Creating a Design Plan Working with Clients

Steps of the Design Process Identify the Project What room is to be decorated Time frame client has in mind Budget limitations

Steps of the Design Process 2. Access Client Characteristics Family’s lifestyle, activities and entertaining style Preferred atmosphere – formal vs. informal

Steps of the Design Process 3. Analyze the environment Size of room, placement of doors and windows Current furnishings and accessories Lighting and safety Traffic flow

Steps of the Design Process 4. Develop a preliminary budget Determine cost of replacing items needed as well as labor and installation costs Add contingency fee – an additional fee to cover unexpected costs – approximately 20% of projected cost

Steps of the Design Process 5. Compile a design resource file Pictures from the client about possible likes and dislikes Photos and designs of previous projects that you feel the client may like

Steps of the Design Process 6. Plan Use of Space Purpose of room, features of room Traffic patterns Clearance space around furniture Draw a floor plan & elevation drawings (what each wall will look like)

Steps of the Design Process 7. Choose a style and color scheme Choose the style of furnishings and accessories from colonial, contemporary to modern Use colors that will support the style and the feel desired in the room

Steps of the Design Process 8. Select backgrounds, furniture, lighting, and accessories Decide on materials, colors, patterns and textures that go with the style of the room Budget may limit one’s choices

Steps of the Design Process 9. Present the design Pictorial drawing – show the viewer several surfaces of the objects in the room at the same time

Rendering – drawing in which the designer adds realistic details such as textures, shadows, and color

Presentation boards – the use of samples and illustrations to help the client visualize the finished project. (size of the samples are in relation to the size of the objects they will be used on) Presentation is in three parts – introduction, discussion of the design and summary

Steps of the Design Process 10. Modify and implement the design Make any changes the client desires Develop a time line, ordering purchases, and scheduling installations Time line is usually tied to the budget limitations Communication with the client is vital in this phase.