As much time as I love to pour into my blog I like to spend just as much, if not more, on my actual decorating business. I began blogging solely to get the word out about my decorating venture but soon learned that there was a whole world within blogging itself. One of my favorite parts has been “meeting” virtual friends and learning from them. I recently read this post by Abby and it got my attention. I immediately emailed her and she was gracious enough to share her thoughts and insights so that I could adapt this plan to my own business.
Although this post may pertain more to people who will actually hire me in Charlotte, I still thought it would be fun to share the process here. And hopefully it will give a little transparency into how it works if you hire me.
3 Week Design
The goal behind this plan is not to rush the design but rather to follow a process that helps things stay organized and focused. There are a lot of factors that can sidetrack a project so I wanted to find a way to streamline things a bit. The 3 week plan looks like this:
Week 1
Initial phone interview with extensive questionnaire
Schedule an initial walk-thru
Email estimate & invoice (after approval)
Email estimate & invoice (after approval)
Week 2
Research, shopping, gather samples
Create floorpan and design board
Create spreadsheet with budget and all shopping sources
Week 3
Present design plan, make tweaks
Finalize custom Pinterest board
Finish spreadsheet
Send invoice
Install Day
(This day may come 6-8 weeks later)
Bring all the finishing touches to completely style the room
Take photos of the finished project
Final invoice
During weeks 1 and 2 we will meet and bang out all of the design decisions. There will be time to make adjustments and make sure we have the right plan for your home. Once week 3 is complete you will be on your own, with my guides, to complete all orders. We will regroup on the install day for me to put the room together. This is my process for all full-scale projects going forward as I feel that it will really provide the best possible experience for my clients. Getting through the beginning stages and decisions can be daunting and I really feel like using this 3 week approach will serve as a good guide and reference point. I am also limiting my number of clients so that I can be equally as focused and dedicated to each project.
I have also created a condensed version for small-scale projects such as mantle and bookshelf styling.
I am currently booked through mid-September and then I will be accepting new clients.
If you would like help with your home I would love to hear from you!
Shoot me an email:
designpost{at}hotmail{dot}com
Also, a reminder for local Charlotte peeps…the Slate Interiors event is happening tomorrow night!
Summer, Dominique, and I are going to be on-hand for this fun shopping night to offer our design guidance for all your decorating dilemmas. We have hand-picked some of our favorite items from around the store and included some personal styling notes. You also don’t want to miss the featured artists, John and Chris Keogh, as well as, the featured vendor Arienne of Dress My Room Interiors!
We hope to see you there:
Abby Manchesky says
Thanks for the mention! I love how you put this together–your photos make explaining the process so much prettier. 🙂 I'm on week three and excited to see how this all comes together. Keep me posted! xo
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
I haven't worked with that many people but I've always found it hard to stay on a concise schedule when I have. This is great! Much better for the client because I know they're so excited to get things moving once they hire a designer.
Emily says
love your new concise design plan! I love working fast…it's my clients I have to convince to move at a quick pace! How do you get your clients on board with making quick decisions. I should pick your brain! I would love any tips you have to share.