WHAT IS FULL SERVICE INTERIOR DESIGN?
Our full-service process allows us to take a project from conception through completion to ensure a consistent aesthetic throughout - down to the last detail. We envision, select, specify, purchase, expedite, and install all product while working in tandem with skilled tradespeople.
Our projects are rooted in three main operational components which are all dependent upon one another: Scope, Financial Estimates, and Project Schedule. The goal in initial conversations is to outline each in general terms, and continue to define and refine as we work methodically through the Design Phases.
DESIGN PHASE: CONCEPTUAL PROGRAMMING
Once CAD plans have been received by LAVA, we can begin our process.
We begin the project by defining the overall function and aesthetic objectives. This is through developing proposed Floorplan Modifications and/or Furniture Plans in tandem with Conceptual Imagery to develop the overall look and feel for each space in broad terms. We’re also gathering all information about the project, including client wants and needs, understanding and assigning key team members, and determining potential possibilities and limitations.
Estimated Duration: 3-6 weeks
Deliverables: Floorplans / Furniture Plans with a corresponding line-item Financial Estimate, and Conceptual Imagery for each space.
DESIGN PHASE: SCHEMATIC DESIGN
Based on the approved Conceptual Programming, LAVA will begin to source product by initially casting a wide net of options. Schemes are developed from the large groups of considered product based on the mix of objects, materials, colors, and the like to create a visual balance and flow in each space. Stock checks, lead-times, and initial net pricing are gathered from each vendor for all product to determine the feasibility of alignment to our Scope, Financial Estimates, and Project Schedule. Reselections are made as needed while tweaking the design scheme for each space before it’s presented to the client. The phasing of the Schematic Design Presentations are individual to each project, and all get one round of revisions to account for comprehensive client feedback.
Estimated Duration: 8-12 weeks
Deliverables: Product Selections for each line-item with a final corresponding Plan and/or Furniture Plan with the selections to-scale.
DESIGN PHASE: PURCHASING AND VE
Once items are verbally approved in Schematic Design, digital Proposals are developed for each item by room to understand the overall net cost of goods combined and compared to our Financial Estimates. A round of Value Engineering (VE) will be necessary to reselect any items that aren’t comfortable to help bring down the overall costs. The client will manually toggle each item they approve on the Proposals through our accounting software IVY, which then prompts us to begin final paperwork with each vendor.
In turn, we then produce Invoices which include real-time vendor net pricing, shipping costs, lead-times, and taxes. Once the Invoices are approved and paid in full by the clients, we process the orders with each vendor.
Estimated Duration: 2-4 weeks
Deliverables: All orders placed with vendors
DESIGN PHASE: MANAGEMENT
Management is overseeing the labor and product that are approved and in action. It can require site visits to check in on Contractors, defining custom details that are in-the-works, approving finish samples and strike-offs, expediting goods to the Receiving Warehouse, red lining drawings, paperwork and logistics to replace items damaged in transit, and general coordination with the GC and vendors.
Estimated Duration: Dependent upon Contractors’ schedules
Deliverables: All construction site work completed, and all goods safely received by the Receiving Warehouse
DESIGN PHASE: INSTALLATION
Installation occurs when any Construction scope has officially wrapped and the site has been cleaned up to prepare for the decorative scope work, including installation of wall coverings, floor coverings, and all furnishings. A Receiving Warehouse is responsible for delivering all decorative goods to site in a singular day where LAVA will oversee the placement of all furnishings. Time is needed to attend to smaller details, like furniture pads on legs, proper bulbs in the decorative fixtures, pillows and their inserts, lampshades, extension cords, and sheets pressed and beds made.
Accessories and Art are highly personal and will be assessed for each project’s needs. The end goal is to document the project with professional photography and turn in our set of keys for the clients to fully enjoy their personalized home.
Estimated Duration: 1-3 weeks
Deliverables: All work completed and all product delivered to site
HOW LONG IS THE PROCESS?
Every project is unique, and we typically see a range of 7-18 months total.
The design portion is about 3-4 months; the management of labor and product will take a minimum of 4 months or longer dependent upon Scope and Contractor Schedules.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
The process will typically take longer and cost more than a client will anticipate, which is why you hire us. We know how to make accurate predictions and manage the many moving parts. Every project presents its own set of challenges, and we’re veterans who will guide you through the emotional ups and downs. These projects are both complex and personal, and we employ our experience to best contain the unexpected.
WHAT IS YOUR FEE STRUCTURE?
Our full service interior design services are Flat Fee that are based on your Scope, Financial Estimates, and Project Schedule, and are billed as monthly payments over the expected project duration. We take time upfront in getting to know you and your project’s needs so we can move freely through the design process and help our clients anticipate costs.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE PURCHASING OF GOODS?
Purchasing is mutually beneficial to us and our clients.
We split our trade discounts with clients which offer up to 30% off retail prices as we work with private trade-only Purchasing Agents whenever possible who buy wholesale in high volume. All purchasing and management of product goes through us and will be approved of and paid in full prior to any orders placed.
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS TO YOU ACCEPT?
Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, Wire Transfer, and Check.
We pass along as much cost savings to our clients by avoiding credit cards and their fees, so we’d rather not markup our Design Fee or Cost of Goods to cover that expense.
HOW DO YOU WORK WITH CONTRACTORS?
We work with any Contractor the owner approves, and readily have a database of trusted and skilled workers accumulated over the last 15+ years that can also be used as a resource. 2-3 bids will be obtained and given to the Client for review and approval prior to the start of any work.
DO YOU PROVIDE REFERENCES?
Of course, and we’re happy to connect you with past clients once you’ve had all your questions answered and are ready to sign a Contract with us. We want to ensure we’re respecting our client’s time and would do the same for you, too. In the meantime, here are some quotes from our happy clients.
“Thanks for finding the SAME ottomans for $1500 less. You certainly know the tricks to the trade...” - Joel
“Everyone was so impressed at my housewarming dinner party and couldn’t believe how you were able to perfectly capture me. Thank you for creating my forever home.” - Rob
“Meg, quick question unrelated to our project. My friend is in San Francisco and is looking for an interior designer. Do you work out there?” - Johanna
“My downstairs neighbor came up to my apartment because she had a leak and could not get over how beautiful it was. She even told 2 people on her floor. You can be sure of a glowing reference!” - Geri
DO YOU HAVE ADVICE ON FINANCING?
A home equity or construction loan might be something to explore with a trusted financial institution. This allows you to complete your project now, while paying for it over time.
CAN I SPEAK WITH MEG ABOUT MOVING FORWARD?
Yes! She’ll need a few things first, including the project address to look up the listing if available online with existing site photos and to get a general understanding of the property, as well as your initial thoughts on the Scope, Financial Estimates, and Project Schedule.
Please also send inspiration images via Pinterest, Houzz, Dropbox, email - any way you can convey your goals both visually and in writing to best prepare for your initial call. The more information you can download to Meg prior, the more efficient and comprehensive the call can be, and the faster the project can be assessed to develop a Proposal tailored to your unique project and its needs. We can’t wait to explore yours with you.