INTERIOR DESIGN

HOW DOES IT WORK

When to Start

Interior design should begin after the architecture and room layouts have been finalized. As the diagram above shows, the priority should be obtaining a building permit first. Typically, the city or county doesn’t require details on specific colors, finishes, or special interior features at this stage. This allows you to focus on the overall structure initially.

You are welcome to start gathering ideas and inspiration at any time but the real interior design work begins later in the process.

Key Considerations

  • If you want your builder to commit to a fixed price for specific finishes, then it is crucial to provide a clear and detailed design package in advance. This helps the builder accurately estimate costs and avoid surprises later. Developing such a package takes time and often requires premium interior design services, which you can hire through us or a separate interior designer.

  • Builders typically offer allowances for fixtures and finishes. This is because homeowners tend to make these selections later and may change their minds several times throughout the process. Allowances offer flexibility for both you and the builder, ensuring a fair approach as the project progresses. Allowances should be realistic. Be careful that a builder’s allowances are not artificially low; this can come back to haunt you in the form of expensive change orders.

  • Photo Credit: Jenn Verrier
  • Photo Credit: Urban Capitol Photography

INTERIOR DESIGN

THESE SERVICES ARE INCLUDED IN OUR WORK:

  • Layout of all spaces, doors, walls, and windows

  • Layout of bathrooms and kitchens, including fixture and rough appliance dimensions

  • Documentation of generic finishes and their location (e.g., "tile," "exposed brick," "hardwood")

  • Sizes and styles for standard interior trim, windows, and doors

  • Interior elevations for regulatory or coordination purposes only

  • Reflected ceiling plans showing basic lighting as well as location for outlets and switches.

CLIENT'S RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Selection of cabinets, vanities, interior finishes, appliances, plumbing, and electrical fixtures

  • Collaboration with a distributor’s free design service or hiring an interior designer

  • Option to upgrade to Premium Interior Design Services

REMARKS:

  • Selecting fixtures and finishes is a highly personal process and may involve multiple store visits.

  • For non-custom or standard designs, companies like Floor & Decor, Porcelanosa, Ferguson’s, or other kitchen and bath distributors offer free design services as part of their product pricing.

PREMIUM INTERIOR DESIGN

AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST (CASE-BY-CASE BASIS):

  • Selection of cabinets, vanities, interior finishes, appliances, plumbing, and electrical fixtures. Full support in choosing all necessary elements with expert recommendations.

  • Interior perspective views and elevations. Visual renderings of key spaces to ensure design clarity.

  • Design, dimensions, and details for custom trim.

  • Cabinets and built-ins. Design and detailed drawings for custom cabinetry and other built-in structures. This may include custom housings or coves for curtains or lighting.

  • Lighting design and custom ceilings. Bespoke lighting solutions and creative ceiling designs to enhance your space.

  • Low voltage design including AV / Data / Telecomm and/or Security. We can provide some assistance or work with your consultant, including Smart Home consultants.

DECORATION SERVICES:

  • We rarely get involved in decoration services, such as: drapery, curtains, tapestries, furniture, art, wallpaper, and similar elements.

  • We can provide opinions and our trained eye however we generally recommend that homeowners handle decorative elements themselves or hire a dedicated decorator when aiming for a more personalized touch.