DESIGN PROCESS
Ian Saude Studio provides full service interior design services for both residential and commercial projects. Located along the Central California Coast, half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles, we work locally, regionally and beyond.
We understand that projects come in many shapes and sizes, from acquiring a few new pieces of furniture to remodeling a kitchen to constructing a large multi-use building complex from scratch. No matter what the project entails, our goal remains the same — to deliver a seamless, personalized experience to our clients, helping them achieve their goals and ensuring the success of the project on every level.
Therefore, from the very beginning we work to build the right team: one that not only delivers on the aesthetic goals of the project but which also understands practical considerations like timeline, budget, and the clients’ personal lifestyle and values. The result should be a space that supports them to live their very best lives. With that goal in mind, we provide support in any or all of the following areas:
Interview — getting to know the client and listening to their goals and objectives. Discussing preliminary budget and other constraints. Understanding how the space is to be used, how the client lives, and any strongly held aesthetic likes or dislike.
Assessment — assessing the fit between client/project/designer based on the information above. Giving the client feedback and appropriate guidance as to how the project could flow to establish their specific needs and to better define our scope of work.
Communication — letting the client know how we can help them and what workflow we believe will best ensure that their project is brought to life in the most beautiful, efficient and cost-effective way. Making the client aware of any terms, fees, conditions and constraints with respect to how we would work.
Engagement — executing a signed Letter of Engagement or Design Contract (depending on the scope of the job) which clearly sets out all the specifics discussed above. Receiving a retainer to begin the design process.
Space planning — ensuring smooth circulation and maximize space; to properly allocate interior space in a way that accurately reflects the clients’s needs and priorities
Schematic Design — developing a preliminary vision for the project. This can include mood boards, color palette, sketches, 3D modeling and other visualizations as needed.
Budgeting —helping to develop and refine a realistic interior budget at the outset of the design process.
Programming — (for commercial projects) working with key stake holders to insure that the overall design development is not only beautiful, but supports the functional and operational aspects of the business and provides a user experience that relates the core values or “DNA” of the brand to their clients experientially, through every aspect of the visual and spatial design.
Ecology — considering green-build, healthy, sustainable and locally-sourced products, materials and crafts people
Collaboration — partnering with other industry professionals (architects, contractors, landscape architects, engineering firms, acoustic consultants, etc.) to prepare the construction documents: including floor plans, elevations, schedules, details and other specifications
Finish Specifications — selecting, locating and scheduling all wall/floor/ceiling finishes (tile, flooring, etc), plumbing fixtures, decorative hardware, etc.
Lighting/Technology design - designing/selecting/locating all functional and decorative lighting elements, electrical controls, smart home technologies, A/V & home theater applications, etc. (in coordination with the architect, MEP and other consultants)
Millwork — schematic design, sourcing, and collaborating on custom cabinetry, interior doors and trims, panelling systems, specialty woodwork, built-ins, etc.
Interior Architectural Details — designing and sourcing all specialty interior architectural features, decorative metal or stonework, etc. (in conjunction with the architect and other consultants)
Furnishings — designing, sourcing and/or selecting all loose furniture pieces, area rugs, window treatments, lighting, artwork, accessories, soft goods, etc.
Budgetary Control — periodically reviewing the original budget with the client (and contractors as is relevant) and highlighting any potential deviations from the original budget. Making the client aware of any potential areas of cost savings or up-charges.
Project Management — providing necessary coordination with contractors and trades during construction to ensure the design intent and quality control is maintained; making periodic site visits etc.
Procurement — of all decorative fixtures & finishes (hardwood flooring, decorative tile & stone, plumbing fixtures, wallpaper, etc.), all loose furniture pieces, window coverings, cabinetry, etc.
Logistics — ordering, tracking, inspection, delivery and installation of any and all items that are part of our scope of procurement. Coordinating, scheduling, supervising installations, coordinating moving & storage services, professional organizers, relocation specialists, etc.
Final Walk Through — walking through the finished job with the client and contractor, familiarizing them with any practical considerations with regard to operations, care and maintenance, get their feedback, establish a punch list of any additional work that may need to be done.
Efficiency — researching products, getting quotes, balancing and prioritizing the literally millions of decisions that go into building a stellar project. Anything that is left up to chance has the high probability of going sideways. Therefore, working with a skilled designer can save endless amounts of time, because they know what is involved in the process and can help you speed the research and nail down the details in order to avoid problems and pitfalls.
Savings — developing and staying on budget can be a daunting process. Designers help to show you how the decisions being made are impacting your overall budget and will help you make educated choices so you know how and where your money is being spent.
Value — creating a thoughtfully designed building adds financial value to the property. The value of a structure is not just about the neighborhood where it lives or its curb appeal. It is also a matter of how it makes you feel when you come through the doors. The value of a building is determined, quite literally, by what someone is willing to pay for it. An uplifting and nuanced interior inspires people to want to spend their time there and to envision themselves living in a compelling way within the space.
Network — drawing on their qualified professional resources both in terms of interior products and the building trades. Access to “designer” resources that are typically only available to the architectural and design industry. Quick access to material libraries, knowledge of specialized products and the vendors who sell them.
Knowhow — working with architects and other consultants to create spaces that satisfy the senses while also satisfying relevant building codes and other industry norms. Knowing best practices and practical methodologies for helping the client achieve the desired result, both aesthetically and operationally.
Collaboration — providing necessary coordination with contractors and trades-people during construction process to ensure the design intent and quality control is maintained and that the impact of any changes are clearly communicated and understood in advance. Professional designers know how to communicate ideas and work out details with other consultants to help motivate them to achieve the best results. They can also help you make sure that the work is being done in a timely fashion and in the proper sequence.
Results — understanding that the whole is often more than the sum of its parts, a trained designer can help you unlock the magic and the potential of a space. They help you achieve results that you could not easily achieve on your own. Skilled designers are constantly shifting back and forth between the macro and the micro. They make sure that overall look and feeling of the building is what it needs to be, while also making sure that all the details add up to a coherent and inspiring whole.
