how to start the design process
When starting the design process, I always follow the same set of steps. This ensures that every project (for clients or myself) flows the same and that you cover all of your bases. There are many ways the flow through the design process and this is just the method that works best for me.
step 1: assess needs
Before doing anything, it is so important to understand the needs and goals of the project. Are you wanting to maximize your space, make your space more inviting, establish a better flow, etc. Defining these goals and needs allows you to prioritize what is important. Keep these needs / goals in a spot that you can reference later down the line. If you’re struggling to make a decision, experiencing scope creep, etc. these goals will help give you direction and help you refocus (and maybe even save you a little money).
step 2: understand the parameters
Once you have your needs / goals established. It’s important to understand the parameters of the space. Now what exactly does this look like? Do you want to add a bathroom, but don’t have space to do so? That may require an addition or sacrificing space from another area. Understanding these parameters and how they align with your goals is important in setting realistic expectations of what is attainable for your project.
One of the most under-loooked aspects of this process is understanding the key characteristics of the existing space. For example, if you have a victorian house, you want to not only respect but celebrate the features that make your house special. Try to be mindful of these elements when thinking about your project.
step 3: visioning
Now that you have your needs and parameters figured out, the next is to start the visioning process. Compile a board of images of spaces that you like that are similar to yours. I like to do this in pinterest. Tip: Pinterest lets you categorize your images into folders. This can be super helpful to stay organized! Once you have 20-30 images saved, take those images and do an in-depth dive into what you like vs. what you don’t like about each one of them. I like to compile all of this information into one PDF to reference later down the line.
step 4: develop a vision board
The last step before you start into the full design development process is to assemble a vision board. This is a one page collage of materials, lighting, key details, etc. I try not to put too many images of overall space pictures on this board. It then becomes hard to not copy exactly what someone else did in their space (that’s plagiarism in the design world, FYI!!) This board gives direction for pulling specifications and serves as a guide when needing a direction on a specification.
From here, you’ll be ready to start on the design development phase (assessing the plans, elevations, and specifications) of your project. Drop a comment below to let me know if you have any questions!