how we work
The Method to the Madness
Starting the design process can sometimes be a daunting task, but it needn’t be. Here’s how we do it.
Our philosophy is one of individuality. Although I have been a designer long enough to stop counting, no two of our projects look alike. Each is a combination of its location, architecture and the client’s design aesthetic, lifestyle and fantasies.
We start with an intake to understand what the client brings to the project in terms of likes and dislikes. This can be enhanced by any and all types of decorative inspiration- photos, materials, and so on.
We then, attack the proverbial ‘drawing board’. This is my creative time, where I consider all the client has expressed to me. I come up with the overall look keeping in mind all of these factors and my experience, knowing what works and what doesn’t, what is practical and what is not.
In putting together these ingredients I am creating an environment, a concept, for the overall space and then break it down to individual rooms. It starts with the floor plans and is enhanced with perspective drawings, with the idea that a floor plan/space-planning alone cannot express the look, nor the specifics and nuances I would like to convey to the client, especially when they are original and unusual. This visual sharing is most important, as envisioning a new concept can be challenging.
Then comes the design presentation, an exciting moment, when so many aspects of the project come together. The presentation meeting is when I explain the over all concept for the home. It starts with the space planning and floor plan drawings, which we endearingly call “ the packet”. I continue on, working thoroughly, room by room, presenting floor plans and pinpoint the most suitable or desirable from the clients’ needs and point of view. We collaborate, and tweak and draw as we go, all ideas taken into consideration. By the time we have finished, the homeowners will be on the road to having a good sense of what their home will look like.
Next is the “color presentation”. Having just selected the likely floor plans, we present fabrics, papers, carpets and the like that join together to make up a complete room scheme. Floor plan in hand, rooms comes to life, knowing which fabric will go where. In every case, there are multiple choices presented. ( perhaps too many!)
Once the space planning, floor plans, fabrics and colors are selected, we move on to another phase in the design process. Now is the time to select the furnishings we use. We use true vendors and fabricators, we stand behind and cutting edge artists, vintage shops, antique stores, markets, fairs and auctions. I am always on the lookout for the one of a kind-the item that separates your home from the banal.
When any construction has been completed, painting and papering is done, the moment comes for the installation. We strive for a complete installation with all elements delivered, installed, hung and polished within the shortest period of time. I always say the installation is the highlight of our time together. So much time, money and energy has gone into making your home your dreamhouse. Our goal is to make that dream a reality.
And then there’s only one thing left to do- enjoy it.