Why the Discovery Call is the First Step to a Successful Interior Design Project

Over the next few months, I am going to share with you several articles about our interior design process here at Mountain Luxe Interiors.

You might wonder, “Why is she spending so much time on her design process and putting such a strong emphasis on this aspect of her interior design business? Why not focus on how pretty she can make my space?”

To answer that question, I need to tell you a story.

Several years ago, I left Portland Oregon where I was a full-time design-build remodeler, and moved to Houston. I started up my freelance interior design business in West Houston with a different business model than my remodeling business the years prior.

For this new design business, I wasn’t going to focus as much on remodeling projects but on more furnishings and decor.

I was so excited to sign my first design client after only a few months of marketing. They were a super sweet, young couple with a toddler and a wee little one on the way. They wanted a living room and dining room refresh.

“No problem! I can do that in my sleep”

The only problem was that I didn’t quite have my SOPs (standard operating procedures) down for my new business when I launched and very early on, things started to fall apart with this client.

Clear expectations weren’t set and I didn’t have a strong process for onboarding or getting the details down for the design agreement, and the final deliverables were not very clear.

This led to an end product that was lovely but riddled with struggle and frustration on both sides.

I vowed after that project that I was going to research, learn, and implement all I could about how to run an interior design project that was not only beautiful but a fabulous experience for the homeowner, me, and my team.

Our Interior Design Process

That is when I discovered the 9-step process I use today!

• step #1 - the discovery call

  We begin every engagement with a Discovery Call. During this 30-minute complimentary call, we work with you to determine your needs, desires, vision, and investment for your spaces.

  We answer any questions you may have about how to work with us as well as share a little more about our design process.

  Once we are done chatting, you will then be ready to schedule your in-home consultation!

• step #2 - the in-home consultation

  Prior to the in-home consultation, you will receive a client questionnaire via email which will help us get to know more about you and your family.

  We then use that information during our consultation where we walk with you through your home, learning about your vision and desire for those spaces.

  We will also provide design ideas, inspiration and solutions for you to DIY any of the areas you struggle with.

• step #3 - The Design Fee Proposal

  After the in-home consultation, we will then provide you with a design fee proposal.

  This proposal will include the estimated design fees required to provide the design work for all of the areas we discussed during your in-home consultation as well as our overall strategy to help you bring those spaces to life through our design expertise.

  Whether you need furnishings and decor, a full remodel, or you’re planning to build a new home, this estimate will include the fees for us to complete the design of your entire home or just some of your spaces. Whatever your design needs are, we are here for you!

• step #4 - The Design Phase

  Upon payment of your Design Proposal, we then get to work on the proposed design.

  While we are working on your new spaces, you are welcome to sit back and relax knowing that soon you will be presented with an outstanding design that will bring your spaces to life.

  You’re finally on the path to having your dream home!

• step #5 - The Design Presentation

  During this follow-up meeting, we will present the proposed interior design ideas we created during the design phase. We will discuss how these designs may affect your final investment and overall aesthetic.

  At this meeting, you will be able to provide us with feedback, potential change requests, and any other thoughts you may have about the design.

  It is during this meeting that things really start to coalesce, and everyone gets very excited at the possibilities of their spaces. This is one of our favorite meetings!

• Step #6 - Initiation of Trades

  This phase of the project is in conjunction with Step #7 ELEMENT PROCUREMENT and involves any work required by tradespeople to bring your project to life. This may include but not be limited to tile work, cabinetry installation, painting etc.

  Depending on your contract, these trades will either be managed by you or by our team at Mountain Luxe Interiors.

  At this step, your house is about to become a slight construction zone and can cause a lot of disruption so please exercise patience.

• step #7 - Element Procurement

  After our Design Meeting, we will go to work on making any requested changes to the initial design.

  Once we submit to you for final approval and receive payment, we will begin ordering all elements included in the final design.

  Mountain Luxe Interiors will warehouse all elements until all are received. We will then schedule the final delivery and installation date with you.

  Which leads to everyone’s favorite…Step 9 the Big Reveal!

• step #8 - Installation Day

  During this phase, all of our hard work and creative fun finally come together! This is when we install everything from your design concept. All of the furnishings are placed, we hang art and window treatments, place rugs and lamps, and stylize and stage your spaces.

  This is when the magic happens while you await your turn to see it all together after the chaos of the install!

Lantern Village Install Day- Mountain Luxe Interiors

step #9 - The Big Reveal

Finally, your day is here!

Once we have installed all of the design elements, performed any agreed-upon remodeling work, and completed the entirety of the design we have the pleasure of greeting you at the door of your home and showing you around your newly designed spaces.

This is the part that we ALL love and it makes what we do for our clients so worth it!

So, what are you waiting for?? Book your Discovery Call now!

All About the Discovery Call

There are a few smaller steps in between but this gives you a basic idea of what you can expect when working with Mountain Luxe Interiors.

In this article, I want to give you a little more insight into the Discover Call!

If you’ve explored my website, you will notice there are several places where I ask you to “book a Discovery Call”.

The reason for that is here at Mountain Luxe Interiors, our first opportunity to get to know you and have you get to know us a little better starts with the Discovery Call.

At Mountain Luxe Interiors, we aim to create a warm and welcoming environment right from the start, especially during the Discovery Call.

To kick off the call, we will ask you a few questions that will not only provide us with important insights into you and your project but also let you know that we are the design experts you need.

So, here are some things you can expect to answer to help us help you, let’s dive in!

Design and Project Details

Was there a particular project or picture that you liked most in our portfolio? Our portfolio showcases the incredible work we have done in the past, and we're curious to know which design resonated with you the most. Your response will help us better understand your style preferences and preferences for your own project.

Have you worked with an interior designer before? If not, don't worry, you're in good hands! We'll guide you every step of the way. However, if you have worked with a designer in the past, we'd love to know about your experience without necessarily knowing the specific designer involved. This will allow us to gain insights into what worked for you previously and find ways to tailor our services to your specific needs and preferences.

How did you learn about us? We'd love to hear about the different avenues that brought our name to your attention. We don't want to influence your answer, so please feel free to share your own unique experience.

Designer | Client Fit

At Mountain Luxe Interiors, we understand that finding the right designer | client fit is crucial. During these calls, we make sure to ask a combination of questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the project and your needs. Here are a few key inquiries we often explore:

Do you have a design deadline for completion of your project? Knowing the timeframe for completion is vital for us to assess whether we can meet your project expectations. By understanding your desired timeline, we can evaluate our availability and resources. This information allows us to determine if we have the capacity to deliver exceptional results within the specified timeframe.

What have you planned to invest in your interior transformation? By asking you what plan to invest, we gain important insights into your commitment and resources for the project. This allows us to align our services and recommendations accordingly and ensure we can create a design that meets your financial expectations.

Tell me a bit about your lifestyle and what you want to achieve with this design project/renovation/remodel?
Understanding your lifestyle is essential to create a space that truly reflects your needs and desires. By learning about your routines, hobbies, and preferences, we can tailor the design to enhance your daily lives. This question also gives you the opportunity to express your goals and aspirations for the project. Whether you seek to create a calming retreat or a vibrant social space, we want to gauge your vision and align our design approach accordingly.

After the DISCOVERY CALL

As we continue our design journey together, it's important to gather all the elements that inspire you.

Additional information we might want to draw out of you during or after this Discovery call will hopefully lead us to future engagements!

Picture this - we've completed the project, and you're stepping into your newly transformed interiors for the first time. The emotions that fill you at that moment are crucial for me to understand and replicate in the design. How do you envision feeling as you walk through your stunning new space, knowing it's been tailored exclusively to your desires?

Do you have a wish list or a collection of images on Pinterest, or Instagram photos showcasing your favorite design ideas? These resources will offer me valuable insights into your unique style and preferences.

While we value individual preferences, it's important to assess the involvement of other family members in the decision-making process. Are there any family members or loved ones who will also have a say in the design choices? Understanding the dynamics will enable us to create an environment that satisfies everyone's aesthetic taste.

Looking ahead, the next step is to schedule an In-Home Consultation.

This hands-on experience allows us to explore your home's potential and gain a firsthand understanding of your specific design needs. By conducting this review, we can reveal the full potential of your space and determine how it can be optimized to best align with your unique lifestyle.

We will explore the In-Home Consultation a little more in the next article.

At Mountain Luxe Interiors, we prioritize your vision and aspirations.

Each step we take ensures that your journey towards a perfectly tailored space remains seamless and delightful.

These questions provide us with crucial information to determine whether our expertise and services align with your expectations and needs.

By exploring both the project details and your desires, we can ensure a successful partnership and deliver a design that goes beyond your expectations.

So let's embark on this journey together and transform your space into something truly extraordinary!

Until then next time,

…be surrounded by beauty!
Christine