Hiring an interior designer is more than just asking a quirky stranger to visualise your vision and business requirements.
When you embark on a journey with a designer, you are gaining a support system and cheerleading team who will back you up until the work is done.
Here is the blueprint of how the design process is carried out at Studio SFE .
STAGE 1
DISCOVERY
At this design stage we usually have a :
complimentary discovery video call/ in-person meeting
briefing session
During the discovery stage we will discuss the brief and the overall vision for the space. This gives us the opportunity to gather all the necessary information needed to start the design work. Our process is always very collaborative so we invite our clients to share their vision and give us any other guidance on the desired design.
We also discuss the more technical elements of the project, like budget, timelines and management. It is important that we are all on the same page from day one. We are very keen to meet our clients expectations and give a realistic and practical service.
Once we have had a good chat with you and the wider team, we will issue the design fee proposal and a rough idea of the project timeline, which will give you an indication of the major milestones of the project.
STAGE 2
CONCEPT DESIGN
Concept design stage is where we pull together all of the information that has been shared during the discovery phase and start working on the structure of the design proposal. Words and ideas become lines on the paper which are complimented by look & feel boards.
Concept design entails:
proposed floor plan
look and feel boards - a collection of inspiration images to paint the vision
The client is always encouraged to share their feedback, thoughts and comments during this time. Concept design is our interpretation of your brief and the vision we have set for this project, and is always approved by the client. A healthy discussion and few rounds of revisions is expected during this time.
STAGE 3
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Next step in our design process is 3D model building and creating sketch style or photorealistic visuals. At the end of this stage you will be able to see the proposed layouts come to life in 3D and suggest any further revisions if necessary.
A CGI video walkthrough can also be created to further reflect the proposed design.
We are also able to 'walk around' the proposed space (3D model) in real time during the design presentation and our meetings. This is a really great opportunity to explore the proposed designs and share any comments or thoughts in real time. The collaborative approach is always embraced and encouraged.
Around this stage of the design process we are usually able to give you a ballpark figure of the total cost of the refurbishment. Most fees are still high level estimates, but this gives us a good indication whether we are within the limits of your overall budget.
STAGE 4
DESIGN DETAIL
Once the proposed designs are approved and 'frozen' we will be able to move on to design detail phase where we focus on the detail and specification of the proposed design. This is also the time when we liaise with suppliers and contractors to fine tune their quotes and work on finalising the main project cost plan.
A combination of drawings and specification sheets will include all the necessary information that will be required by the contractors to carry out the install on site.
It is essential that at least 90% of the design decisions have been made at this point. Any other design revisions will delay the end deadline and occur additional design fees. We are always flexible and work with our client’s needs, but ‘design freeze’ is what enables us to move on as swiftly as anticipated.
STAGE 5
PROCUREMENT AND INSTALLATION
There are various ways how we can work together during these stages as we understand that each project has a unique set-up and priorities.
We can work as advisors and fully support you during each step of the procurement and install stage, but we can also serve as an on-call consultant that is able to jump on a call and advise as necessary.
Let’s discuss in person how you would prefer to proceed with this part of the project to ensure the best outcome possible!
Inquire below if you have any questions regarding our design process and services
Q&A
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We specialize in designing commercial spaces such as restaurants, offices, cafes, hotels, aesthetic salons and many other public environments.
With each project, we bring a tailored approach to meet the specific needs of client’s business.
In the past, we’ve worked on projects of various scales, from boutique shops to larger corporate offices, always focused on creating spaces that not only that not only give a sense of belonging and comfort, but also inject an element of surprise and wonder in our daily lives.
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We have a portfolio showcasing completed projects across different sectors, including hospitality and workplace environments.
Feel free to explore our portfolio section to see how we’ve helped other businesses transform their spaces into functional, aesthetically pleasing environments.
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Our design process is collaborative and structured into clear phases.
It begins with a complimentary initial consultation to understand your vision and needs.
From there, we develop design concepts, work on space planning, and manage the project through to completion.
Take a look through our design process blueprint and get in touch if you have any further questions!
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Budget management is one of our top priorities during the design process.
Once we have a clear understanding of your overall budget, we will provide cost estimates and work with you to make the most out of your budget.
We are always transparent about costs throughout the project and it is essential for us to ensure that we stay on track financially without compromising on quality.
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Our design fees are tailored to the specific needs and scale of each project.
Typically, we offer flat-rate pricing for straightforward designs or ongoing rolling fees for more complex projects.
During our initial consultation, I’ll explain the fee structure that best fits your project.
Our design fee proposal is issued alongside the contract after our discovery meeting.
If you are happy with the proposal, we can sign the contract and our team will be able to begin the design work accordingly.
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We carefully curate all materials, furniture, and finishes to align with the design vision, functionality, and budget of the project.
We follow these guidelines from day one of the design process.
We work with trusted vendors and suppliers to source high-quality items, and we also aim to prioritize sustainability and durability, especially for high-traffic commercial spaces.
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Timelines can vary depending on the complexity and size of the project, but for a typical commercial project, you can expect the design process to take anywhere from 4 to 16 weeks.
We will provide a detailed timeline during our planning phase and ensure regular updates throughout the project.
It is essential that we keep a clear communication and set realistic expectations for both parties involved.
We can only be as efficient as responsive is the client.
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The level of involvement is entirely up to you!
Some clients prefer to be hands-on, while others are more comfortable with us taking the lead. There are also projects that have to follow certain protocols and go through a certain approval process dictated by the client’s organisation.
We will always aim to keep you informed and offer guidance throughout the project.
Our team is here to show what’s possible, but it is also crucial to have the client’s input on every stage of the design process.
It has proven time and time again that the more conversations we have throughout the design process, the more successful the outcome is.
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Yes, we have a network of reliable contractors, architects, and suppliers that we frequently collaborate with.
If you already have a team or certain specialists in mind, we are happy to work alongside them.
Otherwise, we can also handle the coordination to ensure seamless communication and execution.
We would discuss this at the very beginning of the project as it is important to manage contractor costs and their timelines.
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Challenges can and most likely will arise in any project, but we are experienced in finding solutions quickly and efficiently.
We strive to practice the everything is figure-out-able attitude in our team.
Whether it’s a supply chain issue or an on-site adjustment, we will keep you informed and work to resolve issues in a way that minimizes impact on the timeline and budget.
We are here to act as the bridging element between you as the client and the finished site on a handover day.
From day one it is in our interest to give the best and smoothest services possible.