Designer on Demand: Your Role in The Process
Managing your own design project can feel like navigating an epic road trip with kids — it starts with excitement, but soon enough, the inevitable overwhelm and constant “are we there yet?” questions begin.
Whether it’s a quick room refresh or a full-scale home renovation, the key to success is a solid plan. And, like having an abundance of snacks on your road trip, a little assistance can make all the difference.
Enter Designer on Demand. We’re here to offer just the right amount of support, by the hour, to ensure you are in control every step of the way and the design journey is both enjoyable and smooth.
Step 1: Style Exploration and Design Concept
Your Role: You’ll begin by providing the dimensions and layout of the room(s) you’re updating. Expect this step to take about an hour if you need to measure and sketch the space. Pro Tip: To save time, try to find CAD plans of your house — we can help you locate these, or you can check with your realtor.
To give us a deeper understanding of your style, we’ll ask you to complete a fun style quiz and design questionnaire. We’ll also give you a follow on Pinterest to see any inspirational images you’ve collected. This helps us tailor the design to your exact tastes.
Our Role: Using your provided dimensions and style preferences, we’ll craft tailored design concepts and hunt down the best options for you. You’ll get a detailed slide presentation with inspiration images and proposed floor plan options to give you a clear visual and practical glimpse into what your new space could look like.
Step 2: Furnishing Selection and Purchase
Your Role: After we present you with detailed floor plans and measurements, it’s time to indulge in a little shopping. You can either shop on your own, or let us handle it by sending you a curated mood board that includes direct purchase links.
Our Role: We do the heavy lifting on the research to make sure every piece fits your vision and investment plan. We’ll send you direct links for an easy checkout, and because we’ve got access to trade-only furnishings, you get pieces that aren’t just stunning but also exclusive. Our specialty is finding high-impact pieces that align with your investment plan without compromising on style.
Step 3: Coordination of Deliveries and Returns
Your Role: You’ll be the one managing the logistics of receiving new furniture and decor. Plus, if anything arrives damaged, you’ll handle any returns. This could take between 2 to 4 hours per room, depending on the complexity and amount of items ordered.
Pro Tip: Most clients choose to engage a receiving warehouse for a hassle-free experience. These warehouses specialize in the intake and management of your items, inspecting each piece upon arrival, and storing everything until it’s ready for your home. They’ll notify us if there are any issues, and we’ll coordinate with vendors for any necessary returns or exchanges. No need to clutter up your garage with large boxes or keep track of numerous deliveries.
Our Role: Though you’re in the driver’s seat, we’re not leaving you alone in the wilderness. We’ll help track your deliveries and step in with helpful advice on how to handle any hiccups with vendors, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Step 4: Furniture Placement
Your Role: First things first, clear out the old furniture from the spaces getting a makeover. Expect this to take between 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on how much needs to be moved. Most clients opt to hire movers or select white glove delivery services to handle the heavy lifting and assembly. Once the new pieces arrive, simply follow the detailed floor plan we’ve provided to ensure everything is placed perfectly.
Our Role: We’re here to make this step as effortless as possible. You’ll get crystal-clear instructions and detailed floor plans from us, ensuring you know exactly where each piece should go, making the process as straightforward and hassle-free as possible.
Step 5: Trade Coordination
Your Role: If your project calls for specialized work like electrical, painting, window treatments, or new flooring, you’ll be in charge of coordinating with tradespeople. Expect to set aside 2 to 4 hours for scheduling and overseeing these services, not counting the time they’re working on-site.
Our Role: We don’t manage the coordination directly (unless you ask us to), but we do provide recommendations and connect you with trusted and thoroughly vetted professionals. Our goal is to guide you through this part of the process, ensuring everything meshes well with your overall design plan.
Optional: Project Management Services
Your Choice: If you’d rather not get bogged down by the logistical details, you can opt for our full-service project management. This service covers everything from vendor coordination and gathering quotes to overseeing the entire implementation process.
Our Role: We tackle any of the above tasks that you’d rather skip. The result? A smooth, hands-free process from start to finish.
Your Project, Your Way
Managing a design project can be a significant undertaking, but with a clear plan and the right support, it can be a rewarding experience. Our Designer on Demand service is designed to give you everything you need (and nothing you don’t) to bring your vision to life.
Ready to get started on your next project? We’re here to help every step of the way.
Cheers,
Melanie