At the first meeting we get acquainted and try to get as much information as possible about the customer and his future home. The terms of reference (TOR) contains a rather large and detailed list of issues to be discussed. This helps us to develop the project in full accordance with the customer’s ideas about the future design and his budget for implementation. Here you can familiarise yourself with the questions.

1.1 Selection of references

The design process involves reviewing with the client various illustrations, images in magazines, previous work of designers or pictures from other sources. We understand what our customer likes and suggest similar ideas.

1.2 Defining the colour scheme

We look at variations in the combination of cool and warm shades of colour and determine which colours are most pleasing to the customer. We choose a different colour palette for each room in the flat or house. We focus on natural daylight and the purpose of each room.

1.3 Measurement of the room and photo fixation.

Also at this stage we make a measured plan of the room, on which we show all the dimensions. It is obligatory to take photos of the object for a more accurate understanding of all architectural features of the room and the location of utilities. If the housing is under construction, we can use the plan from the builder. After the keys are handed over, we take measurements and make adjustments to the project if there are any discrepancies.
Bottom line: as a result of the first stage, we and our customers have formed an understanding of

• approximate cost of the project (repair, materials, equipment, furniture)
• ideas of interior style direction and colour scheme.

Planning Solution

We make 2 – 3 variants of the flat layout, using the exact data from the measurement plan. We divide the room into zones, taking into account the requirements and norms of the country, as well as the wishes of the client and our proposals. We make furniture arrangement, orientated on the generally accepted standards of sizes of each type of furniture. In some cases we take into account on the plan the necessity to manufacture furniture to individual dimensions.

Outcome: The customer understands the list of necessary furniture for each room in the flat and possible variants of the flat layout (zones, partitions, furniture arrangement).

Collaging

At this stage, the ideas that were outlined in the TOR, acquire a clearer image, but are not yet a concrete proposal for interior design. It is essentially a selection of materials and furniture like ideas from different sources according to a common style or colour scheme. In the collage can also be used some specific items of furniture, elements of decoration or decor, which agreed by the customer when drafting the TOR, or which were proposed by us later. We make 2 – 3 variants, adjust and agree with the customer the best solution.

Result: our customer understands the general concept and style of his future interior for each room in the flat.

Architectural Design of the Interior

This stage implies the development of geometry of shapes of immovable elements in the flat and objects of space filling. It is carried out in the form of hand sketches or three-dimensional modelling in the program, depending on the complexity of the project. We look at collages, selected references, and offer the customer, as an idea, the geometry of walls, ceilings, floors and furniture, transitions from one element to another. We make 2 – 3 variants and agree with the customer the best variant.

Result: the client understands the architectural part of the concept of his future interior for each room in the flat.

Interior Detailing

We have an agreed with the customer flat layout and furniture arrangement with dimensions, approved concept of style and colour of each room in the flat, its architectural part. On the basis of this information we select furniture, finishing materials, equipment. We ask for precise drawings and schemes from profile contractors, whose works and materials were proposed in the interior (ventilation systems, built-in furniture, sliding doors, etc.).

Result: our customer has a more accurate detailed understanding of the future interior.

Photorealistic 3D Visualisation

We develop three-dimensional visualisation on the basis of the interior solution approved by the customer. These are graphic images that allow you to see the entire future interior “in volume”, that is, literally walk through the rooms and examine in detail all the interior items from all sides, see how the light lies on the surface of the furniture. In the visualisation there are already selected items of furniture and finishing materials, really existing and available for purchase.

Specification of Finishing Materials, Furniture and Equipment

We draw up a detailed estimate, where we specify the name of each item, the exact quantity, place of purchase, final cost, terms of purchase and delivery to the object.

When developing the project, we focus on the budget determined by the customer, and therefore offer different options for furniture and materials.

Working Documentation – What Drawing Album Contains

After the visualisation has been approved, the technical part is prepared – an album of drawings:

• Measurement plan.
• Explication of premises.
• Plan of dismantling and erection of partitions.
• Plan of furniture and sanitary equipment arrangement.
• Plan of floors and ceilings.
• Plan of placement of fixtures, switches, sockets, low-current outputs.
• Layouts on the walls.
• Nodes of complex structural solutions.
• Sketch solution of built-in furniture.
• Specification of finishing materials with areas and names.
• List of filling of door and window openings.
• List of furniture items and light sources.
• Album with recommended finishing materials and furniture.

Result: our customer has a complete interior design project that meets his expectations. And, what’s more, it is designed within his implementation budget.

Well, the customer has a complete project in his hands, which can be a benchmark when interacting with the builders. Theoretically, the customer can turn to an external contractor or use our recommendation. But builders are always inclined to simplify their work. They may think that some element conceived by the designer is unnecessary and can be done without.
Not all people can speak to builders in their own language, let alone explain to them exactly what needs to be done and in what sequence. We strongly recommend that you hire an independent foreman who will fully represent your interests.
In order to ensure that the interior fully complies with the idea of the design bureau, there is a service of author’s supervision. You can read more about it in our blog. Thanks to the full support of the design bureau and periodic visits of the designer to the site, you can quickly change the texture or colour of paint, as well as explain to the builders exactly what they have to do.