Let us take the stress of a renovation off your hands
Initial Consult
We start by running over a series of questions to get the project brief and gain an understanding of the client’s needs and wants.
How you need the space to function?
What do you like in terms of style?
What budget are you working with?
From here, we prepare a proposal for the client and create an inspiration board for their space to ensure we are on the same page conceptually.
If a job requires drafting, for example a kitchen or bathroom remodel or a custom joinery piece, preparing these drawings is the next step. This process generally goes hand in hand with concept development.
Technical Drawings
Concept Development
Next we form an initial concept board and create some sketches of the space to portray our vision to the client. This concept board will usually go through a few iterations after consulting with the client to ensure they are completely happy with the selections. Once everyone is in agreement with the scheme, it's time to place orders for all fittings, finishes and furnishings.
DESIGN MANAGEMENT
We source contractors from our extensive network of trusted professionals to suit each project. During the implementation phase we co-ordinate with these contractors to ensure the design comes to life as planned. We conduct frequent site visits and facilitate solutions for the inevitable issues that arise during the build process so you don’t need to stress about a thing.
INSTALLATION
Fittings and tile orders are scheduled for delivery as needed during the construction process. Where possible, furnishing orders will be scheduled for the same day and there will be a big install and setup, this is an exciting day where you can really see everything come to life!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DOES IT PAY TO RENOVATE MY HOME?
Absolutely it does! Besides it being worthwhile to renovate for your own enjoyment of the home, making strategic renovations can provide a great return on investment (ROI). Home renovations have an average ROI of 70%, so you can feel good about making those home updates now and reap the benefits of your increased home value should you ever choose to sell.
The following home updates generally reap the best ROI:
Kitchen and bathroom renovations
Increasing curb appeal
Adding an attic bedroom
Replacing windows
Adding an outdoor deck
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN INTERIOR DESIGNER AND AN INTERIOR DECORATOR?
An interior decorator can create a scheme and select furnishings for you. They can be a good option when you only need surface level changes, without changes such as flooring, removing a wall or custom joinery. An interior designer can also render such decorating services.
Interior designers have further training enabling them to propose more interior structural changes and detailed designs for kitchen, bathroom and joinery. Interior designers will utilise computer programs to draft their designs and may create a 3D visualisation of their plans to present to the client. They will also collaborate with contractors throughout the build process to ensure their vision develops correctly.
why engage the services of an interior designer?
There are several big value adds to engaging the services of an interior designer but here are my top 3:
1. You receive a trade discount on all purchases. These discounts greatly offset the cost of engaging an interior designer and offers great value to the client.
2. You save a significant amount of time and experience a lot less stress. Homeowners constantly underestimate how much time and consideration is involved in designing the layout of their home, sourcing materials and furnishings, co-ordinating with trades, organising deliveries and more. It’s a lot to balance on top of your 9-5 and personal commitments.
3. You receive a resolved, cohesive scheme that has been thoughtfully considered by an expert in the field. Your home is your sanctuary and you won’t regret investing in it to maximise it’s potential in terms of functionality and style.
WHAT ARE YOUR DESIGN FEES?
Projects are priced as a package so that you can have the peace of mind that there will be no added hidden costs and you know the total cost upfront rather than ongoing hourly billing. Firstly, we have a call with the client to discuss what they need from us and establish if we would be a good fit for their needs and desired aesthetic. This is followed up by a free in-home consult where we discuss the client’s brief and answer any questions they may have. After this consult we prepare a detailed design proposal including price breakdown for our services and the client can decide if they wish to engage our services. We also pass on a generous portion of our trade discount to our clients for all purchases, often this will be 10% off RRP.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I BUDGET FOR MY PROJECT?
Based on mid-range selections, please use the following as an estimate only for mid range home renovation and furnishing costs. At this price-point you hit that sweet spot between quality and value for money without compromising on aesthetic.
Square metre cost - $2,000+
Bathroom - $40,000
Kitchen - $60,000
Furnishings (whole house) - $200,000+
These figures should be taken as a starting point for the costs involved in your project but can vary significantly depending on the calibre of fittings, finishings and furnishings selected and the scope of construction work required. Please note this estimate excludes design fees.
HOW LONG WILL MY DESIGN TAKE TO COMPLETE?
We aim to provide you with our completed design within 2 months for a full-service residential project: this includes initial concepts, documentation package. However, this is subject to variation depending on the scale of the project and other project commitments we may have. If you have an urgent deadline please speak to us and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Following the client’s approval of the design, development approval or construction certificate must be obtained before building work can commence. The timing can be quite varied, but generally this takes at least a few months. If you are just using our services for furnishing, your FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment) document will specify the estimated lead times of your chosen pieces prior to ordering.
can i make changes to the design scheme after it is presented to me?
Yes, you can make multiple refinements to the design as needed. Your feedback on our design is invaluable to ensure that we can bring your dream home to life.
Client involvement in the design process varies from project to project. Often clients want us to take the lead with the design aesthetic but other times clients have a clearer vision for their home and what they want to incorporate. Wherever you land on this spectrum we can collaborate with you to fulfil the vision you have for your home.
do you have any client testimonials?
We love to receive client feedback so we can continue to improve the customer experience. And when our clients are happy, we're happy.
“Ali was very professional and prompt … asked a lot of questions and really challenged me on what I thought I wanted vs what I really liked … a good understanding of what would work in our space and she was a total pleasure to deal with” - Louanne, Riverview
“…very patient with listening to my ideas, sharing very thoughtful knowledges and useful tips, the design really focus on details, and handed in on time” - Paul, Riverview
“I was very impressed … gave great ideas on colours, finishes and furnishings … very professional and her service was outstanding. I would highly recommend her!” - Melanie, Bexley
"Ali is very through with her work. She explores all possible option for the design brief and delivers an exquisite result. I can vouch for her keen eye on details. Thank you Ali" - Justin