Our Design Process
Hold the Vision, Trust the Process
Hi and welcome!
Thank you for taking a moment to learn about our process and what it’s like to work with Emily Lauren Interiors. ELI offers full-service interior design taking your project from concept to completion. We work on full-scale renovations and new builds for residential and commercial spaces, as well as kitchen and bathroom remodels, and finish out spaces with furnishings and accessories. Curious about how we make this happen? Let’s dig in!
On-Site Consultation
Whether you found us on Instagram or wrote us through our inquiry form, we’re always eager to learn more about you and your project. We will first schedule a 15-minute call to learn more about the services you are interested in and answer any questions you may have. After our call, we’ll send a design questionnaire so we can learn more about your lifestyle, design aesthetic, and goals. Next, we will schedule a complimentary consultation to walk your space together and discuss specifics. We will go over what you can expect while working with ELI throughout the duration of your project. To begin the design process, we will send a detailed proposal and our contract so you have a clear understanding of the next steps and estimated design fees. Once those are signed, the fun begins!
PHASE I: RESEARCH & DISCOVERY
Research and discovery, also referred to as programming, is the most important phase as it sets your project up for success! Before we get into ideas or drawings, we need to understand your goals, needs, and any restrictions your space may have. There may also be additional questionnaires or interviews to help us learn more about your vision and lifestyle. If there is not an architect involved with your project, a member of our team will come by your space to take measurements of the existing property. We will create drawings of your existing space called “as-built drawings.” We use these as the foundation of all remodels and renovations, and they will be included in your construction documents for permitting. The R&D phase is also when we set up your project schedule and budget.
PHASE II: Schematic Design
Now that we’ve gotten to know each other and understand the goals and space requirements, we can begin space planning! Depending on the scope of your project, this part can take up to 4-6 weeks. For a furniture project, this phase may be furniture and lighting plans. For renovations, remodels, and new builds, it will include proposed floor plans, reflected ceiling (electrical) plans, and any drawings necessary for permitting. If you haven’t already signed on with a builder, now is a great time to build your team of professionals. If you’re unsure about where to start, don’t worry! We have lots of recommendations for talented folks we love to work with! While you’re securing your builder, over here at ELI we’re jumping into the exciting part of schematics called Creative Direction! Based on your lifestyle, preferences, and goals, we create a document full of inspiration, proposed ideas, color palettes, and material palettes for your new space. We will meet to go over these documents and make any edits necessary before moving forward to the next phase. Once you have fallen in love with your plans and creative direction, we move into Design Development!
PHASE III: Design Development
This is the longest and most intensive phase of the design process. At this point, you have signed on with a builder you trust and submitted for permits. ELI will begin sourcing materials based on the creative direction and budget. This will include everything from hard finishes such as paint colors, flooring, hardware, windows, and doors, to more specific finishes such as tile, countertops, trim details, and plumbing and lighting fixtures. We will also create detailed drawings of your cabinetry and millwork for your carpenter. There will be multiple meetings where you will be able to see and touch samples of your materials, visualize your space through 3D renderings, and work together to fine-tune the design so we get it just right!
Once everything is agreed upon, we create detailed elevations and construction documents. Construction documents are the most important documents we will have throughout the entire project. They will be used for permitting and work as a contract between you, the designer (that’s us!), the architect, and the builder. ELI will work closely with your builder so we can bring your design from concept to reality!
PHASE IV: CONSTRUCTION
Your design is now complete and we are beginning construction! At this point, your materials are selected and your builder will use our drawings and specification documents to order the materials. ELI will continue to manage the design portion of your project which will include on-site visits during installations (flooring, tiling, lighting, painting, trim, doors, knobs, windows, etc.) and will check in to make sure your project is running smoothly and answer any questions the builder may have. We will monitor your budget and keep you on schedule. Depending on the scale of the project, this phase can last anywhere from a few months to over a year. Once construction is near complete, we will come together for a walkthrough to create a punch list of any items you may want to adjust before move-in. When the final details are in place, we will schedule a photographer to capture your new space. At that point, we will leave you to move in and enjoy!
PHASE V: Closing
Once the project is complete, we will check in with you after a few months to make sure everything is working well and you’re enjoying your new space! We will send an end-of-project survey and gather any testimonials you may wish to share. We welcome constructive feedback and are always looking for ways to improve our process and business.
And there you have it! We understand undergoing a renovation can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, and that’s why we’re here to help. Our goal is to be a trusting partner so you can relax and enjoy the process, stress-free. If you’re in need of design services and project management, we’d love to hear from you!
Tell us About Your Project!