Inside the Mind of VRD
We all know someone so gifted that the things they create truly inspire us and leave us wondering “how did they do that?”
Most people feel this way about architectural design. They can see the space as it is but can’t envision what it could be.
- What is it that an interior designer does?
- How can they “see” the finished space before it is a reality?
We’re going to walk you through the steps that VANROOY goes thru, from the first spark of an idea to the final client presentation.
The Process
Creating beautiful spaces is all part of a process. By knowing the possibilities you can envision the outcome, but to fully visualize the end result, we spend a lot of time researching, developing and carefully creating the identity of the project. We call it “branding.”
We start by looking at the overall building to determine the best layout and usage of the space. We also discuss with the client the project requirements and parameters. Once we know the “problem” we can work through the design to create a solution.
When the research and layout start coming together, we firm up the design by creating a floor plan with the basic walls, built-in cabinetry and loose furniture.
From Furniture Block-outs to the Real Thing
Next we comb through the design library in search of the perfect materials and furniture pieces. All designers have a design library which is their “go-to” resource for material samples, furniture, lighting, and plumbing and hardware catalogs. This database makes life simpler. By having everything in one place we can pick out most of the items that will go into the finished space. Of course there are always showrooms to visit, but for the most part the design library is where it’s at.
While we’re picking furniture and materials out we lay them side-by-side to see how everything would look together. This is the beginning of the presentation and material boards that will be presented to the client.
Mind the BUDGET!
The sky is not the limit when it comes to design, the budget is. That $30,000 private dining room table that looks perfect will probably not make the final cut unless the project has a $100,000,000 budget.
Design choices are always made with the budget in mind. We spend money on the most important features, the WOW factors, and keep the cost on the less noticeable stuff to a minimum. For example, do you have a sofa and sofa table you want to buy? We’d advice that you spend on the sofa, the item that everyone will see and use, and save on the sofa table ( it gets hidden behind the sofa anyway).
TIME TO PRESENT
Once the floor plan is laid out, and the furniture and materials are selected, it’s time to put the presentation together. Material boards, colored 11”x17”prints and PowerPoint presentations are the norm for an interior designer.
From here the design becomes much more understandable to the client. From the original spark of an idea to the presentation . . . no fairy dust is needed. These are the tools we use to show our vision and seek approval.
How do we do it? With lots of hard work, brainstorming, finding inspiration and defining a concept . . . all of which becomes “behind the scenes – magic”.
What’s a concept you ask? Well . . . that’s a designer’s secret! Fairy dust included.
Christine + Jerry
