Design Development
As soon as the preliminary design direction has been approved of as indicated by initialed documents approving the design idea, we are ready to move into Design Development.
Step 1:
This is where the fun really begins. The first step is to refine the drawings utilizing the preliminary design based on your feedback.
Step 2:
A visit to the site is planned to confirm design fit. We invite the general contractor to join for this visit to ensure build feasibility and analyze the space for potential build challenges.
Step 3:
Next, we will begin looking at product. We reach out to our product representatives to curate a selection of the appropriate appliances, fixtures, furnishings, and decor items that will ultimately comprise your designer space.
Viewing all the finishes together and on-site, when possible is a wonderful way to be sure that they will look good with any existing pieces that are meant to remain.
We understand that selecting products can be fun and you want to be involved, and you will be! Our role is to pre-select finishes that guide you toward the final selections. In our pre-selections, we are considering slip resistance with tile, damp ratings for light fixtures, UL ratings, and more. So, while we understand the eagerness to do some shopping, we do require that Waldron Designs handle product sourcing and procurement.
It is also important to know that we do not shop with our clients. We will not be heading to showrooms. Our goal is to minimize the overwhelm of being in a showroom and bring focus to the selection process. We have already done the shopping and eliminated options.
There will be items that you cannot see in person. You will need to trust us! If you tend to need to see the actual item, you may be better suited for retail shopping. We are not saying this to turn anyone away, but to prepare for the reality of working with showrooms and designer products. Often, they are created for the project, and/or are simply not available on a showroom floor.
Step 4:
As the curated selections begin to come in, we pull together and create spec sheets for each product, allowing us to ultimately ensure that each product fits within the design and may be purchased.
Step 5:
The design proposal is assembled in a package with an updated estimate for project execution. All subcontractor rates are estimated at this point utilizing past experience and are non-binding. If all products are not yet selected at this time, we will provide allowances to assist in budgetary goals.
