What to Expect
The Design Journey: From Inception to Completion
Embarking on a design project is a significant investment of time, emotion, and resources. At Design By Alicia, we have refined a professional lifecycle that honors your vision while maintaining the rigorous project management standards required to bring that vision to life. Below is the step-by-step roadmap of how we transition from an initial idea to a beautifully finished space.
Phase 1: Discovery & Viability
Every successful project begins with a conversation. This initial phase is designed to ensure our partnership is a perfect fit for your goals.
1. The Initial Inquiry Call
Our process begins with a brief, high-level phone conversation. During this call, we discuss the "viability" of the project by exploring three critical pillars:
Needs: What is the scope of the project? Are we looking at a single-room refresh or a full-scale renovation?
Timing: Does your desired completion date align with our current studio calendar and the typical lead times of our artisan partners?
Budgetary Expectations: We engage in a transparent discussion regarding investment. This ensures we can guide you toward the right tier of service—balancing your desire for high-impact aesthetics with long-term quality.
2. The In-Home Consultation
Once viability is established, we meet in your space for a deep-dive discovery session. We analyze the architectural flow, lighting, and daily rituals of all "stakeholders" in the home to create a comprehensive project brief.
Phase 2: Conceptualization & Design Development
This is where your story begins to take shape through a creative and strategic lens.
3. Design Strategy & Presentation
Leveraging over 20 years of experience, we develop a cohesive design plan. This includes spatial layouts, material specifications, and a curated color and textile palette. We present these concepts to you through material boards and visual renderings to ensure our visions are perfectly aligned.
4. Sourcing & Procurement
We tap into our deep-rooted network of local artisans and suppliers to source bespoke furniture, built-ins, and unique finishes. For our "Furnishings Facelift" clients, this is where the curated pieces that define your home are selected and ordered.
Phase 3: Implementation & Management
The "business" of design happens here, where our background in marketing and management ensures a seamless execution.
5. Project Liaison & Contractor Coordination
For large-scale renovations (Tier 3), we serve as your professional advocate. We coordinate with contractors, architects, and tradespeople, ensuring the design intent is maintained and the technical details are handled with precision.
6. Site Supervision
We perform regular site visits to monitor progress and address the complexities that inevitably arise during construction. This oversight ensures that the project lifecycle remains on schedule and on budget.
Phase 4: The Final Flourish
The final step is what transforms a house into a restorative sanctuary.
7. Installation & Styling
The journey concludes with the "turnkey" experience. We oversee the delivery and placement of all furnishings, followed by professional styling and accessorizing. We manage the final layers of art and decor to ensure that when you walk in, the space feels complete, calm, and uniquely yours.
8. The Handover
We walk through the finished space together, ensuring every detail meets our high standards and your absolute satisfaction. You are left with a home that is ready to support your lifestyle from day one.
"A cohesive home is the result of a disciplined process and a creative heart."
Alicia is a dream. She is always there when I need her and sometimes, I think she knows me better than I know myself. When she says she will help me with a job, she doesn't put me on hold, she is right there and follows up immediately. Her choice on what I like is almost uncanny. Very seldom do I say no to what she chooses. When I do, her next choice is pretty much spot on. My house is my dream; with the help I received from Alicia. I can't think of a place where I would rather live. The home is ME! Thank you Alicia!
Jackie M,
Alicia has an incredible eye for design and a talent for creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. Every room feels thoughtfully curated, and we constantly receive compliments from friends and family.
Tim B.
Working with Alicia on the interior design of our new home was an exceptional experience from start to finish. Her creativity, attention to detail, and ability to bring everything together exceeded our expectations. She worked well within our budget and guided us through each step of sourcing and installation with professionalism and clear communication, making what could have been an overwhelming process feel easy and enjoyable.
We are so grateful for her expertise and highly recommend Alicia Holmes to anyone looking for a talented, reliable, and genuinely wonderful interior designer.
Shelly B.