You are thinking of contacting a designer but before you do, you’d like to have a bit more info on what a designer will do for you. Below is a summary of what we do. Not every studio runs the same way but generally - it’s all below.

The designer will create the overall vision for your space and place. We will listen to everything you have to say about what you want, ask questions, then ask more questions to get a clear understanding of who you are, what you want, how you want it, when you want it and why you want it.

Once the look and feel is agreed, a designer creates a design concept which then becomes a design plan. We generally include and source all the details that make the project special and customized to you. If your designer is like Studio 1NINE1, the designer can also design custom millwork, structural features like doorways, stairs, fireplaces, closets and custom furniture, lighting, storage, etc. With a landscape designer you get all this plus planting plans, pools, stone, steel, a/v, etc.

While a designer’s job is robust, there’s more to be done and that’s in COLLABORATION with other professionals.

Contractors are a key element in the project as they are the ones executing the plan. They control the labour budget and they also are the project managers for the project itself. (By project manage we mean the contractor runs the job site’s scheduling and timing of various trades under their direction). Contractors are also generally hiring and responsible for the various trades such as tile, paint, electrical, plumbing, planting, excavating etc.

There’s also architects and engineers, who can / will likely be a part of the process. Engineers and architects are technical experts when it comes to by-laws and building codes while also possessing specific knowledge on the safety and useability of some elements. They can play a small or large role in your project, depending on its scope.

A designer should be the person who leads the overall vision of your project and specifies the elements to bring it to life. They collaborate with other specialists who are responsible for their parts, finishing in a job that you’re happy (thrilled), with.

That’s it, in a nutshell. Now drop us a line and let’s talk about your space! Click here