Process - DG Design Group, LLC

Working with an Interior Designer

Our Process

While every project varies, DG Design Group LLC guarantees our 4 part process, from concept to completion, remains the same.

This way your design can be complicated, but the process does not have to be.

Step 1: Understand

Getting to know you

Our design partnership begins with a discovery phase to get to know more about you, your family & your project. As a design firm, we treat your home as a cohesive extension of the life you live & these details help us understand how to achieve the best solution for the life you want to live. We will email you a questionnaire & once we receive that back along with site pictures, we will follow up with an action call. During this call, we will discuss your project in further detail & answer any questions you may have. Upon the agreement that we are a good fit to work together, we will email you a welcome packet along with our letter of agreement & an invoice for retainer payment. Then we will set up an appointment to meet at your home. There is no need to schedule the cleaning lady, because we truly need to see how you live. We will ask lots of questions, so we recommend that all decision makers are present. We will discuss the function of the room, your visionary goals, desired design style, budget & timeline. We do recommend finding inspirational pictures, so we can visualize your goals. Cut pictures from a magazine, create a pinboard on Pinterest, create an Ideabook on Houzz…whatever is within your comfort level. It is our job to take your visions & turn them into a reality. We will set up a follow up appointment to take jobsite measurements & site pictures.

Step 2: Plan

Planning with Design Development

Once we understand the scope of the project, our creative juices begin to flow & we spend a few weeks bringing your vision to life on paper. There is lots of planning-sourcing inspirational images, researching products & specifications & meetings with our vendors of choice. We consolidate the thousands of available options & only select the best options that work within your project timeline, budget & aesthetics. We do our best to collect all available finish samples & bring them to your space, so you can view them under your lighting. We explore 3 different options to help guide you to further analyze your goals, then meet with you to present the exciting ideas. At this point, values, styles, timelines & project responsibilities will be further narrowed down.

Step 3: Design

Design concepts evolve to final details

After our initial presentation meeting, our design partnership continues as you clarify the best option you want to move forward with & we bring together the final details. This is the fun & organic stage of the design process that engages all of your senses by adding dimension, texture & color to your project. We develop detailed technical plans, elevations, color renderings & a product mood board. Additional meetings with tradespeople are necessary to determine the construction needs & boundaries of the project. We will meet again to review the final details & terms & conditions, such as costs, timeline & trade responsibilities. This is the commitment phase that requires serious decision making for the project to continue. Phase One requires construction elements to be reviewed, finalized & approved first prior to order placement. These include design drawings & hard material selections (flooring, stonework, cabinetry, countertops, electrical & plumbing fixtures, hardware, & paint colors). Any revisions need to be completed before order is placed. After the construction details are in production, Phase two continues to come together with the soft interior elements (furniture, area rugs, fabrics, window treatments, lamps, art & accessories). The process remains the same, as everything will need to be reviewed, finalized & approved prior to order placement.

Step 4: Execute

From purchasing & procurement to installation

This is the final stage where you can breathe a sigh of relief. You have approved invoices, signed contracts, paid deposits & now all the work is in the final stages of completion by our team. This is the administrative period of time that becomes quiet, so you may not hear from us, but we are busy in the background closely managing production schedules, verifying vendor orders, expediting shipping, communicating with our trades & delivery warehouse, etc. Anything that comes up that changes your order will be brought to your attention & resolved as needed. You will be supplied with a schedule & advised if any preparation is required on your part. All invoices must be paid for 100% in advance before an installation or delivery is scheduled. All the trade installations are completed first. Then we will be ready to deliver all of your furniture by white glove service. Artwork & accessories may be installed at a later date to complete your room transformation. And finally…you can sit back & relax & enjoy your new space…maybe even fall in love!

Designology

Why hire an interior designer?
As a large investment, your home should get the professional attention it deserves.

Planning

You want it done right the first time. Taking the time to plan your project with a professional from the beginning can save time & money.

Expertise & Vision

We have the unique ability to see the big picture & that comprehensive approach will ensure all the details are brought together flawlessly.

project management

Life is busy. Taking on any remodel can be time consuming, so hiring a designer can save lots of shopping, scheduling, & supervising.

Budget

We have a good understanding of project costs & can advise when to save & when to splurge.

resources

We know the right people and resources to make your dreams happen.

FAQ

Can I afford an interior designer?

We provide a luxury service with an affordable price tag. We work with diverse clientele & bring a wealth of knowledge & value to your project. Whether you live in a condo or a mansion, we offer many services & are committed to turn your place to live into a home you love.

FAQ

What is the difference between a decorator & designer?

A decorator may not have formal training & focuses on finishing details. They may specialize in one area, such as painting, window treatments or furniture. A designer has a college degree & has knowledge of function, space planning & the construction process. They have a comprehensive approach & deal with all elements of the interior. While I fully support both fields, I am 100% a designer.

FAQ

I do not know any contractors or tradespeople?!

No worries- our tribe is our vibe. We are proud of our designer treasure box, that contains many years of forged professional relationships, as well as unique suppliers. They are great at what they do & collectively we come together to produce great things for your project.

FAQ

Can we be involved in the design process?

Yes of course! We feel we are successful in telling your story when we collaborate with our clients & tradespeople. We work within your comfort zone. Many of our clients want to be involved & some clients want to pass complete responsibility & both work as well.

FAQ

I LOVE all those home improvement shows!

I find some TV binge watching good for your soul, but designers & contractors know these home remodeling shows are not all reality based. They set unrealistic design expectations for consumers, as costs greatly vary & labor & products are donated. AND no large scale project can be magically transformed overnight! But we do guarantee to give you that feeling of final reveal, so you can live like a housewife, tweet your new home status on Facebook, while cooking a healthy recipe from Pinterest. #ilovedgdesigngroupllc

FAQ

What if I don’t know my budget?

Realistically everyone has a budget, though we understand you may not know all the costs involved. To move in the right direction, we really need to know a number you are comfortable with spending. With valued engineering & product procurement, we will set expectations that align your budget with the right product. The good news is we will stay true to the design while you stay in control of your wallet.

FAQ

Can I buy this on Amazon?

Most likely not. The world of design is often custom & multi-layered, so the ability to see & touch desired goods is not always possible. Many manufacturers can provide finish samples for reference. Custom furniture & window treatments are made to order. Strike-offs (mini samples) can be produced at an additional cost & may add on to production time. Orders need time for processing, production, shipping, receiving & inspection before the final delivery to you. Thus good design can not be overnighted & returns are not always possible.

FAQ

When can I expect to have work done?

All work is to be performed Monday through Friday, from 8a-6p. If you are not available, we ask that your home is accessible (garage code, extra key, neighbor let-in). Any work completed outside these hours may incur an additional charge. Please note there are also various times of the year that workrooms shut down, like holiday break & major market dates, so please plan accordingly.

FAQ

Uh-oh, I just thought of something!

Please…ask away! Solid communications are vital for a successful working relationship. We want to get this right for you & we need to know all the details, even the minor boring ones. Life happens, so please keep us posted if anything comes up that will affect your project.

FAQ

I am scared of change?!

We realize change can be scary, but we also know how liberating it can be. Life evolves & so shall we. Things become outdated & a refreshing change can make a big impact. We will work with your comfort level while attempting to step (or jump) out of the box.

FAQ

What if something goes wrong?

We are all human & the more hands that are involved, there are increased odds of an unfortunate mistake. Discontinued, backordered, & malfunctioning products exist. Schedule delays & budget overages are real in our world. Complications can & do happen, but keeping it in the hands of the professionals will limit a downward spiral. We have processes in place to handle the occasional mishap.

FAQ

Do you travel?

YES- our designs have no boundaries. My clients do have vacation homes & national businesses. Travel accommodations & per diem for designer are billed to the client, along with working design travel fee.