New Construction Design Process
OVERVIEW || THE NEW BUILD DESIGN PROCESS
PHASE ONE: PLAN
Our initial meeting is the most important throughout this process, as we ask a number of relevant questions to help us understand your primary goals for the project and determine your desired aesthetic. It is vital at this point for the client to provide any inspiration images to ensure the Etch team has the client’s vision and goals at the forefront of their design.
PHASE TWO: DESIGN
Our second meeting kicks off with our initial design presentation. The client may see floor plans, concept boards and even finish samples. This is conceptual, and details will come later in the process. Based on your feedback, the design is refined and additional meetings will continue as needed. Feedback is crucial for the design team to move forward in the process. We collaborate with you, the architect, and the builder to ensure clear communication and direction of all design details.
PHASE THREE: DEVELOP
As design details are meticulously considered, customized specification documents are created at this phase for implementation in the field. Drawings are also finalized for submission to the city for approval.
PHASE FOUR: DELIVER
The design now starts to become a reality! We oversee design implementation and address any concerns in the field. We are in direct communication with the builder, assisting wherever needed. This phase always has exciting moments as progress takes place at the job site.
PHASES ONE & TWO || CONCEPTUALIZE & SCHEME
During these phases, the client provides inspiration images and direction which helps us to formalize the design concept. The builder provides an itemized budget for the design team to review.
Exceptional homes are the product of continuous collaboration and consistent communication between the architect, builder, engineers, landscape designer, Etch Design Group, and especially you. Typically, the team meets together several times during these phases to review initial concept drawings, inspiration images, project objectives and budget.
Each team member naturally approaches design in a slightly different way, which is why it’s so important to have a cohesive team and refine the elements together. The Etch designers are vocal and play a key role in giving recommendations, based on aesthetics and overall functionality.
Feedback is crucial for the design team to move forward in the process. After collaboration and feedback, the design concepts are refined and put into AutoCAD.
DETAILS || WHAT TO KNOW
Etch believes that the greatest value for our clients is achieved when we can work on a project from concept through completion, starting with architectural concepts and finish palettes all the way through furnishings selections and accessories staging and design.
Etch is in direct communication with the builder throughout the process to alleviate stress on the client and assist in design decisions. We have been through this process countless times and can provide invaluable feedback and suggestions through all stages of construction.
During the construction phase, It is imperative for the client and/or builder to communicate with the design team when unexpected changes happen at the site. This will help to keep us informed when timelines have shifted, or when there are frustrations due to construction issues or setbacks. We find that there are always unexpected issues that arise in every project which my require alterations, and the Etch team is here to help ease the burden and keep the construction team moving forward smoothly and efficiently.
PHASE TWO || DESIGN CONCEPTS
Our online collaboration tool provides a way for us to gather inspiration, sources, and selections. Etch shares their vision and ideas, and the client is able to quickly and efficiently provide feedback to finalize the design. In between meetings, the client is notified of comments made to the concept board so that communication continues throughout the entire process.
Finish samples and color palettes are presented in-person, and these meetings are typically held at the Etch Design Group office. The client may see samples of tile, paint, flooring, plumbing, decorative lighting, hardware, etc. For plumbing, decorative lighting, and appliances, our design team typically hosts a meeting at one of our local trade showrooms.
Etch Design Group continues to collaborate with the architect at this phase to make sure details are updated and coherent between all drawings.
3D computer-generated models are available upon request, and are an additional cost outside of our typical scope of work. In the event that the architect provides 3D models, we can work with the architect on supplying interior finish-out selections and concepts to make the model as accurate as possible.
phase three || details are REFINED
Specification sheets and detailed plans will be given to the contractor to minimize questions from the field. The client reviews them to approve design details and materials selections.
Detailed drawings show tile location and patterning, along with references to our excel specification sheets. From the supplier and size to the cost and cut, we aim to provide as much detail as we can about any product we are specifying.
PHASE FOUR || INSTALLATION
At this phase, all of the elements have come together and Etch is continually in communication with the builder, as directed by the client.
Furnishings and accessories are part of our turn-key offerings, and we are happy to provide you with a Scope of Services to assist you in that area as well.
We are passionate about our work and the people we work with. We strive to design beautiful, comfortable, functional, well-crafted spaces that lean toward the lasting over the trendy.
