1288 Design Process

We understand that every project is unique, and yours may require additional support or may not need every phase outlined above. This process will be tailored to suit your specific needs, and we will review each phase in greater detail, along with the anticipated timeline, during our initial meeting.

Phase One

Project Initiation


1

Discovery Session

2

Consultation

3

Accept Design Proposal

Phase Two

Design Planning


4

Schematic Design & Concept Presentation

5

Design Development

6

Finalize Design & Produce Documentation

Scroll Down for Additional Details

Phase Three

Project Support


7

Construction Initiation (Trade Day)

8

Site Reviews

9

Interior Styling

Process Details

A woman with brown hair sitting at a black table working on a laptop, with an open notebook and a pen in front of her, beside a window with floral curtains.

Step One:

Discovery Session

This is a 15 to 30 minute phone conversation where we will get to know each other and begin laying the groundwork for working together. We will discuss your project, and you will learn more about 1288, our process, and how we work.

Person holding a Benjamani Moore paint color sample fan deck with various shades of green and brown.

Step Two:

Consultation

This is an in person meeting where we walk through your space or review your new floor plans and discuss your lifestyle, goals, preferences, and needs in more depth. We will also review any existing ideas, challenges, and inspiration to better understand your vision and help shape the direction of the project.

Close-up of a laptop keyboard, a small wooden and white card, and a textured gray and black surface on a wooden table.

Step Three:

Design Proposal

Based on the information we gather at your consultation, a comprehensive and customized proposal will be made for you.  It will outline your goals, the project scope, design fees and estimated timelines.  {Additional fact gathering may be required before proposal is presented}

Living room and bedroom decor with neutral tones, wooden furniture, patterned rugs, a green wainscoped wall with hooks and baskets, a tall potted plant, a cream upholstered armchair, and a quilted bed with matching pillows.

Schematic Design & Concept Presentation

This phase is where the initial ideas begin to take shape. We explore layout options, overall direction, and the visual feel of the space through concept drawings, mood boards, and preliminary selections. Based on your input, we will create floor plan options that support your needs while optimizing the space and thoughtfully considering storage, traffic flow, and functionality. This presentation will also include mood boards to guide discussions around colours, fixtures, furniture selections, and the overall design direction.

Step Four:

A collage of kitchen and bathroom interior design materials and fixtures, including sinks, faucets, cabinets, backsplash tiles, lighting, and decorative accessories.

Design Development

Once a concept layout is selected, we begin refining the design in greater detail. During this phase, we work through the key elements of the approved design direction, which may include materials, finishes, fixtures, cabinetry plans, tile patterns, electrical planning, and other functional details. Selections become more comprehensive and tailored to your needs as the design is developed into a cohesive and well considered plan. These drawings include wall elevations, millwork details, floor plans, and any other documents to help clarify the design concept.

Step Five:

Top-down view of a modern bathroom with a bathtub, shower area, double sink vanity, and small windows for natural light.

We dive into more detail and finalize the design concept. We focus on selecting specific finishes, furniture, and create more defined drawings. These drawings include wall elevations, floor plans, custom millwork, and any other documents to help illustrate and clarify the design concept. By the end of this phase, the design concept will be fully created and most materials selected.

A detailed layout and specifications for kitchen cabinetry, including door styles, cabinet finishes, hardware, and placement diagrams.

3D Renderings

This is the phase where photo realistic renderings are created to help you visualize the space. We find this phase to be the most beneficial as it will allow you to get a feel of the space and if necessary, let you make some final adjustments before the project is built.

Architectural drawings and 3D rendering of a powder room bathroom, including elevation views, tiled shower floor, new shower configuration, and shower glass installation details.

Step Six:

Finalize Design & Produce Documentation

In this phase, we tie up any remaining details and prepare the final design documentation. Drawings, schedules, and specifications are organized to clearly communicate the design intent to trades, suppliers, and contractors, helping support a smoother implementation process.

A desk with construction plans, printed architectural drawings, and photo renderings of a kitchen renovation project.

Step Seven:

Project Initiation (Trade Day)

This step marks the beginning of implementation. A trade day or site meeting may be held to review the design with contractors, answer questions, and help ensure everyone is aligned before construction begins.

Laptop on a small table displaying a floor plan, surrounded by a backpack, a black bag, and office supplies, in a room under construction with unfinished walls and exposed electrical wiring.

Step Eight:

Site Reviews

While your project is under construction, site reviews take place during construction as needed to help confirm that the design is being executed according to specifications. This allows for clarification, review of progress, and support as questions arise.

Living room with a light blue plush armchair, two throw pillows (one beige and one dark gray), a small round wooden side table with a decorative white ceramic vase and a small white ceramic dog figurine, and potted plants in the background.

Step Nine:

Interior Styling

After your renovation or build is complete, 1288 will make all the arrangements for the delivery and installation of furniture, accessories, and artwork.  The final space will be a stunning reflection of your personality and ready to show off!

Get Started

Inquire With Us

If you’re ready to get the process started, you can submit your inquiry below and we’ll reach out to book your Discovery Session!