Though each project is unique, at 3A Design Studio we follow a streamlined process to provide you an excellent design experience. Once your design agreement is signed and the first payment is received, the fun begins! Here’s a breakdown of design process:
PHASE I
Design Concept
If needed, your project will require a concept presentation. This is a collaborative phase where we work together to gather inspiration images and design elements that you want included in your final design. We will present via email 1-2 weeks after your project begins to review our conceptual designs for your project. We do this to make sure we are on the right track and are meeting your expectations. Once a concept is approved, we then begin the design development.
Measurements
We may need to schedule a day to take additional measurements for your project.
Design Plan Development
This is where the real fun begins! Furniture layouts are finalized, we begin selecting all the pieces and elements to give you a personalized design plan. We collect samples and meet with any necessary tradespeople to get accurate quotes. All contracts for tradespeople will be with the client. You may not hear from us for a while, but please know we are working hard getting all the details worked out.
Design Plan Presentation
The design presentation is one of our favorite parts of your project. This is the day where we present your complete design plan. This includes furniture, fabrics, lighting, rugs, paint colors and anything else your project needs. This meeting will typically take 1-2 hours or via email for our out-of-town clients. All decision makers must be present at this meeting so we can finalize decisions. Our larger projects will require a second or third presentation. Timely decisions will keep your project moving as product availability changes.
Estimating and Client Approval
Once all selections are finalized, we will submit an estimate outlining all the costs. Each estimate must be signed and payment made before anything can be ordered. Some estimates are broken into a few small payments, but all materials must be paid for 100% in advance before installations can be scheduled. We do our best to schedule the installation 8-12 weeks from receipt of the signed estimates. If this time frame has to change, due to back orders, we will notify you immediately.
PHASE II
Purchasing and Receiving
The purchasing phase is another one where you may not hear from us for a while. We are ordering everything needed for your installation. All of our manufacturers and tradespeople are working on completing your design plan. Each piece is inspected and assembled (if needed) and stored until installation day(s).
Trade Installations
At some point during the purchasing phase, we will begin scheduling any tradespeople needed to complete their work. This will include painting, lighting changes, carpentry work, etc. All of this work must be completed before the furniture arrives. We will do our best to get this phase completed as quickly as possible. The client will pay all tradespeople directly for their work.
Furnishings Installation
The big day is finally here and we can’t wait to bring your design plan to life. Once ALL your items have been received, we will schedule the installation of all your soft goods and furniture. We coordinate all the furniture delivery, window treatment and wall decor installation. Depending on the size of your project, this may take more than one day. We do ask that clients not be home during the installation to provide the best reveal experience. We’ll schedule the installation for a time that is most convenient for you.
Final Reveal
This is when you get to see what we’ve been working on all these months. You will notice items (accessories and wall decor) you may not have seen before. These have been added as the final finishes touches to the design. If you want to return these items; you must do so within 3 days as our window to return them to our vendors is small. If you decide to keep them, they will be included on your final invoice.
What to Expect
It’s Murphy’s Law of Design - if something can go wrong, it will. With so many people involved in a project, there’s a good chance that everything won’t go according to plan. Please know that we have processes in place to handle these things and most of the time, you won’t even know they are happening.
Nothing is perfect. Almost everything we are installing in your home is made by human hands. A furniture piece may come in damaged and we will handle that prior to your installation, but there is an industry tolerance on what is considered “damaged” and it is our job to handle this for you. Price points are a huge indicator of what you can expect and this will be addressed with you during our presentation phase.
On many jobs there is one piece that is taking extremely longer than the rest. If that is the case with your project, we will work with you on figuring out the best solution.
Lead times can change daily. We may select something for you with plenty of stock one day and when we order it, it’s delayed for months. Again, if this is the case with your project, we will handle it. This is why you hired us.
Custom orders can’t be returned. Once you commit and we order it, you own it.
Sometimes a manufacturer will allow merchandise to be returned for a restocking fee. In addition to the restocking fee, there will be freight costs and hourly design fees charged for handling the return. Sometimes a factory will allow a cancellation if an items has not shipped.
Holidays and parties do not make things happen faster. We want projects finished up as quickly as possible and do our best to make that happen. Please don’t plan anything until your installation is completed.
There are a number of costs that can only be estimated; prior to installation day. These may include assembly costs, freight and delivery charges. Assembly costs are charged by the hour and all depend on how your item arrives to the warehouse. Freight costs vary depending on the weight and distance your item has to travel. Delivery charges are based on the time it takes to load and unload your items from the truck and the number of men required. We will estimate these charges for you and include that on your estimates, but actual costs are due upon receipt of your final invoice.
Communication is the key component to any successful relationship. We prefer all communication to take place via email or phone. Replies will be handled during our normal business hours.
Trust the process! Enjoy and allow us to handle your project.
