Many times when I first start speaking with clients, they don’t exactly understand the design process, how I work, or what they really get for their money. I really like to educate my clients on what they are investing into their spaces as well as me. What a designer can bring to the table can be invaluable for clients. We not only provide a beautiful and functional room in the end but also eliminate stress and mistakes that homeowners designing their own spaces many times go through. We guide you through the endless amounts of furnishings and accessories available nowadays and find the right pieces for you. We do much more than pair pretty things together, we manage your project from start to finish.
Now every designer is going to have their own design process and ways of managing their projects but I thought it would be fun to share with you how I work.
Initial meeting with the client:: After a client knows for sure that they want to hire me, I meet with them in their home, measure, take photographs and develop a scope of work. I am also interviewing them and am really trying to get a feel for what they want out of their space.
Design Concept:: After I’ve gathered all the necessary information, I get to work on their design. I normally gather items and use Pinterest to bookmark the image and website of the possible item. You can see the Pinterest board that goes along with the below mood boards { HERE }. I usually over gather items and then widdle down. I then present what my favorites are for the space. The great thing about having the extras is that if a client doesn’t like one of the choices, I already have backups that I can pull up quickly as alternatives. I create mood boards with the final items and have my drafter do the space-planning in CAD with those specifications.
Here is an example of a mood board and its floor plan to go along with it. The mood board isn’t always going to be the exact outcome of the room but is more so of a general design idea to present to my client so they can understand the overall concept and get my vision.
Design Presentation:: It’s now time to present the design concept to my client. I provide a binder to each client with all of their mood boards, floor-plans, spec sheets for each item and a budget. This binder is for my clients to keep which is great for them to take a long to check out any items in person and it also creates a record of their room. Along with the binder, I bring along loose samples to show colors in person. This can include fabric, paints, rugs, leathers, window treatments etc. After the presentation, we either make changes right then and there or I let the design resinate before they make final decisions. Every client is different so I like to allow them the time they need to feel comfortable in making decisions. If changes need to be made, then we go over them. Below is an example of some changes that were made after the original presentation. The chairs and coffee tables were swapped for other items due to both taste and budget.
Design Procurement:: After decisions have been made on all of the larger items, we get to ordering. While waiting for furnishings to arrive, I get to work on finalizing the smaller details like accessories, art etc. I shop and collect tons of goodies to complete the room and really set off the design. This is also when any painting, or installation of lighting would be done.
Design Install:: On the day of install, all furniture is placed, art hung and accessories styled. It can take a good portion of the day to complete one room many times.
So that’s it…I gave you the condensed version. There are actually what feels like 5 million additional steps in this process but many are for me to worry about while my clients sit back and dream about their beautiful new room. And as you can see, I do not sit around eating bon bons all day as my husband likes to tease me that I do!
Jennifer Bishop Design offers both Full Design and Design By the Hour. We also specialize in paint and color consultations as well as custom draperies. We offer a variety of designer fabrics. If you are ready to make a transformation in your home we’d love to help! Please contact us with further questions. 925.858.1882 or info@jenniferbishopdesign.com