk about a whole range of things - e.g. scope, lifestyle, functionality, budget, aesthetic and so on. While there you'll get lots of initial ideas and inspiration that you can take away from the meeting as well. The consultations allow us to understand the full scope of your project and accurately prepare a fee proposal for the work you want to do. If you think that would be a helpful get booked in; I only offer a few consultations each week and these can book up a few weeks in advance.
Schedueling
The project will only be scheduled in our diary once invoices have been paid, the business agreement is signed, and (if applicable for turn-key projects) the keys have been received. Please note, this does not mean the project will commence immediately; it is simply secured in our available diary.
While dates or timelines may have been discussed during initial conversations, our diary is live and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, any delays in meeting these requirements may result in a later start date than anticipated, and even a longer expected completion time.
If a specific deadline has been discussed, we will do our best to meet it. However, please be aware that due to various external factors, we cannot guarantee it. Unfortunately, shortening deadlines cannot generally be accommodated, as our sourcing of items and contractor schedules are planned to align with the original agreed-upon timeline. Any agreed deviation of this will incur additional fees.
The duration of an interior design project can vary significantly based on a range of factors. Here’s what typically influences the project timeline:
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Scope of the Project:
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Small Refresh: Projects such as redecorating a room, updating furniture, or changing soft furnishings often take between a few weeks to a few months, depending on lead times for products.
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Full Renovation: Larger projects involving structural changes, extensive reconfigurations, or custom installations can take several months or even up to a year to complete.
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Scale of the Project: The size and complexity of the project greatly influence how long it takes. A single room makeover will be completed much faster than an entire home redesign or extensive renovations.
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Lead Time for Products: The availability of chosen materials and products, such as custom furniture, tiles, or bespoke finishes, often impacts the timeline. Some items may have long lead times, especially if they are custom-made or imported. This can introduce delays that need to be factored into the schedule.
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Contractor Availability: Skilled tradespeople and contractors are often booked in advance, which can affect when work can begin. Their availability can impact the project's pace, especially for renovations that require specialist expertise.
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Time of Year: The time of year can also play a role. For example, holidays and peak seasons for contractors may cause delays, while certain works, such as outdoor projects, may be impacted by weather conditions.
Typical Timelines:
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Small Refresh: 4-12 weeks.
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Moderate Redesign (e.g., a few rooms with light renovations): 3-6 months.
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Full Home Renovation: 6-12+ months.
Every project is unique, so these timelines should be viewed as general estimates. Working closely with your designer and maintaining clear communication about expectations, potential challenges, and contingencies can help ensure the smoothest process possible.
Time
It’s important that we discuss budgets openly to ensure we stay within realistic limits and avoid the risk of falling short of expectations due to an insufficient budget. As a business, we also only take on projects that meet a minimum products budget requirement, allowing us to work effectively and deliver the best results.
Whatever the budget may be we'll be doing our best to value engineer the project so that we're investing in the products that will add the most value to your property, get the most wear and tear and which elevate the design, or will just have that swoon factor! However at this point we can go over the exact perimeters and expectation of this in more details and where the priorities lie.
When we discuss the budget, we’ll be focusing specifically on the budget for products. While we’re happy to offer advice, managing budgets for other contractors will remain the client’s responsibility.
BUDGET
PHASE 1
Concept development
what's includeD & WHAT TO EXPECT
CREATIVE MEETING
During this meeting, we'll delve into the specifics of your project, thoroughly addressing your requirements and considering any samples or ideas you've gathered. Our primary goal is to ensure that our designs align seamlessly with both your aesthetic preferences and functional needs, ultimately delivering the perfect outcome. We will go over lots of imagery as we want to understand your design aesthetic and importantly what you don;'t like too. The inspirational meeting offers you an opportunity for a relaxed and comprehensive conversation covering every aspect of your project. We'll explore each room, discuss your future plans, delve into how each space will be utilised, and even explore colour schemes. This in-depth discussion often sparks new design concepts that we'll incorporate into your updated project brief and scope. Furthermore, this meeting serves as a pivotal step in our planning process. It allows us to chart the course for your project, including identifying and coordinating with any specialised consultants, such as structural engineers, as well as liaising with any external agencies that may play a role in your project's success.
To make the most of of this important first stage in your project read our blog post on how to brief us, furthermore we recommend printing out and filling in the briefing worksheet prior so nothing get missed or forgotten.
SITE ANALYSIS
During this initial phase, we'll need plans provided or we'll arrange a site survey of the space with detailed measurements and to assess the existing conditions. This crucial step ensures our designs perfectly align with I the realities of the space and to assess the space's potential and constraints.
We will only start work on your project once this is completed.
LAYOUT, LIFESTYLE & PRACTICALITIES
This is how we start all projects to understand the furniture placement and ideal size. We'll start with an initial plan as a guide for ourselves for sourcing; illustrating to to scale on the floor plans. Once we have your exact furniture selection we'll update this so you can see how the space will be arranged. This will be presented with the proposal.
However, if we think it's relevant to your project we may take this a step further and send you a proposal for a larger reconfiguration of the space, such as moving a wall or door. Once we receive approval from yourself and the qualified contractor we'll proceed on the design development. Check out our space planning portfolio to understand how we might suggest re-configirations of your property.
CONCEPT MOODBOARD
This moodboard won't contain any sourced products, instead it will show a general direction of the project containing lots of images of spaces in a similar style, materials and colour tone references. It conveys the overall aesthetic of the project, including colours, materials, textures and inspiration. Importantly it will give an overall feeling of how the space will be. We curate lots of images which we think will speak to the architecture and design of the home; we love to use Pinterest which is a vital tool for us to create boards that we can share with the client, during this process we really stat to understand the client and create a language for the home. *
NOTE This will be completed if we deem it necessary following the creative meeting, such as if clietns don't have a strong direction in mind. If you give a clear direction and time is a factor we may skip this stage.
APPROVAL TO PROCEED
This is where we want to ensure we're on the same page prior to spending huge amounts of time working on something that just isn't right. At this point we have a project 'skeleton' and we'll discuss together the ideas we've been working on to date and make any tweaks prior to proceeding further. Once we're happy we'll move onto Phase 2.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT & RESEARcH
Good things take time, and the design development stage is no exception. We anticipate this phase will take several weeks as we immerse ourselves in your space, developing the concept, creating technical documents for quotes, liaising with brands and trades for pricing and samples, sourcing materials, refining the budget, and ultimately finding the perfect products to bring it all together. Sometimes, this process even includes stepping back to allow inspiration to strike naturally.
During this time, we’ll also be balancing work on other client projects, which may be at different stages of their own journey, such as moving into the next phase. To better understand the intricacies of this process, you can read our blog on the complexities of design development.
Our approach is not to work ad-hoc by running every decision by you as it arises—this would be overwhelming and counterproductive. Instead, we focus on curating and refining a cohesive, final selection, presenting a clear and fully visualised proposal that reflects your vision. This ensures a streamlined and enjoyable experience for you. So we thank you for your patience whilst we work on this.
PHASE 2
Design developmeNt
what's includeD & WHAT TO EXPECT
While we don't include contractor costs in our budgeting, we aim to help ensure that your overall budget remains manageable. At this stage, we are still in the project development phase, which can feel a bit like a "chicken and egg" situation—we can't ask contractors to provide precise quotes until we know exactly what they’ll be quoting for. Therefore, we’ll seek estimate quotes based on the expected scope of work.
We are happy to liaise with your chosen contractors, however we know that finding trusted contractors is a challenge so we can also assist in finding suitable ones for your project. Ultimately, you will hire the contractors directly. If we assist in sourcing contractors, we will provide their details and quotes, allowing you to make the final decision. This may range from one quote to a few options, depending on who we think may be suitable for the job or their availability. We recommend meeting with them and this can be facilitated in person or via zoom.
Once the final designs are complete and approved we can ask the contractor's to firm up their quote, make any necessary amendments and book them in. Please note that while we may recommend contractors, we are not responsible for their work or services.
cONTRACTOR Support
little black book
We invest vast amounts of time into the business outside of the design projects themselves; as well as extensively researching online retailers and visiting showrooms. We also go to Interior Design trade shows across Europe; from Decorex in London, to Maison et Objet n Paris, and visit the Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour as often as possible. We’re on a mission to stay on top of ’what’s new’, learn from the industry’s best, to test out and feel ‘the goods’, and to find the best trade suppliers to work with. We’ve laboriously catalogued the brands and our favourite inspiring products so that we can present to clients unique and interesting items, whilst also making ourselves much more efficient. We’ll be using our skills to select what we think are the best items for your design and budget, these items will have been chosen for a variety of reasons from quality, dimensions and detail. We may also direct you to certain showrooms to look at, touch and sit on pieces in person (this could be after the design presentation).
Please note our service supplies all products to your project and they will be either purchased directly by ourselves or we will make commission on items you purchase; this is essential for our business income.
Check out just some of the variety of shows we've attended in our blogs.
CUSTOM PRODUCTS
We work with a variety of talented suppliers to create the finishing touches to our schemes. We design custom joinery from shelving, to bunk beds, vanities and whole Kitchens. We work directly with a talented and trusted local specialist furniture maker and Joiner on all our projects. Over the years we worked with and recommended a variety of Joiners, but we found that building a stronger relationship with one supplier was so much more beneficial. We also work with a select few companies who can create furniture (beyond custom Joinery) that’s really special in endless options of finishes and materials; we’re able to bring you something unique. From beds, to metal work and cabinets.
WALL ELEVATIONS
These provide a view of a wall as if you are standing directly in front of it. They are used to detail elements like cabinetry and other built in features so that we can both accurately tender for quotes and workmen can follow clear plans for production and installation. *
VISUALS
2D visual plans are super useful to aid aesthetic planning (what looks good next to what) and our whole design process. Of course though these also service as brilliant illustrative tools for clients to visualise how their space will look. Typically we do one for each wall of the room. During the design concept presentation we'll be sharing these with you. If requested we can also have 3D visuals produced; this could be especially useful on larger or more complex projects. We'll usually only have these produced after the design presentation.*
DESIGN Presentation
This is the exciting bit where the project is revealed. This is when we'll gather everything together; the moodboard, 2D visuals, sourced products proposal, and lite technical plans, along with all our gathered samples to present and discuss. We'll talk you through our thought process and details of the products selection. We'll also send over a comprehensive itemised proposal so you can understand overall estimated costs. Hopefully you'll be just be as excited as us about the project design as we are! If you do want to make any changes, this is your opportunity; we'll want feedback at this stage so we can make any amendments. Please note you may have a limited number of free revisions included in your project so please keep this in mind.
APPROVAL
We'll convert the proposal into an invoice and at this stage we'll ask you to confirm that you're happy and to make payment in full. Please note that at this stage all installation products and some delivery costs will be estimates only; we'll need to liaise with your contractors prior to purchase to get approval on installation technicalities and quantities, and we'll firm up delivery costs on raising orders.
To ensure that we don't loose sourced pieces or incure changes to quotes we'll need to start procurement immediately, this means the invoice will be due on receipt. Delays to payment may incure additional resourcing fees. This marks the ends of this phase. Yes!!!
PHASE 3
DocumentatioN
what's includeD & WHAT TO EXPECT
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS
Creating technical documents for the contractor to follow is very time intensive. So if your project requires these we'll commence once you've approved the overall design concept. Comprehensive drawings and specifications are prepared for contractors and suppliers. This ensures that all aspects of the design are clearly communicated and executable to ensure that everything is installed perfectly to our our vision. Prior to commencing we may arrange a meeting with your contractor to trouble shoot any queries we have, and once work starts we may need to alter them further if issues are uncovered that require changes. It's essential for great communication from the contractors to communicate if something doesn't work and we can problem solve the best practical and aesthetic solution together. *
FINISH PLANS
These specify the materials/finishes for floors, walls and ceilings (e.g. types of flooring, paint colours or wallpaper).What colour, finish and where? We'll make sure it's clear for you, the fitters and the decorator.
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LIGHTING PLANS
Lighting is essential for creating the right ambiance and sockets and switches need to be practically placed in, line with the furniture. We'll create technical plans for you contractors to follow. *
Contractor COMMENCEMENT
At this stage, it's important to confirm which contractors will be involved in the project. We will arrange a meeting to review all plans and job details. During this meeting, contractors will have the opportunity to finalise their quotes and raise any initial concerns regarding implementation or products. Addressing these early on ensures a smoother process and avoids unnecessary time spent on technical plans that may require adjustments later.
PHASE 4
Procurement
what's includeD & WHAT TO EXPECT
PROCUREMENT - FREESTANDING
We'll purchase some products immediately. This is in order to secure the products, avoid price fluctuations and avoid having to re-source pieces which may compromise the design. These are items such as freestanding furniture, accessories, plus select installation items such as lighting. We'll also start the detailed commissioning of products.
If there are any issues we’re here to take care of it.
FITTED PRODUCT COMMUNICATION
It’s obvious that interior designers are not a expert professional installation contractors such as electricians, plumbers, decorators, joiners, floor fitters, etc. Furthermore, each site may throw up different issues that'll affect installation, and construction, plus variations on quantities may occur dependant on each contractors technique.
When we create a project proposal we'll have done this work to the best of our ability both practically and aesthetically. However installation products such as radiators or flooring, and technical plans such as lighting or joinery will needs to be verified for the technical aspects and quantities by the relevant tradesperson installing.
This may be much later in the projects progression and the efficiency of this work will depend on the contractors communication. Any delay confirming this information may lead to delays to the project, wrong products ordered, mismatched batches and negative effects on the budget. Dependant on their opinion we may need to spend additional time resourcing alternatives, adding additional products or re-working technical drawings.
PROCUREMENT - FITTED
Once we have confirmation on any queries on installation items such as tile, wallpaper and flooring we'll get this purchased too. If there's any cost difference from our estimates we'll invoice the difference prior to purchasing..
DELIVERIES
Your lovely new products will start winging their way towards you! However, we have two options for this; please ensure to inform your designer which one you'd prefer.
OPTION 1 - WHITE GLOVE SERVICE
- Sent to a receiver
- Inspected
- Logged
- Stored
- Delivered to site
- Products unpacked, assembled and installed
This is a highly recommended separate service for which we can get a quote.
Products can be sent to a receiver company who’ll check and store all products until they're required on the project. They'll then be delivered in staged phases and any issue are taken care of between the receiving company and designer. This'll take some additional designer time to organise and liaise, plus fees from the company. However, this will make the project so much more streamlined and hassle free. If you value a premium service, you're short of time or don't feel comfortable organising and tracking, this is the service for you. The same company will also deliver all products to site and can install various elements.
OPTION 2 - CLIENT HANDLING
Products will be delivered directly to site from the suppliers and all aspects of checking for damage, accounting for all items and parts, logging what has arrived, alerting the designer to undelivered items and safe storage ready for installation become the clients responsibility. This will also be the case if received by the clients contractor.
All products need to be inspected for damage within 24 hours of receipt and if any issues are found this needs to be raised in email to Magpye with evidential photography. Some companies will not accept any issues raised after 24 hours so this timeframe is important. No matter what, we'll always do our best to assist you in finding a solution to the best of our ability. However, if issues are found at a later date this may result in making it impossible to solve with a free replacement, or incur delays to the project in sourcing and procuring a replacement which may have a long lead time.
You'll need to be very organised for this task and if you're not this could create confusion, delays to your project and additional costs at your expense. If you chose this option please use our helpful labels to clearly identify and store your products. Also read our inspection and storage blog for some helpful tips.
PHASE 5
Implementation
what's includeD & WHAT TO EXPECT
SCHEDULE OF WORKS
Where to start? That can be a daunting head scratching prospect! We can work with your contractors and the suppliers to create a schedule of works so that you'll know who and what comes first.*
dESIGN CO-ORDINATION & MANAGEMENT
Our strengths are in design and project management is a whole other full time role; you may want to consider hiring a project manager specifically on larger projects. Our role typically focuses on design coordination, ensuring all elements align with the vision and plan. This is not typical project management where there is someone on site constantly to oversee the entire project. However, we are open to managing smaller projects or stepping into a more prominent project management role in cases where the client is unavailable. This flexibility allows us to provide tailored support where it’s most needed.
We’ll have supplied a variety of technical plans for your tradespeople to follow. It’s impossible to be experts in each given area such as tiling, plumbing, decorating, so we’ll have completed these to the best of our ability, but through your project we’ll need to co-ordinate with the relevant tradesperson to ensure they are implemented correctly, with both the best technical and aesthetic outcome. We can also visit the project to check on progress. Many aspects of a project can be done digitally, but onsite meetings are often essential to ensure everyone is on the same page, talk through the different aspects and to trouble shoot any foreseeable problems with installation.
This is an essential piece of work for the ongoing project. This becomes marginally more time effective the larger the project we're working on as we can consolidate some site meetings and communications. However every project is different; some clients or contractors may need more support or guidance, and older buildings tend to throw up many more surprises which lead to additional work to accommodate required changes.
GENERAL SUPPORT & ADVICE
Any renovation will be stressful but keep in mind the end goal; this will be a short period of discomfort in exchange for years of enjoyment. We've see many renovations and have seen what goes both right and wrong! We'll be here throughout the process to give advise and to support you where you may need it, even if its moral support. You’re spending a significant amount of money and expectations for the dream finish is high, so a renovation no matter how big or small can be stressful. It will be complicated and messy long before seeing that beautifully styled finish, we're here to guide you through the process. Read our blogs with some of our top tips for making a renovation as pain free as possible.
FINAL SPACE Installation
We're at the exciting bit when suddenly it all comes together at once! As outlined in Phase 4, sourced products may have been sent to a professional receiver for inspection and safe storage. Now is the point when many of the furniture, fixtures and fittings will be delivered to site by the team and installed alongside your own contractual team. Those final finishing accessory touches really matter! A badly hung picture can be a real eye sore on a beautifully finished project.....especially if hung on an expensive wallpaper!! Once we're finished we'll dispose of all packaging and can co-ordinate a cleaner.
Your gorgeous new space is complete! We'll do a final walkthrough to ensure satisfaction. Any final adjustments are made based on the client's feedback. We'll also provide maintenance advice and documentation.
PHASE 6
Installation & Photography
what's includeD & WHAT TO EXPECT
PHOTOGRAPHY
Documenting completed projects and inspiring future clients is an essential way for our business to grow. Therefore each project is only complete once we get professional pictures of the space.
We aim to complete this within a few weeks of all aspects of the installation and snags being completed and we'll require a minimum of 1-2 days access for the Photography and styling team to complete this essential work. We'll likely bring a variety of props to swap out personal items and to accessorise spaces we may not have covered with your project. You'll also get the opportunity to purchase some of these items from us if any catch your eye! As a thank you we'll be leaving you with a little gift to enjoy in the space. Project completed!
We usually name each project after the road or the house, so to maintain client privacy we can (on request) change your project name to a pseudonym.
We accept projects and price them based on completing photography at the end for our portfolio and marketing purposes. If you do not wish pictures to be taken please indicate this when briefing as this may affect us taking on board the project, or we will adjust fees to reflect the loss of marketing material. Please read T&C's for more information.
FINISH LINE
This will have been a long process with a lot or work involved to achieve great results. However this will have been a journey in investing in yourself, your well being, your home and your future. You now have a beautiful new space! Enjoy it!
NOTE
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These will be completed as needed. If we believe they are necessary, they will be included in the scope of work and the initial quote. However, if you have specific requirements or would like these included, please let us know. Any additional requests outside the agreed scope will be invoiced separately.
'Your space should perfectly reflect you, your life, your needs, your desires, your success and your future aspirations. Are you a DIY'er who wants to cut corners? No. You're someone who hires professionals to get the best results.'
Let's Talk
If you think we could be the right fit for you, let’s talk and discover more, we’d love to hear about your project, its aspirations and challenges. We can then create a custom quote for you depending on what’s required. Please be aware that good design takes time and we only dedicate ourselves to a certain amount of projects a year. Therefore we select to work on full projects only and apply minimum expectations prior to consideration.
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