how we do it /
With the success of our lifestyle showroom ARMAZEM.design, we wanted to take our knowledge and expertise and connect further with our clients through interior design.
Thus was born Studio A.d, an in-house interior design practice combining our years of experience with a timeless aesthetic, where we fully work on spaces unique to our clients with their desires and goals at the forefront.
Our ethos is design with the client, not for the client.
We engage, we listen, we invest. And we share our knowledge and expertise throughout the process.
workflow /
1 / alignment
The first thing you should know is that, no matter how big or how small your project is, the professional relationship with your interior design studio will be long-term. Most firms jump into programming; however, we recognize the importance of getting to know each other on a human level before any work is done. We invest the time to get to know our clients in the first meeting, what their goals, aspirations, tastes, and importantly, their concerns are. And we open our studio so they can get to know us — who we are, what we do, how we do it, and why we do it.
Here we deliver: a preliminary project schedule and our design fee proposal.
2 / programming
Also called Conceptual Development, in this phase, we establish the overall theme of the project and lay out the strategy to accomplish the client’s goals. Our work is concentrated in three areas. One, in-depth client consultations to establish the design direction, to refine the scope of work, and to align the budget. Two, project exploration, which includes a comprehensive site survey, evaluation of existing conditions, measuring, and other relevant information about the project site and the location. Three, creating the project concept.
Here we deliver: the project concept presentation and a report of project discovery.
3 / schematic design
We start designing the client’s spaces based on the approved project concept, employing different tools and methods that, in combination, create the project's “schematics.” Schematic design includes photorealistic renderings of spaces, mood boards, preliminary floor plans and elevations, preliminary product specifications, and budget estimate. The goal is to clearly present how our design meets the client’s project program and goals.
Here we deliver: renderings, preliminary drawings, mood boards, and a budget estimate.
4 / development
While in the schematic design phase, the focus is on the aesthetics of the project, in design development, we bring in a strong focus on the technical aspects. Here, we further detail the design based on the client’s feedback from the previous phase and start working on detailed drawings. We start by developing drawings for bidding with contractors, which will later be further detailed into complete construction and shop drawings. We also complete the project specifications and ensure that the design meets building codes and regulations, and required local construction permits.
Here we deliver: a full set of drawings, project specifications, and final budget.
5 / implementation
In this phase, we’re moving from the planning stages into execution. It starts by selecting the vendors, suppliers, and contractors. Next is procurement - we send orders to the selected vendors, and confirm lead times. We are now able to fine-tune the schedule and start planning the build-out phase, followed by product installations, furnishings, and styling.
6 / fine tuning
After the build-out and installations are completed, we do a thorough evaluation with the client and produce the punch list to be shared with every vendor and contractor involved. This phase is not only a determination of everything that needs to be corrected, but also it is the first time that the clients are interacting with the final product; it is an opportunity for “fine-tuning” our work to achieve the client’s expectations.
7 / turnover
Also called project closure, this phase marks the completion of the project. We ensure that all items in the punch list are resolved and the clients have received the project documents, such as product warranties and manuals, maintenance guidelines, and contact information of contractors and vendors. We conduct a post-project evaluation with the clients as well. We believe the project doesn’t end here, and this is why we don’t call it project closure, but rather the true project beginning, as we love to stay in touch with our clients and continue to be a resource for their home living well-being.
our services /
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Our holistic approach allows the flexibility to work on a wide range of project size and scope.
From full to partial residential remodeling, to working in partnership with an architectural firm on the interior design for a new construction, we apply the same design methods and complement our services with product procurement and construction coordination.
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Maybe you just want to remodel your kitchen, but quickly you are faced with the challenges of having to put all pieces of the puzzle together.
We are a one-stop-shop for kitchens, bathrooms, wall units and custom built-ins, including appliances, stone, flooring, lighting, fixtures and accessories
In addition to complete product solutions, we provide the installation services for a turnkey experience.
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Part of our ethos is to improve people’s quality of life through interior design, and that doesn’t necessarily mean tearing things up and building new.
We offer design consultation to assist you in determining the scope of work needed to achieve your goals.
In addition to space planning, we offer design services for product selection, furnishings, art curation and interior styling.
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Commercial spaces, in their essence, aren’t that different from homes - they are environments created for people to be in.
We take our sensibility from designing homes and combine it with our technical knowledge to create human-centric spaces.
Our focus is on designing small boutique offices and retail spaces.
FAQs /
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The main difference between them is that a design-build firm provides in-house construction services, while interior design firms work with third-party contractors to execute their projects.
We are a cabinetry and millwork design-build firm, meaning that we provide a one-stop-shop experience for most partial residential remodeling projects.
We operate as an interior design firm on full home renovations, new construction and commercial interiors.
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Yes and No.
Yes, if you decide to use our design+build services. The main reason is that our staff is fully trained to design and install our preferred vendors’ products, such as appliances. This way we can provide competitive costs and seamless execution in a one-stop-shop operation.
And No, in all other projects that we are engaged as the interior design firm. In this case, we also present you the products from our preferred vendors, but we also have trade accounts with a vast list of vendors and we’ll work with you on selecting and bidding with the most fitting vendors for your project.
Still in doubt? Please drop us a line or ring us and we’ll tell you all about it so you can confidently choose the best format for your project.
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In most cases, yes. We can provide a “rough” budget based on some initial estimates and allowances. While this is a non-binding budget, it will give you a sound number to correlate with your budget.
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The short answer is yes, but there are certain criteria related to scope of work and local project management. We would love to hear about your project, please reach out to us and we can discuss the best format to execute your vision!
More questions? Please contact us and we’ll tell you all about it so you can confidently choose the best format for your project.