A Note from Crystal Collinson

The response to my Work Well with an Interior Design Professional series has been amazing. I seem to have struck a nerve! We can all benefit from learning more about the interior design process and how to best work with your interior design professional. Thanks so much for following along.

It’s time for a new installment: Step 5!

Need to catch up? You can read Part 1 here, Part 2 here, Part 3 here and Part 4 here.

If you work for a new home builder or condo developer, or if you’ve ever thought of hiring an interior design professional to help you with a personal project or renovation, this series is for you!

Read on to learn all about the exciting next step in the process, and feel free to comment below to let me know what you think or if you have any questions!

Working Well with an Interior Design Professional Step 5: The Pricing Phase

If you’ve been following along, I’ve already covered Step 1 of working with an interior design professional as well as Step 2, Step 3 and Step 4. These covered first steps, establishing the scope of work, collecting inspiration, establishing the interior design concept, the design phase, and the drawing phase.

We’re well on our way in the interior design process, but there’s still lots to go!

Once these steps have been completed, we’re ready to move on to Step 5. This happens after Step 4 is complete, and typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the scope of work.

With the design and drawing phases completed, it’s time for me to crunch some numbers with the pricing phase! Let’s do a quick recap: in Step 2 we got the concept nailed down, in Step 3 we got all the details of the design direction down pat, from samples to fixtures, and in Step 4 we prepared the construction package. Now, in Step 5, it’s all about getting pricing on every detail and preparing the budget.

More good news for you, the customer: like in Step 4, during this phase you get to sit back and relax. I’ll be working away behind the scenes to get all this info together and to prepare the budget.

Here’s a breakdown of Step 5 and everything that’s included in it.

Step 5

✨ I send a package to trades partners for pricing based on approved design elements and confirmed selections

• From the space itself to ceiling details and treatments, the trades receive a complete package so they can give us an accurate quote*

✨ I send a custom millwork package out to a few trusted millwork partners for quotes on any custom millwork pieces we’ve decided upon (cabinetry, custom built-ins, etc.)*

✨ I send out finishes and fixtures packages to the appropriate trades partners for quoting. These include:

• Finishes: floor and wall tiles, flooring, wallpaper, trim and molding, doors and hardware, etc.*
• Fixtures: task lights, decorative light fixtures, plumbing, decorative hardware, etc.*

* If I’m working with a new home builder specifically, I will work with their trades and sometimes this step of getting quotes is handled by the builders themselves.

✨ Budget preparation: Based on all the quotes gathered, I put together a comprehensive budget so that you know exactly what to expect and what to budget for.

✨ Next, we’re ready for the Meeting/Design Proposal Presentation #2. At this client presentation, the interior design professional’s goal is to show you all the details and costs, and to get your feedback and approval. The presentation can be in the form of a face-to-face meeting or an electronic pricing package and virtual meeting.

That’s it for Step 5, and we can now get started on Step 6 of the design process – the design proposal package phase.

Stay tuned and watch for my next article to learn more about Step 6!

Questions? Comments? Just comment below and let me know!