THE PROCESS
What to Expect While Working Together
Project Assessment
I like to meet with my clients preferably in their home, so I can get to know them better, and see their style and way of living. It helps me understand who they are and what they are trying to achieve with the project. It gives me a sense of how they live and their sensibilities in terms of design and decor.
ASSESSMENT
• Understand what the client is looking for and ultimately desires to achieve
• Identify what steps in the project I am needed for and responsible for managing, e.g., construction, project management, decorating, etc.
• Map out a time line and get an initial idea of budget for the project
Design Proposal
In this step of the process, I will identify and explain my rates and fees, and how they apply to the individual project. Typically I will require an up-front retainer fee to be billed against for any hourly time that might apply to the project for items that will not be purchased through Tate Reynolds Designer Inc., as well as travel expenses, etc. All other fees will be incorporated into the purchasing fees of the products purchased through me, as I will add my design fee/markup to the cost of goods that I receive through my wholesale trade pricing.
FEE STRUCTURE
• Hourly rate for all items not purchased through Tate Reynolds Designer Inc., as well as any travel costs and design consultations
• Design fee/markup on goods purchased at wholesale costing structure
• Client is responsible for shipping, freight, delivery, and taxes, in addition to quoted costs of goods
Research and Design
At this point in the process, we have agreed on the scope of the project and set forth expectations of what needs to be designed, selected, or furnished. I will need to spend some time on site taking measurements of the space, so I can create a floor plan of the room. I will begin researching furniture pieces, fabrics, rugs, lighting, etc. in order to present to the client a cohesive understanding of the design direction. Meetings will be set up to review presentation boards and begin the process of selecting items to be purchased.
DESIGN PRESENTATION
• Review floor plans
• Review design scheme for each room being worked on
• Client finalizes selection of items to be purchased
• Identify items that still need to be found and represented
Purchasing
After the design presentation and review is finalized, I will present to the client a price breakdown and time line of each item. A formal quote will be provided to the client for review so they have a complete understanding of the total cost of the project. Once items are agreed upon, invoices will be issued to the client in order to have the orders placed.
PURCHASING OF GOODS
• Itemized quote is supplied to client for review
• Invoices are created and submitted to client based on selected items
• Payment is required from client prior to orders being placed
• Time line is provided for delivery of goods
Delivery and Installation
Once all items are ordered, the next step is coordinating the installation. When items can be drop shipped directly to the customer they will be. The majority of larger items will be shipped by freight carriers and sent to a receiver, which will receive the goods, inspect them, and deliver and place them on site for the customer. The client is responsible for shipping and receiving costs, and will be invoiced once items are shipped and delivered. Whenever possible I will be on site to coordinate delivery of goods and placement of pieces according to the original floor plan.
INSTALLATION
• Coordination of shipping and delivery of purchased items to local receiving warehouse
• Goods installed on site by receiving company
• Inspection of goods on site after being placed
• All shipping materials are removed from site by delivery service
Accessorizing and Artwork
One of the most important aspects of finalizing a project is accessorizing and hanging artwork throughout the home or room. Some clients have a sense of completion once the furniture and goods have been received, but continuing through this step of the process is what makes the project finally feel complete. It gives the space a personal touch with artwork and personal items. A few art books, an extra lamp, a plant, pictures, and home accessories are what make a room feel complete and fully decorated. Sometimes a client might only need this aspect done to an existing room, but this is where a designer really leaves their mark on a finished space.
ACCESSORIZING
• Identify any accessories that are needed
• Style and place artwork, mirrors, lamps, plants, etc.
• Style and install any additional window treatments, pillows, or throws
• Final placement and style out of all rooms
• Wrap up project