Thinking of working with AJC Design? Hiring a professional hospitality interior designer can be a big decision. Who do you hire? How long does the process take? How do you evaluate proposals? With nearly 20 years of industry experience, AJC Design brings seasoned expertise to turn your vision into a reality. We have a proven process and more importantly, a proven track record in the industry. To shed more light on the process, we’re breaking down the process we use with our clients into five distinct phases.
Phase 1: Concept Design
We start off each project with the Concept Design Phase. This is where we build the design narrative. We sit down with the client to understand their needs and define the scope for the project and in some instances we even start the preliminary budget. The phase concludes with a formal presentation of images to support the narrative and ensure that there is alignment on the scope and general direction. This narrative will act as our design handbook, guiding us throughout the entire project.
Phase 2: Schematic Design
After the concept is client approved, our team works behind the scenes to identify colors, materials, lighting, furniture, and even surface finishes to bring the concept to life. This phase is very visual and also includes a presentation with renderings and a discussion with the client to further ensure alignment. Based on the client’s feedback, our team will revise the presentation deck to reflect the approved design direction.
Phase 3: Design Documentation
The third phase of our process builds upon the previous two phases. In this phase, we prepare more detailed design documentation, including floor-to-ceiling architectural blueprints and an initial furniture, fixture, and equipment (FF&E) document plan. What is important to note is our services include interior design only and we consult with other contractors involved in construction and engineering. The highlight of this phase is creating specifications for the model room and distributing them to the client, so they can start to see what the project will look like in real life.
Phase 4: Construction Documentation
Phase four goes much deeper than phase three when it comes to the tiny details. AJC Design is meticulous about the details and we go through many internal reviews to ensure that we can present the client accurate estimations of what will be ordered, who it will be ordered from, and how much materials and items actually cost. In addition, construction drawings and matrixes are finalized. This is the most important phase as it precludes the actual build.
Phase 5: Construction Administration
The final phase of the process is where the magic happens. AJC Design works in collaboration with the client’s desired purchasing agent, construction team, and anyone else who touches the project, to actualize the installation of furniture, materials, fixtures and colors. We share product samples and do regular site visits during the process to ensure the interior finishes are coming out as specified and more importantly, to a high quality standard. Construction time varies depending on scope.
One thing that sets AJC Design apart is our transparency. We work within your budget and clearly outline all service costs in our scoping document. If you’re new to the process, take a moment to consider the kind of design firm you want to partner with. If you value working directly with the owner and prefer frequent, personal communication, a boutique firm like ours is likely the right fit. Most importantly, never hesitate to ask questions. Don’t assume; clarity is key. A good design firm should explain every step of the process. After all, you’re not expected to know it all—that’s why you hire professionals: to guide you through the journey!