The Phases of an Interior Design Project - Phase #2: Schematic Design
Now that Phase 1, programming, is complete, it’s time for Phase 2: the phase when we really get down to business.
It's when we put our heads down and come up with some concepts and solutions for you and your space. It’s when we establish direction even though we know we have a ways to go.
Heads-up: We’re testing the waters a bit in this phase. Yes, we might go out on a few limbs. We might throw something into the mix that you didn’t ask for because we think it’s a great idea. I mean...that IS what you're paying me for, right?
You want me to think outside the box, don't you? So I can come up with something you perhaps didn't envision? I ask because...
If you’re looking for me to read your mind and produce your exact vision, I’m telling you right now that I’m not telepathic. And, ahem (and I say this as gently and politely as I can:), nor are you the designer. You’ve come to me for a professional's creative vision.
So if you were expecting a mind-reader/personal shopper/assistant that you can just tell what to do, I'm sorry...but I'm afraid you've come to the wrong place.
Here’s what I do:
I'll use my skills, experience, and creativity to come up with something that I think speaks to your style and taste and solves your design dilemmas.
Is it possible that I won't get things right the first time? Perhaps.
That's right. You're going to need to prepare yourself for the fact that there may be something you don’t like. How is that possible? There may have been some miscommunication. Or, perhaps, you weren’t clear about what you wanted? Or maybe you changed your mind? Or maybe I just got it wrong.
And who knows— even if you have an unfavorable initial reaction, you might grow to love it! Yes, what you at first do not like might creep up on you and reveal its magic. You'll begin to recognize the logic and process that I went through to reach my end result. Many clients I've worked with before have experienced their ah-ha moment a little after a project's first presentation.
However, while 9 out of 10 people love my presentation, there are rare instances when they don’t.
When that happens, we use this Phase 2 meeting as an opportunity to fine tune what you want, get feedback from you, and establish a new direction.
Do you still have to pay for those hours?
YES. Because for us Phase 2 is almost just as much of a fact-finding mission as programming is during Phase 1.
There’s always a bit of fine-tuning and a some massaging to be done after this; and, even though this Phase 2 rarely needs to be tossed and started over, I guarantee we’ve learned more about you and your needs and desires, and we have studied your space and square footage enough to help us move faster in the second option, if necessary.
And again, there is rarely a need to go back completely to square one.
◆ Example of schematic design | click image to enlarge fullscreen
Sometimes we do these digital storyboards for you to take home from our meeting, or we'll wait until afterwards and send it via e-mail.
Want to know what an interior designer's schematic design presentation looks like? Click PLAY and I'll show you. ;-)
Schematic design is a critical phase in the interior design process.
Every moment spent doing it is valuable to our goal of reaching an end result that satisfies. Yes, even if we get it wrong.
So take a deep breath and understand that we’re in this with you and want the same thing: to reach a goal.
Know that we’re not here just to spend your money; we also want a beautiful and expeditious outcome. And if you can help us get there by being decisive, and giving us some room to experiment and create, together we can get everything done and have you enjoying your new space much faster.
Really, it's that easy: Just trust us. If you do, your project will be easy and, yes, beautiful.
Did you miss the Phase I description? Here it is. >> The Phases of an Interior Design Project - Phase I, Programming