How Design Vision Becomes the Reality

Here at Delia Designs, we get asked how our vision for a space becomes a reality by our clients all the time.  From the initial concept to the space planning, material selection and implementation we do have a general process and we wanted to share it with you here.

Moodboard ( Concept)

When presented with a new project, the first step I take is creating a mood/vision board. The use of a vision board is very beneficial in that it lets the user become really creative and lay out ideas in an abstract way. I use typically utilize Pinterest as my main source for “inspo” images, along with google images and design websites.  In addition, one of the biggest benefits of living in Philadelphia is being inspired with all of the Architecture. I am constantly surrounded by amazing exterior spaces and interesting interior spaces.

This phase of an Interior Design project I is one of my favorites because I can really just let all my crazy ideas out and decide if I want them to become reality. Lastly, I believe it is super important to not take this step so literally and just have fun with it during the design process because it is your first step to tackling this project.

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Creating a List of Requirements with the Client:

In general, I am a firm believer in lists and the importance of utilizing them, especially in the interior design field. Once we've got your mood board and have an idea of where you want to take your design ideas, we meet with the client and start to create a list of requirements. The list that we form with our client should be composed of the project requirements and what is asked of you by them, along with what the existing space is and what needs to be changed. I also believe as a designer you should have your own personal to-do list. This is really important because the list will help you stay on track in the project along with staying organized. An easy way I like to keep my lists organized for school projects is by first purchasing a small notebook or sketch pad that is dedicated to that specific project. Secondly, I also have some sort of drawing marker that helps me keep everything color coded and neat. I find that the neater and more organized my notes and lists are, the easier it is to remember each specific requirement and task that is needed. Another important part of this step is doing your research! Researching any finishes or materials that will be included on the project will not only expand your knowledge but will also prepare you for any future questions by the clients.

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Present Preliminary Ideas

This step for sure is one of the hardest for me, and that’s because it’s time to make your ideas concrete, to make them become reality. As a design student, I struggle with making my ideas and designs concrete because the possibilities are endless.  I am always trying to find the latest and greatest. I know I have to learn to accept deadlines and be happy with what I have! Now, I’m not saying that we should all be scared to think about finalizing our plans, but I understand if you are and I empathize with you. 

As Interior Designers, we always check ourselves and make sure were going down the right path to meet that big picture goal.  It’s so easy with so many products on the market to say, ‘I love this, this, and this.’ If you don’t go back and ask, do these meet my goals for the space, they may not be the right choice.

So, even though this step can be terrifying, I think it’s also really exciting because as a designer you’re only getting closer to the final result. Thinking about the end result is definitely a positive motivator for me to keep working harder and finalizing my plans because the next step is one of my favorites when it comes to creativity.

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3D Design & Preliminary Finishes

Together with the Concept/ Mood board, the 3D design is my favorite step in the design process! Seeing my design concept and floor plan coming to life is one the greatest joys of being an Interior designer. I believe that seeing your design in 3D is very important because even though you have finalized your plan there are still some changes that need to be made. As a designer, we have our floor plans in 2D which are very flat and are only a general idea of how things will look, however when you see that plan become extruded you will often find that furniture or walls are not properly placed. It’s okay for things not to be perfect, we’re humans and sometimes we miss those small details but it’s also our job to fix them quickly so we don’t run into more.

From deducing the scores of horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines of the 2D sketches to getting a one-shot picture of the architectural services is what 3D modeling facilitates. Your design becomes more vivid and your clients can take a virtual tour of their construction projects. You can also quickly check whether a new plan is viable or check how small changes to the design would look like.

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Implement the Design

You already have your mood board and your designs are concrete, now it is time to start implementing your design. This phase is all about you as an interior designer and meeting with your vendors. You want to have a close relationship with them at this point because as a designer you need to be constantly communicating with them about any drawings or materials that they are responsible for. You should be able to connect and reach out to them without a problem.  Selecting trustworthy and reliable vendors is key! At this step you should also be in the preparation to be purchasing needed materials and generating your invoices. As a designer we also supervise any deliveries that are being made. It is our responsibility to stay on top of what's going on with your design and the project that it is involved with.

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Construction & Administration

This phase of the project about managing the construction of the project. In this phase, we visit the site periodically and respond to questions and inquiries from the General Contractor.  We work closely with the construction team to ensure that the project is moving along in the right direction.  During this phase we also stay closely in contact with the client to ensure that their design vision is being maintained.

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