The Process

How do we get started? Good communication is the recipe for creating beautiful work spaces.  The design process is a two way street.  Our experienced designers will ask you many insightful questions in order to make suitable recommendations.  Your initial experience will be further enhanced if you have magazine photos or clippings you’ve kept as inspiration photos for your project. Whether your need is creative design and quality cabinetry, moving walls, adding an addition, or some other involved construction requirement, we are licensed and insured. Design is more than setting cabinet boxes around one’s room — it’s a deliberate and thought out process.

Step One:  Let’s Meet

Let’s make an appointment to meet at your home (if you are remodeling) or at our showroom in the Michigan Design Center (if you’re planning new construction, have blueprints, or rough measurements). Tell us your goals … your needs and desires. During this initial interview, we’ll discuss a myriad of topics, ideas, and make suggestions.  While in your home, we will cover function, aesthetics, and budgetary issues.  We’ll measure and take digital photos of your kitchen, and areas necessary for your proposal.

Step Two: Conceptual Design Presentation

We’ll meet at our showroom for a presentation where we will discuss the ideas created for you and your kitchen.   We’ll discuss cabinetry, counters, appliances, flooring, electric, plumbing, and almost everything associated with your kitchen project.  During this meeting we’ll also go over a preliminary budget.

Step Three: Design Engagement

The design engagement is a simple agreement between us outlining that we will provide and complete a detailed set of plans for your kitchen and/or project.  In exchange for our time, experience, and resources, you will compensate us a specified dollar amount relative to the size and complexity. Our design fee is based on a per-square-foot amount.  Many projects can have this fee applied toward the purchase price of the job.

Step Four: Design Presentation

Your views and feedback will be very important at this meeting.   We’ll review and select cabinetry, door style(s), wood specie(s), specie grade (s) and finish to give you a comprehensive quote.  Appliance requirements, make and models, along with counter surfacing and sink equipment options will be discussed and solidified.

Step Five: Formal Plans & Pricing

When all the design requirements have been satisfied and selections made, your designer will present you the formal design plan and elevation drawings. Final selections will be made at this time with regard to cabinetry and appliances. Counter surface color selections may be done at this time or at another meeting.