Lindsay Collis Design

Process

Design Consultation

The design consultation is the first step in the custom home, decorating or renovation process. During this first meeting we will discuss the scope of your project, your goals, timeline and budget. We will ask you questions regarding your personal tastes, your lifestyle and how you intend to use the space.

Budget

It is best to work out your finances and set an overall budget before you begin any custom home, decorating or renovation project. If you are unsure about what things might cost or what types of expenses you might incur, we can work together to determine your needs and set a realistic budget. The budget should allow for a minimum 10%-15% contingency for variances in budget costs and for situations that may arise during construction that cannot be reasonably foreseen.

Quotes & Estimates

Shortly after the initial design consultation, we will arrange for our team of contractors and trades people to conduct onsite measurements and have them provide an estimate to do the required work. Once we have received the necessary written estimates, we will schedule a budget meeting to discuss the overall proposed renovation costs for the project. This is often referred to as “renovation budget”.

Developing the Design Scheme

The next step is to create the unique design scheme for the overall project that reflects your individual tastes and lifestyle. We take the information learned from you and source all of the finishes including, but not limited to, tile, flooring, fabrics, hardware and fixtures; countertops, mouldings and other architectural details, furniture and lighting. We choose the paint colours, wall coverings and accessories. We take pride in our attention to detail and you can be assured that we have considered all of the details in sourcing these materials.

Once we have developed the design scheme we will arrange a presentation meeting, and will provide you with a detailed materials budget and an estimated décor allowance. It is imperative that all decision makers be at this meeting. We will go through the design scheme in detail and we will present samples and an Inspiration Board. Our goal is that by the end of this meeting you will have a design scheme that meets your approval.

Length of Project

This is a common question asked by many of our clients and unfortunately there is no clear-cut answer. Many larger-scale projects can take several months from conception to the final implementation and completed design stage. It really varies depending on the scope of the project. Not every aspect of a larger-scale project can be decided at the beginning and decisions may be required throughout the progression of the project.

Contracts

Once the proposed budget has been set and approved and the design scheme has been presented and approved, all necessary documentation, agreements and contracts will be executed by all parties prior to the commencement of the project.

Contact Person Assigned

If there is more than one decision-maker in the household, you will need to assign a contact person who will have the authority on behalf of both parties to make decisions and sign off on any change orders. This is the person with whom we will have direct contact and who will provide us with instructions during the course of the project.

Scheduling

Once the design scheme has been approved and all materials and supplies have been ordered, you will receive a schedule showing the timelines for your project.

Project Management Services

We stay on top of every aspect and detail of your project to ensure it runs smoothly, on time and on budget. We handle everything from ordering, purchasing, delivery and scheduling of work. We oversee the progress of the work to ensure top-quality workmanship and act as your liaison so you never have to worry or schedule time off work. We will discuss any issues with the contractor/trades that may arise during the course of the renovation and ensure that any concerns or issues are promptly and properly communicated to you.

During the construction phase, it is not unusual that unforeseen issues may arise. All issues will be brought to your attention before additional work or expenses are incurred. If there is any additional work or expenses required, these items will be handled in conjunction with the original project but will be budgeted and invoiced separately as an addendum to the original agreement. This also relates to any additional work (“while we’re at it we might as well …”) requested by you. Any add-ons or changes, including any deletions, to the scope of work will be documented through “change orders” and signed off on by yourselves and the general contractor prior to the additional work being commenced.

The Styling Process

This is where everything comes together and the vision becomes a reality. This is the “WOW” factor that elevates the renovated space to designed space spectacular!

We try our best to arrange a “styling” day so everything from the draperies to the furniture being delivered, to the rugs laid and the artwork hung happens all in one day. We will purchase items (décor allowance) and accessories that you will have the option of purchasing or returning. You will be given a price list to help you decide what you want to keep or what you would like returned. (All items must be decided on within 2-3 days after the styling day.)

Our Fees

Design and project management fees are calculated separately from the budget. Please contact us directly to discuss our fees.

Note: This outline is used as a reference guide for all types of décor, design and construction projects. Therefore, certain sections of this outline may not apply to your particular project.