What is the “Jan Addams Design” Process?
DOWNLOAD my Interior Design for a New Build or Renovation Process and Phases BELOW:
QUESTION: WHAT TO EXPECT WORKING WITH A DESIGNER?
ANSWER: Working with a professional designer can seem daunting if it’s something you haven’t done before. How do you select a designer? What do they expect from you? How much should you be involved? The questions can be endless.
While each designer has their own style and process, there are a few basics we’ve outlined for you, including things you can prepare to ensure the first and subsequent meetings are productive ones.
QUESTION: WHAT KIND OF INTERIOR CONSULTANT DO YOU NEED?
ANSWER: Depending on several factors, including the size and scope of your project and/or your design needs, you could choose to work with one of the following:
- Hire an INTERIOR DESIGNER if you need to move walls and/or design a new space. They work with computer programs like Auto Cad; Sketch-up; Punch; 20/20 etc. to efficiently design a whole space (residential, retail,
office, commercial) or a single space like a kitchen, bathroom or office.
- Hire an INTERIOR DECORATOR if you need furniture space planning, or room refreshing with paint, drapery, fabric, furniture, and accessories. (Some Interior Designers offer this service as well)
- Hire a HOME STAGER if you are preparing to put your home on the market and ‘de-personalize’ your space to achieve a quicker more profitable sale.
*Note: each professional consultant has very different skill sets including – (education, expertise, and experience). Whomever you choose, make sure that they are involved in the process from the get-go.
QUESTION: WHAT IS THE DESIGNER’S ROLE IN MY PROJECT?
ANSWER: Depending on what type of Interior Consultant (see above) you select and their areas of expertise, their responsibilities can vary. Let’s assume you need an interior designer…
Interior Designers will typically provide you with concept floor plans, elevations and 3D room views based on a detailed understanding of your communicated personal needs.
They also recommend space-specific products and/or can design products, built-in millwork and/or furniture pieces to work within the floor plans they created. Some designers will coordinate the entire project, while others will simply offer trouble-shooting strategies when and if problems arise. They can and should work hand in hand with your Architect and/or Builder to ensure all created design elements are understood & implemented.
QUESTION: HOW SHOULD YOU PREPARE FOR THE DESIGN MEETING?
ANSWER: Even if you are just beginning to think about building or renovating your office, there are things you can do to ensure the first design meeting is productive. From clipping images you like and making lists,
to measuring your space and outlining a budget, it’s important to gather materials that will help communicate your vision to the designer. It also helps to “Know your STYLE” >>> DOWNLOAD the Free MINI Style REPORT”
BELOW to quickly discover yours.
DOWNLOAD the FREE PDF Below or continue reading…
Book Your Session Here: info@JanAddamsDesign.com
Want more help? Fill in our simple Style S.O.S > Space Options Survey – this is mainly for residential clients but the ‘style component’ you may find useful in determining what you would like your space to look like. Send it to us via email to help us drill down to exactly what you really want, need and must have.
SPECIAL TIPS
- OUTLINE YOUR BUDGET
- Building and Renovations come in many shapes & sizes, ranging from simple to luxurious.
- Sharing an initial budget outline with your designer tells them a lot about your project and the parameters they will be working on. When you outline your budget, be sure to factor in design and construction fees as well as other product installation costs.
- Plus, always have at least a 25% ‘contingency fund’ available. If you don’t use it for your project it still offers you peace of mind and/or a much-deserved vacation after the project is completed!
At Jan Addams Design we provide you with a simple budget guide.
2. VISUALLY COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS
- Even as you begin to dream about your new space, you can put together a file folder of images that reflect your lifestyle and your vision for the new space. Photos, magazine clippings, ads, articles, and samples will help the designer to visually understand your tastes and preferences.
- Next select your lighting fixtures, flooring and counter materials ie granite, composite or laminate as these influence the project budget allowance and colour direction. It is best practice to provide these preferences to your designer early.
At Jan Addams Design, we use online tools such as Pinterest and Houzz to get a quick overview of your style then transfer the decided style to a Password Protected Page where we keep all your project information Focused, Accurate, Current, and Tangible for you to review 24/7 and print out at your leisure.
Jan Addams (Designer, Author, Trainer)
3. UNDERSTANDING TIMELINES IS A TWO-WAY STREET
Once your designer receives your blueprints or measurements of your space, the design development process (PHASE 1) typically takes from one to three months (depending on the scope of the project). Some designers
request a retainer to initiate work as a fee serves to confirm your place as a current client.
Next select your lighting fixtures, flooring and counter materials ie granite, composite or laminate as these influence the project budget allowance and colour direction. It is best practice to provide these preferences to your designer early.
Please be prepared for each meeting as Time is Money and know it is always appropriate to ask questions and request samples of products and finish details before you place any orders.
*Note: Any schedule details you have – a wedding, graduation or holiday – should be communicated early for the project timeline to be developed.
Time to Begin the FUN Part!
Your homework is done and it’s time to begin!
The Founder & Principal Interior Designer of Jan Addams Design – will meet you online via Skype at the beginning of your relationship in order to thoroughly understand your space, vision, preferences, and needs.
Afterward, a regularly scheduled meeting on the phone or via Skype will keep everyone focused on the current tasks to ensure the project’s budget and time are always on track.
JAN HELPS INTERIOR CONSULTANTS
Feeling alone and like no one understands how hard you work and how many details you have to look after for your clients? Feel like you don’t have a life and are wondering if you have chosen the right career for you?
Need a Simplified Interior Project Management Tool? Check out Contact To Completion TM the Interior Communication System (c)
DO SOME HOMEWORK ABOUT YOURSELF & YOUR TEAM
Assessing your current Office Space over a period of time, both its positives and negatives provide your designer with invaluable information.
Things like…
- Does your current space inspire or depress you? Why?
- Are you considering downsizing or upsizing with new company needs?
- Do you like ‘Open Concept’ space design, private offices or, a blend of both?
- Do you have enough light, sound control & storage?
- What kind of furniture and equipment do you have and need?
- Do you work from home?
- These are critical to helping them understand how you work in your space so they can design around your wants and needs.
IMAGINE YOURSELF IN THE NEW SPACE
Now it’s time to bring your dream into a ‘realistic view’.
How will you use your new office space? Is it a social gathering place for, or an efficient utility? Honest answers to these types of questions will suggest the functional capacities you require.
SELECT YOUR EQUIPMENT FIRST
Office Space planning is critical to offer the highest ROI as rent isn’t cheap! so it stands to reason that you should spend time researching the type of space that will be able to expand and grow with your company’s
needs.
Your first step in the process is to equipment and office furniture you want to use daily. A large U-shaped desk or boardroom table can dramatically impact the space allocation in the room.
Don’t worry – you have a “Friend in Me” as I have been there / done that for 35+ Years! Maybe it is time for you to hire an IMAGE to INTERIOR Business Coach. I know your pain and I can help!
Jan Addams (Designer, Author, Trainer)
Email me at info@JanAddamsDesign.com
info@JanAddamsDesign.com
the IMAGE To INTERIOR Style Strategist.