The Design Process

Prior to the
Design Appointment

Prior to our first meeting and to make the most of our time together, there is some prep work that you can do to help us gain a better understanding of your project.

When you book your first appointment with Design 360 you will receive an Information Packet in the mail which contains a wealth of information about how we work, examples of our previous projects, and sometimes a design survey pertinent to your requested project.

These survey(s) allow us to understand details of your decorating preferences, lifestyle, and how you will use your new space. If we’ve included one in your info packet, please take a few minutes prior to our first appointment to fill out the interior design survey, as our team will use this as a basis to incorporate your feedback, special requests, and personal ideas in creating the ultimate, unique and beautiful space that you desire.

We’d also love it if you would start collecting pictures of colors, styles, and looks you like for your space. In addition, please think about how you want and need for your space to function, what elements of the space will change or need to stay the same, and what you want the overall end result to “feel” like.

Project Size

For small projects, we gather as much information as possible prior to the first appointment so that we can come prepared to begin looking at product options, and the design and decision-making process may even be completed during this first consultation.

For larger projects, we will ask you at the end of our first meeting to determine if you want us to continue with more in-depth design and consultation time, with plans to meet again for a design presentation a week or two later. If so, at that point we begin keeping track of the hours that we invest in your project; if for some reason you do not end up purchasing products from us, then those hours are billed out at the rate of $90.00/hour.

HOWEVER, if you order the products needed to complete your design within 60 days of our recommendations, all of our design time and services are included at no extra cost to you!

Once design recommendations are finalized and you are ready to purchase products, there will be a 70% deposit required to order product. Upon delivery and or installation of the products, the remaining 30% is due.

What to Expect

Design 360 brings a lifetime of experience right to your door. Principal designer Julie Meyers will be asking you lots of questions because she wants an in-depth perspective of the project you have in mind.

The initial appointment typically lasts about an hour at your home or business. Larger projects may require longer or more than one appointment. If you decide to work with us we will take photos and video, and measure the space during the design appointment. If there are multiple areas to be measured, we may bring an assistant or return another day.

We will request a full house tour and you should mention any problem areas. Your designer may even ask to see your closet to get an idea of the colors and patterns you wear. This is a time to get to know each other and decide how to move forward.

Investment

People are often shy to discuss how much they want to invest in a decorating project but for both parties it is by far one of the most important aspects of your initial consultation. You may not know how much things cost and Design 360 works with you to determine a budget that accomplishes your overall project goals.

You may choose to work on one room at a time or the entire home. The investment in your home or business will determine the furnishing and finishes your interior designer can include in the project. We have to the trade only pieces, custom upholstery and custom drapery. Best of all, we also have relationships with American craftsman for custom furniture, and imported furniture too.

The budget is vitally important for us to know before we go to the drawing board, so that we can get the best value for your dollar within a budgetary range that you are comfortable with.

Once you have established where you want to be budget-wise, please share that with us and we will work hard to achieve the maximum results within the limits of that budget. If you are remodeling or building and working with a contractor or architect, please also try to have a copy of the floor plan with you for our first meeting.

Design Plan & Presentation

At the design studio sketches, renderings and floor plans are created.  Custom window treatments and upholstered furnishings are designed for you with fabric selections based upon your functional needs and aesthetic style.  All other room elements such as lighting, accessories, and floor coverings are selected and incorporated into your plan.  Product availability is confirmed with suppliers, a design presentation is created, and our presentation appointment is confirmed.

During the presentation, where all decision makers are present, we reveal our recommendations for creating the space of your dreams. Together, we’ll discuss any adjustments necessary to the design plan.  Once a final plan is agreed upon, a contract is signed, and the deposit is secured.

Behind the Scenes

Once the project has been completed contractually, the design staff start ordering furniture and furnishings from multiple vendors nationally and internationally. The team will keep you informed of their progress and how the project is developing.

As your products are ordered from a wide range of vendors, items arrive individually and are stored together safely until everything arrives. Some things may arrive within weeks, custom items may take several months depending on availability and production schedules.

The Final Reveal

If you are completing renovations, you will see the major work being done beforehand. If you are having paint and wallpaper installed, that may also happen earlier to avoid paint spills or glue on your new custom furniture. Whatever the design project, you can look forward to a huge surprise!

You’ve waited patiently for installation day, surely the most exciting day for both you and your designer. It is advisable to leave the design team alone in your home to supervise the sub-contractors who will install window treatments and hang light fixtures.

Julie’s team will call you to return home when everything is perfect. There is nothing nicer than having left your home in the morning then returning later to see the final reveal. Enjoy your new space — working with an interior designer is the best value for money!