In the second part, I have described the design process, and it is now time to show our work to the client so that the client gives us all the necessary feedback to create the best scheme according to the client's needs and tastes.
Second meeting with client
Now we have a first proposition to make to the client a new meeting is needed. This meeting is the occasion for the client to check the design solution we have in mind and give us their feedback. We usually come with two or three design solutions and the client select their favourite one or sometime a mixture of the different solutions. This meeting is very important to us as it is the occasion to rectify and improve the design according to the client’s response.
Sample boards and finished plan and furniture layout
When we have agreed with the client on a design solution, we can go back to the studio and amend the schemes, carry on more sourcing when necessary.
The design schemes are presented on sample boards, with visuals when necessary, along with a file containing all the specifications of the different selected items, without forgetting the budget.
Calling out relevant trade for quotes (I have a list of people that I trust and am happy to work with)
When the design schemes are ready, we can call the different trade people to give us quotes. I have a team of trusted people I am used to work with and who will meet the high standards I expect for all of my projects. I am happy to ask two or three quotes to make sure the client will get the best quote and the best people.
Updating budget
With the selected quotes, it is now possible to refine the budget. This is an important phase for the client to exactly know what is happening and at what cost.
Third meeting with client
With the refines budget and all the sample boards and specification, we meet the client again to check everything is according to the client’s expectation. We can now organise how the work is going to happen. We can book the different trade people in the relevant order (for example and as you already understood, the electrics have to go first!)
Ordering
The planning phase is now finished. You can see that interior design is really about planning ahead every little detail. We order the different items needed for the project, may it be fabrics, wall paper, paint, carpets, rugs…
I order the items for the client (with a trade discount) and send the invoices directly to the client to pay. The process is as transparent as can be; the client gets all the discounts.
When clients are very busy and would rather pay all the invoices in once, we set up a specific bank account where the project money is transferred and from where all the project invoices will be paid. This is a worry free process that can be checked by the client at any time.
Schedule of work and project co-ordination
After the schedule of work has been established, it can be put into action. The different trade are coming to do their job at a specific time. I co-ordinate the project and make sure everything is done according to the plan.
I am always available to go on site to answer questions and make sure that the work is done according to our high standards.
I take all the stress away from the client who just has to wait until it is all finished as I will resolve any arising problem. I always remember in one of my first project installing a new kitchen, being called by the plumber who was needed before the carpenter could do his job (the plumber was the equivalent of the first domino, if it fell, all the following ones would fall as well). On site the plumber told me (he was supposed to start his work two days later) that he couldn’t make it before another 3-4 weeks…. What a disaster! I couldn’t hold the whole project for an extra 4 weeks as my client was waiting to go back into her house). So I had to find a new good plumber in one day… the client wasn’t aware of this and my new plumber arrived on time and did a great job!
Installation
When the electrics (second fix), flooring, decorating and other work are finished, it is time to go to the penultimate stage, the installation. In here I include the curtains fitting. Curtains have to be fitted at the end when there is no more risk of damaging them in any way. And furniture is brought in and installed at their determined position. The different accessories also come into place.
Snagging
This is the last stage of a project, checking that everything is at the exact place, that everything is perfect (that no wall has been scratched during the installation of the furniture etc.). This is a detail phase where every square cm of the property is scrutinized before we can call the client in.
I hope this helps you to understand the design process and how it is to work with an interior designer, and more specifically Emmanuelle Lemoine Interiors. Our aim is to create beautiful interiors for people to enjoy their life in style in a painless process. In another word, we want happy clients only!
Emmanuelle Lemoine
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