THE DESIGN PROCESS


Our exclusive (Web Based) Project Management Service!

Before we get into HOW we approach each phase of your project, as noted below, please take a look at our impressive (SS-SVC) web based project management service, which is all about YOU and covers every detail of your project! In one central location, your project will be separated into categories for focused efficiency, it will handle all of our communications, store uploaded files, documents, and images, create a To Do list, and set a schedule for what needs to be done when, and by whom. It's all there. We are organized, professional, and we take your project seriously. Follow the link to view a sample of Mr. & Mrs. Happy Clients' project, and SIGN IN AS FOLLOWS:

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Mr. & Mrs. Happy Client Project - a brief visit to their project's home base

Phase One-Needs Analysis

As a new client of ours, we begin the process by meeting to discuss how you live now, and how you wish to live, in your proposed space. Inefficient work habits are revealed, new ideas and solutions are proposed, and your detailed wish list is documented. Go ahead - tell us your idiosyncracies, your must-haves, your dreams for your space! We use our exclusive (SS-SVC) 15 page survey form(s) to gather all the details of how your kitchen (or bath) is used. Or, for other rooms, we will take time to fully understand how your cabinetry needs to function, work into the architecture of your room, serve a family's needs. This is the foundation for our design work. It must be comprehensive. At this time, we will take measurements for the first of three to four separate times. As a result, your cabinetry fits like a glove. Digital photos will also be taken of your space.

Phase Two-Initial Floor Plans

With a complete picture encompassing 1) your documented needs list 2) dimensions in hand, and 3) digital photos archived, we will now begin to design your space. (SS-SVC) Typically, approximately 4-8 (or more) truly original, creative, design solutions will be prepared. Not just one solution, chosen by us, for you. We do not presume to know what is "best" for you and present you with one plan. And, there are certainly more design solutions for your space than just one, or even two. You know best how you want to move within, and function, in your space, once you see the possibilities. You will be surprised at the number of design solutions we will prepare for your space. We will offer guidance where necessary and discuss pros and cons of one plan to another. The number and quality of our plans designed for our clients is our most valuable, important, AND exclusive service.

When we design a kitchen, traffic flow rules. Cabinetry placement is a distant second to traffic flow. Designing appropriate traffic flow considers the openings in the room, a family's lifestyle, the number of people typically in the home as well as the flow for cooking, entertaining, your critical dining area needs and other activities which take place in the kitchen. We cannot overestimate designing in this "negative space" from the start. We raise this awareness early on with our clients to understand their personal sense of space and what works for them. Traffic flow is not an after thought with us, it comes first, in a big way.

It is this multiple design solution service that our firm is most known for and to which we devote the most time. We will spread the plans out on a table, view the shapes and forms on the pages, carefully consider the ideas of each, perhaps combining ideas, and we will eventually choose the single solution which is perfect for your lifestyle. To be able to compare one design solution with others, at one time, allows you to choose your favorite plan with total confidence.

Phase Three-Decorative Detailing

After the plan is chosen, elevations will be drawn, more choices will be provided in terms of your vertical space, and we will begin to consider decorative detailing. Interior cabinet options, exterior molding details and ornamentation, including color and texture, will define the next several meetings. Each layer of detailing enhances the previous layer and sets the tone for what is to come. At this time we will also review your decorative plans for the surrounding rooms, or to review what is already existing, to create a decorative "flow" that makes sense. Your space will ultimately be fine tuned to incorporate every last detail.

Phase Four-Formal Review and Cost

At this time, we will present to you the cost of your cabinetry, including other materials, and review all that is included in the cost. (SS-SVC) Exclusive to us, we will also have a list prepared of items which we consider to be the"fat" in the plan...items whose cost may surprise you. We take the (significant) time to review your plans once again, prior to this meeting, in an effort to make our clients aware of where they are placing their resources. We will have cost substitutions at the ready so that you may make intelligent comparisons of cost vs. value. We strongly believe our clients are happiest when they have control over the cost of their materials. We work hard via an extensive plan review and patient product research to provide cost options for you where appropriate. Following this meeting, a deposit is placed on the order, you receive your complete set of working drawings, our purchase agreement, and a separate, highly detailed listing of cabinetry specifications, and the order is immediately submitted to the factory.

At the appropriate time, we will produce a comprenhensive separate electrical/mechanical plan, should you need one. This plan encompasses locations and precise dimensioning for lighting, switching, appliance locations and notes on same. We also provide a complete package of specs for all appliances and are available to meet with your contractor, electrician, plumber or HVAC tradesperson to discuss this critical part of your renovation.

For more specific questions answered, please see: Frequently Asked Questions