A Look Inside Our Thoughtful Design Process

There’s something incredible about a beautiful, personalized home being built on a once-empty lot. Transformational before and after renovation images are just as moving. While we all may love feel-good home project TV shows, they often portray the process of building or renovating inaccurately. In truth, getting from start to finish is a well-planned journey with a variety of moving pieces.

Today, I’m sharing an in-depth look at our thoughtful design process and its intricacies.

Phase 1: Exploration

Discovery Call

Your home journey begins with a complimentary discovery call with me. This is when we’ll explore your vision and discuss your project’s scope, timeline and investment. This conversation is also an excellent opportunity for us to gauge if we’re the right fit for each other. If we’re ready to move forward, we’ll schedule your in-person meeting.

In-Person Meeting

During our in-home meeting, we assess your original space if you are renovating. If you are building a new home, I review the architectural plans sent by the builder prior to our on-site meeting and walk you through the design process. We look at specific examples including visuals that help put things into perspective for you. We discuss your goals, your story and your lifestyle that will shape and influence your home. 

This meeting helps us better understand each other and allows us to assess our compatibility—after all, a home project can span 6 months to a year, so synergy is key for an effective, trusting relationship.

After our meeting, you’ll receive a custom proposal to retain our services and begin your project.

Lifestyle Information

Once you’ve signed the contract to work with us, we’ll ask you to complete a detailed lifestyle questionnaire. This in-depth series of questions uncovers your likes and dislikes, lifestyle, routines, and aesthetic preferences for your home. We also ask you to share any inspiration photos or personal treasures that you’d like incorporated into your design. 

The information you share with us, along with the existing floor plans, will help guide the direction of your personalized home.

Important Preparation Tips

Remember that open communication is essential. The most successful projects are ones where honesty and clarity are present from the start. Feel free to voice any concerns or expectations, so we can find the best solutions.

We also advise engaging with us at least 6 months before your renovation or new build to ensure everything is in place for a smooth project. When we have adequate time to plan, we can create a thoughtful interior that will support you for decades to come. We are not a quick turnaround, cookie-cutter design firm, and no two projects are alike. Your home project deserves time and care.

Phase 2: Design 

Moodboard

Once we’ve gathered all the necessary information, we carefully curate a moodboard that captures your essence and individuality. This gives us both a visual foundation and ensures that we’re on the same page before diving into the details.

Comprehensive Design Plans 

From there, we begin creating technical drawings, custom millwork designs, finish selections, furnishings, and 3D renderings. Every element ties back to the original moodboard, bringing your vision to life with clarity, precision, and personal meaning. The goal is to ensure the design not only looks great but works functionally for your everyday life.

We then present the comprehensive design through photorealistic renderings and actual finish samples proposals for your review, adjustments, and final approval. Every detail is accounted for, ensuring your confidence in the design, minimizing change orders, and establishing a clear and straightforward plan for the builders.

The video above shows products of our process for our recent Giraldo project powder room design, including the moldboard, concept sketches and finish selections, plans and elevations, and 3D renderings.

Phase 3: Oversee

Sourcing 

Once the design is approved, we handle the sourcing of all materials, furnishings, and details, ensuring they meet the highest standards. We’ll track every order, inspect each item on arrival, and store it safely until it’s time for installation.

Construction Coordination

The process of bringing your dream home to life can be a complex one, but you need not lift a finger. We take the reins completely and coordinate with our trusted partners to oversee on-site progress. As a direct result of our well-organized, meticulous technical drawings and detailed finish and furnishing selections, our contractors and builders are able to execute the design easily and with precision. Your home is brought to life flawlessly, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the process.

Phase 4: Reveal

With our white glove delivery service, our team will expertly install and accessorize your home for your enjoyment. Once finished, we invite you to your own personal reveal that is certain to produce a jaw dropping reaction. It’s a priceless experience and one that we treasure dearly. Finally, we celebrate together with a housewarming party to mark the beginning of your exciting new chapter at home.

A Luxurious Experience with Emora

Our thoughtful and organized process has time and again yielded breathtaking results while giving our clients a first-class experience from start to finish. We love nurturing trusting and lasting relationships with our incredible clients, and I firmly believe that our honest communication and desire to exceed expectations is what allows those relationships to flourish.

Each project is rooted in our guiding principles of trust, craftsmanship, and attention to detail, ensuring that your home is meaningful and truly celebrates your individuality.

If you are ready to experience our process and the awe-inspiring results that await you at the finish line, I’d love to connect with you. Reach out to us here, and let’s begin the conversation.

Warmly,

Radhika