The design process and services

We believe that a design for the most part is served as a solution to a problem.  Problems within our habitats, either commercial or residential, could be of functional, contextual, to aesthetics in nature. As a design company, we strive to tackle problems with thoughtful, precise, and holistic approach, and we make sure that the journey with our clients, from project conception to completion, would be an enjoyable and rewarding one. 

Each project begins with good listening.  From the initial meeting or first conversation, we listen to the clients’ needs and concerns, understand the context, identify the challenges, then we establish project priorities, definition, direction, and boundaries.  We then perform necessary research, analysis, and if necessary, collaborate with engineers and consultants, and eventually come up with a few possible solutions and designs to the problem. 

Design Development (DD) and Contract Documentation (CD) phases usually involve tweaking the design based on client’s comments and elaborating on design details. We then will start preparing construction drawings, coordinating with consultants, working out different aspects of project details, providing final specifications and schedules for bidding.

For a project when a co-op / condo board package, Department of Building package or permits are required, we will coordinate with the building management and building department officials, attain necessary approvals to move the project forward. In addition, we will provide project administrative services that include assisting clients in bidding process, overseeing construction, procurement of materials and furnishings, and decor-styling.  

For new development projects, we work closely with developers and marketing/sales teams throughout the process to create a unique product that captures the essence of the project.