What It's like to work with a Hamptons Interior Designer

One of the most common questions I get asked as a Hamptons Interior Designer is, "How does this all work?" For many, this may be their first time working with an interior design team, and there's a lot that goes into the design and installation process. Now, every design firm is different, but today we thought we'd share a bit about what it's like to work with us. (And if you're still trying to decide who to work with- take a look at our last blog that shows you all the right questions to ask!)

Once you decide that we're the Hamptons Interior Designer for you - here's an idea of what you can expect from the process. Most importantly, the process should be fun and effortless for you as we're here behind the scenes taking care of every last detail so you don't have to.

WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR KICK-OFF MEETING

• 1. Any documents you have related to the project: floor plans, photos, clippings from things you have saved.
  2. A list of what you are looking for in a professional designer - thinking through this in advance helps us better understand your needs and goals.
  3. Links to any of your online resources such as Pinterest - be sure to go ahead and have images saved so we can review them together when we meet. If you like, you can set up a private Pin-Board and invite us in advance. Our Pinterest handle is Kati Curtis Design.
  4. An inventory list and photos of existing furniture or decor you want to use.
  5. Your objective and lifestyle needs.
  6. Time frame in which you would like to work, do you have any major life events you are planning for? A wedding, holidays, parties, etc.
  7. Your completed design questionnaire

DURING THE MEETING

We talk about your vision. All you hope to accomplish, all you need to have, and all the ways you believe this project will impact how you enjoy your home.

The first meeting will give us information on your time frame goals, your style of decision-making, your lifestyle, and your expectations. Filling out our lifestyle questionnaire provides us with great insights into you and your project needs and serves as a jumping-off point for the development of our design.

We will work with you to develop a design program (preferred design styles, requirements for each room, how you live and work in your home, etc.). We will photograph the residence and measure if necessary. Then the next step in the design process is preparing an initial design presentation to show you our conceptual ideas. From there we work with you on narrowing down the final selections, pricing, and implementing the design!

INITIAL SITE VISIT

We’re ready to begin the design phase of your project! We’ll visit your home and continue to brainstorm your goals on site. While we're there we’ll take lots of measurements and photos. We’ll inventory existing furniture too. It’s very important to us as Hamptons interior designers to learn as much as we can about you, your goals, and your vision so we can create a design that is a reflection of you and your family.

SPACE PLANNING & FURNITURE LAYOUT

Form follow function, right? Before we dive into the aesthetics of your home, it’s important to focus on function. We typically create several options for furniture layouts that meet your needs. Existing furniture pieces can often be incorporated into the design, if appropriate. This is an important step in ensuring the space will meet your needs so we take the time you need to get this right.

VISION DEVELOPMENT & CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PRESENTATION

This is where the fun begins. We will create vision boards to convey the way we see your home based on the information and images you have shared with us. After we understand your preferences, we will pay meticulous attention to each and every detail of the design. We are proud to partner with some of the best vendors and manufacturers in the industry. The products incorporated into your design will typically be from our large library of resources to ensure a quality design with aesthetic value.

DESIGN PRESENTATION

This presentation is a visual experience where we will present your custom design in detail. Honest feedback is encouraged and helps us produce a space that reflects the true personality of your family. Budget numbers and initial pricing is reviewed. The design presentation is also emailed to you, allowing you time to review the individual pieces in detail.

DRAWINGS, DETAILS & SPECIFICATIONS

This is the technical part that affords you a seamless design execution! Once we get your approval on the design, our team of skilled Hampton interior designers and drafts-people get to work drawings out every inch of your space, to ensure the design is built to our vision.

PROPOSALS

Simultaneously to the development of the drawing, we are creating proposals for furnishings, rugs, art, accessories, lighting - anything that needs to be purchased for your design! Proposals are presented with detailed specifications and pricing. It’s an investment and one that your family should love!

PAYMENT & ORDERING

Prior to placing any orders, a 100% payment is required. We do our best to check stock and availability prior to your final presentation, but sometimes there are circumstances beyond our control. We will keep you informed throughout the process. If we do encounter back-orders or unexpected delays, we will present options and alternatives for your review. (Please note: if there is a delay from the time the proposal is provided to receiving your payment, it could result in items not being available). As the product is received, we inspect and stage in our secure warehouse until your scheduled installation.

MANAGEMENT & LOGISTICS

We are your trusted partner throughout the entire building and design process. During the course of your project, we will work with contractors to confirm the perfect execution of all the details we have so carefully considered with you. We work with vendors to confirm that all orders are complete and tracking to arrive on schedule. We work hard behind the scenes to eliminate the headaches for you. If your project requires the help of our team of quality craftsmen and vendors, we will coordinate and schedule.

THE BIG REVEAL!

Our team will handle all of the details of your installation. This is the big week when it all comes together. There will be challenges (and maybe a few surprises), but we are prepared to make adjustments throughout the process.  You can choose to be home during the installation, but we recommend that you wait (we know it’s hard). Then you can experience THE BIG REVEAL!

And there you have it! Together, we’ll work as partners with the goal of building a home for you that’s classic, that’s livable, and that’s very beautiful. We hope this was a helpful firsthand look at the process of working with an interior design team. If you're interested in getting your own project started, feel free to contact us to get the ball rolling!