Our Interior Design Process

We get a lot of questions about our design process and how it works, and today’s blog post I want to focus exactly on that. 

Whether you need a full home renovation design, or just looking for an upgrade, you’ll know how we work and what to expect. Our system works whether you’re on the island or making your way here. When you choose to hire us, you’ll know you have a team who has your back, your vision and can make it all happen. 

From identifying your favorite interior design style to installing the pieces that make it your dream home, we like to keep our clients informed every step of the way. Knowing what to expect from us can help prepare you for your big home transformation. Here are the six steps to our interior design process, and we look forward to taking each step with you and your new project!

Discovery

If you’re thinking about enjoying interior design services in Hawaii, then the very first step is our discovery call. During this call, we discuss the project scope, your initial ideas, what kind of design solutions you're looking for and specific style ideas, so that I can get a good sense of your priorities and expectations for the project. 

Other than understanding what you hope to achieve design-wise, the discovery call allows me to discuss initial estimates so we can establish a scope of work and budget for your project. I will present a flat rate design fee which will cover all of my time from the concept through the design phase. 

If you happen to be someone who doesn’t live in Hawaii, our direct line of communication and zoom meetings are an important tool to make sure we are on the same page.

The discovery call is a good time to make sure our personalities are also a good fit. That we have a similar aesthetic, and all our ducks are in a row to move forward. Once we have established the scope of work and design fee, I will send over a contract.

Concept

 Once the contract is signed and the design fee is paid, we get to work. Our next meeting involves gathering measurements of your home so we can get a set floor plan. I also bring along any trade vendors we might need for renovations or upgrades. 

In the meantime, we ask our clients to fill out an interior design questionnaire and to start using pinterest to pin their design inspiration. Pinterest is always a great tool for this step as it helps us to see an overall vision of what you’re hoping to achieve. We use your inspiration images as a starting to point. From there, we elevate the design and take it a step further. 

At this point, we start selecting the furniture, finishes, and finalize floor plans to help you visualize your design. We present this concept and upon approval, we move to the next phase.

Design

 This is the fun part! We set a meeting and we present all the pieces at once -- from the sofa, to the rug, to the artwork on the wall, you will get to see how the entire design comes together. 

After you’ve seen the different selections, the ball is in your court to commit to moving forward with making your dream home a reality. Every client receives access to their own profile, on our client portal, which provides a straightforward list documenting every single piece to be used in the final design - the finish, dimensions, price etc. So, you’ll know exactly where your dollars are going.

At this point in the process, clients can approve all (or even just some) of the selections that were presented to them.

Purchasing

With your approval, we work with our trusted trade-only partners to order the pieces for your home. This gives us an advantage in sourcing one-of-a-kind, quality products, and dealing with all the ups and downs of getting anything to an island in the middle of the pacific.

This is the hardest part of the entire process as it’s a long, waiting game. With COVID delays, manufacturers are struggling to keep up with the demand and that means it could be 3-6 months before your project is finished. But, we keep you updated along the way with your pieces and install as much as we can, when we can. Which brings us to the next phase - Installation!

Installation

 Once every piece makes it over the ocean, they get delivered to our warehouse in Kaka'ako . We inspect every single item to make sure it’s correct and there are no damages. If there are damages, we handle them right away and present as many options as possible. Once 80 percent of your items have arrived, we will schedule an install date and provide a white-glove delivery service. We will install everything exactly how it should be. We love a good reveal, so we always recommend the client leaving for the day and then returning to a completed space -- it’s the best!

Final Check

Of course, every project, has a few stragglers. We will walk through the install with you and make sure everything is just right. We will make note of any adjustments and make a plan to address them in a timely manner.

Once everything is completed, we will wrap up the project and be on our way, until the next one :).