It's time. You and your family have been dreaming in that "someday" renovation land long enough, your wish list and folder full of inspiration pictures is full, and you're ready to get this show on the road! The first step is to assemble your team. In fact we always say the earlier you bring an interior designer on board, the better. We aren't just the creative guides, we wear a surprising amount of hats along the way as we help bring your project from blueprints to move-in day. But what does it really look like to work with a designer?
*An important note before we get started- While we're going to cover the overview of a typical design process, no two projects are alike. A new construction will require different steps than a single or multi-room renovation. Here at Wilhouse Designs, we tailor our approach to match the unique variables of your project.
Getting to Know You
The Design Phase
When you reach out about our design services, we begin with the Inquiry Form. These few pages cover the basics like your project scope, desired timeline, and budget. From there, we set-up a phone consult to chat further about your project and schedule an initial design meeting. While the questions on that inquiry form are enough to get the ball rolling, the preliminary design phase from that point on will be an adventure into the finer details about not only your project dreams, but your lifestyle as a whole. Our ultimate goal is not merely to turn over an Instagram-worthy room in the end, but to create a thoughtful and truly intuitive home for you and your family. We are as concerned with the function as we are the aesthetics. To achieve this, we roll up our sleeves and dive into the details beyond your style preferences. As we're taking measurements and photos during the first meeting, we'll also gather insights ranging from common activities, to special events and entertaining needs. Are there considerations for kid or pet-friendly finishes? Are there creative solutions that might improve your organizational flow for daily living? We love fitting those puzzle pieces together to design a concept personalized to your needs!
We like to say that once we've gathered the facts, the magic can begin! The design phase should be a fun, exciting, and collaborative process for you, so we encourage you to stay in touch! Send us any inspiration photos you've gathered, and we'll continue to follow-up with questions. For example, when you embark on a kitchen project with us, we'll explore everything from appliance needs, all the way to how many pots, lids, ladles, and measuring cups you have as we create a proper storage strategy! With all the puzzle pieces beginning to come together, we set to work drafting in AutoCad, researching materials, gathering samples, and creating a comprehensive design concept. The list of decisions we assist with includes:
Space Planning
Blueprint Review (new construction)
Construction Plans (renovations)
Furniture Layout
Reflected Ceiling Plans/ Lighting Plans
Outlet & Switch Locations
Exterior Selections
Interior Selections
Furnishings
Once we've taken the time to mine the specifics and begin building a tailored plan for your project, we invite you to the studio for a Design Intent Meeting. This is your first look at what we often call the "bird's eye view" of your new space- choices aren't set it stone, so you'll see an overview of the proposed plan and an opportunity to select between certain options. We present our concept through the use of drawings, Vibe Trays full of samples you can see and feel in person, and mood board sheets we've dubbed Design Intents. These presentation meetings are some of our favorite moments with our clients; we love seeing those first reactions to your dreams becoming a reality, and we relish the chance to collaborate with you and hone your design before we move on to the Design Implementation phase!
Getting the Show on the Road
The Implementation Phase
Now, as we mentioned, the design phase timeline differs from project to project. Building an entire home will often involve more legwork and follow-up intent meetings than a smaller renovation. However, once your design concept is finalized, it's time to put those plans into action! During this Implementation Phase, we'll continue to wear the designer hat as needed, but we also add a new set of roles to help bring your plan to fruition.
First, we act as the liaisons between you and the other members of your construction team. Not only do we provide the necessary specification documents, from detailed cabinet drawings, to paint and finish schedules, but we're always on hand to answer questions as they arise in the field. Periodic jobsite visits during key phases of the build-out help to ensure potential mistakes are being caught and remedied early. This can hopefully save time and cost down the road. Coordinating with an electrician on the exact hanging height for your new chandeliers, and double checking the hardwood floor stain samples for the contractor is all in a days' work during a site visit. We value this important role we serve for you. When you hire Wilhouse Designs, you've hired a professional team with over 16 years of experience in the field who truly has your back.
We also act as your scheduling guide. Projects come with a plethora of choices to be made, and often the timing is a crucial part of the puzzle. We follow the steps in the correct order to ensure all the materials and selections are on hand and ready for your contractor. Practical examples include our recommendation to always order your appliances first; long industry lead times could have your project delayed over a fridge or stove if you don't prioritize this line item. In that same vein, we partner with vendors and your contractor to get an idea on ship dates and estimated hours of work to map out a renovation. We try to avoid starting a demo until we know they're ready to also reassemble the space completely, in an effort to minimize the time you're displaced. We know that the construction phase of a project, especially a renovation, has the potential to be an uncertain and stressful time, and we look for ways to ease this aspect as much as possible.
Finally, we aid in locating specific materials, with some of our appointments together being adventures to appliance stores, plumbing showrooms, and counter slab showrooms to ensure you're pleased with final items. We have a trusted network of suppliers and showrooms in the area to meet all your project needs. We also pride ourselves on our level of resourcefulness to locate sources (and answers) that might be "outside the box" when needed. Wilhouse Designs proudly offers several lines of lighting, fine furnishings (both upholstery and casegoods), fabrics, wallcoverings, art, and accessories. We often make trips to Market in Atlanta and High Point to intentionally source unique, quality pieces and product lines for our clients. This means you have the ability to purchase your furnishings directly through our studio. We take special care to oversee every step of the process from order to shipment, providing quality checks upon arrival in our warehouse and storage until your home is complete. But most importantly, this offers a true turn-key approach when we deliver to your home on move-in day. We know these items are future "heirloom pieces" in your new home, and we take pride in the careful unpacking, staging, and styling of each item. Afterall, this is the finish line of your project, and we're thrilled to help you cross it!
Exceptional Hospitality With a Turn- Key Approach
Our studio was built on the belief that everyone deserves to be inspired by the spaces in which they live; we want to create a home that reflects you and truly says something about who you are. We're passionate about what we do, and we respect how deeply personal a home project is for our clients. We are always honored when someone chooses us to help make their remodel or building dreams come true. Whatever stage of the process you're in with us, it is our express hope you're not only feeling heard, unrushed, and truly valued, but that you're having fun along the way. We want you to enjoy the design journey as much as the final destination.
If you're ready to start the inquiry process, click here to fill out our contact form.
So this is your sign ( to hire us ! )
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