Our Process

The Design Process

At Gacek Design Group, we view the art of interior design as a balance of creativity and thoughtful guidance. The following overview of the Gacek Design Group Process illustrates what you can expect when partnering with us. Certain steps may vary as each project is unique in its scale and scope.

DISCOVERY PHASE

Pre-Meeting

  • Upon reaching out to Gacek Design Group, we will follow up with our introduction letter, process document, and a Lifestyle Survey.
  • The Lifestyle Survey is a brief questionnaire to help us understand how you live in your home: family members, entertaining and lifestyle needs, etc. It also helps identify your preferences in design, style, and color.
  • Consider your wish list items. It can be very helpful to share inspiration photos of rooms that speak to you. These photos have proven to be valuable in helping us understand your aesthetic and deliver personalized interiors.
  • Typically, a discovery call is scheduled with the intent to discuss the potential scope of work and GDG involvement.

Initial Consultation

  • This meeting can last anywhere from 1-3 hours and will be charged for the time spent.
  • GDG will tour the spaces and discuss potential plans, furniture placement, structural changes, millwork/cabinetry, color preferences, etc.
  • Identify your project time frame
  • Budget discussion
  • Outline expectations for each phase of the design process.
  • Photograph spaces to be included in the scope of work. A more in-depth survey will likely require an additional site visit, dependent upon your project needs.

DESIGN AGREEMENT

A design agreement is created based on the feedback from the Discovery Phase, it typically includes:

  • Scope of Work – what spaces are to be included in the project and what level of work they are to receive
  • Project Schedule
  • A retainer request will accompany the proposal. If you sign the proposal, the retainer fee is then applied to future time billing.

SCHEMATIC DESIGN / PLANNING PHASE

Once the design agreement is signed and the retainer received, we can begin the design process. This phase may include:

  • On-site surveying
  • Schematic plans and sketches
  • Measure & catalog existing furniture, art, etc. that may be used in the new space
  • Digital presentation of preliminary design concepts including schematic plans, inspiration pictures, signature design ideas, palette, etc.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PHASE

In this phase, we really delve into the design and start to take it to the next level. This phase may include the following items:

  • Continue developing plans / design drawings
  • Begin materials selections (i.e. flooring, tile, light fixtures, etc.)
  • Start Finishes sourcing (i.e. paint, wallcoverings, specialty finishes, etc.); order samples
  • Initiate the steps of creating custom window treatments, soft goods with our fabricator
  • Digital presentation of developed designs and plans; samples of selections will be shown if in-person; drawings shown to explain design

CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT PHASE

In this phase, the selections and plans are completed, and you can expect the following to occur:

  • Plans and detail drawings taken to 100% completion so that a contractor can price and build the project
  • Documentation of materials and finishes selections provided in the form of drawing schedules or reference documents depending on the scale and scope of your project

CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION

In this phase, we oversee construction to ensure your design comes to life as designed. Tasks include:

  • Review of RFIs/questions from contractor
  • Review of shop drawings and submittals
  • Create sketch drawings as necessary
  • Attend construction meetings & walk-throughs

PURCHASING & TRACKING

In this phase, which overlaps beginning during the Design Development Phase, we create proposals and place orders for specialty finish items and/or furniture & accessories. GDG will perform the following:

  • Create proposals for building related items that the contractor is not procuring such as decorative lighting and wallcoverings
  • Create proposals for furnishings, rugs, accessories, artwork, etc.
  • Once you approve the proposals and submit the stated deposit, ordering will begin
  • Communicate delivery dates and back orders
  • Track and coordinate deliveries to either GDG warehouse or directly to site

INSTALLATION

Once the contractor has their work completed, we will schedule a delivery & installation day(s). The following may occur:

  • Delivery of furniture, artwork, accessories, etc. to your home
  • GDG team members on-site directing movers for furniture and rug placement
  • Hang artwork and place accessories as planned
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