What To Expect From Your Design Consultation - Hospitality/ Commercial
The Design Consultation is a critical first step to kicking off your next Commerical or Hospitality project. Knowing what to expect will allow you to prepare so you and your designer can make the best use of your time!
Understanding Your Space
A typical Commercial or Hospitality Consultation starts with a phone call. You can expect this intro call to last about 20 minutes and be centered on gaining a general idea of what your project goals are. If the project is new construction, typically the architect will already have a drawing set and will send this to me so I can review it. On occasion, the client might want me to look at the floor plan so I can do the space planning! This would be typical for a restaurant or smaller space such as a tenant improvement.
Next, we set up a time to meet in person!
If it’s a remodel or tenant improvement for a space that is already existing, I will typically meet you at the space where we will do a walk-through. You can expect to answer questions about your space to help determine the scope and project goals. For example, if it’s a restaurant, is it fast and casual or high-end sit-down? If it’s a wedding venue, what type of environment do you want? How do you want the space to feel? What type of clientele are you looking to bring in?
New & Existing Furniture
What will we be taking into the newly designed space? Will you be financing furniture? Do you have an existing relationship with a furniture dealership that we need to take into consideration before specifying pieces?
Branding & Design Palette
In Hospitality and Commercial Design, it is important to consider current brand standards. Is this a chain? Do you have existing brand standards, or can we do something new or unique? If there aren’t brand standards or you are rebranding, are there local features that are unique to your area that we could design in the space? If you are rebranding, do you have a graphic designer that we can work with? Often new clients will be rebranding while they work with us. If this is the case, we can work with the graphic designer who is doing the rebranding to design the space. We will also discuss the psychology of the food (for restaurants) and different design palettes and how that will weave into the space.
Budget
For Commercial and Hospitality projects, price per square foot is typically how the price point is determined. Talking budget can feel scary but it is a critical topic to avoid miscommunication and discord. What’s your construction budget for this project? Are you hoping to add a furniture package? If so, what is your ballpark budget for the furniture? At Eden & Co, we pride ourselves on fiscal transparency and sticking to the budget you agree on with your designer. We will never agree to a budget that is unrealistic only to disappoint and frustrate you with a bigger number than you were expecting. A frank conversation about the project budget during your design consultation can save significant heartache in the long run.
Introduction To The Design Process
Finally, Eden will go over the design process with you. Once you understand the process, you’ll have all the information you need to decide if our studio is a good fit for your project. Once you say yes to design services, you’ll know exactly what to expect every step of the way. Don’t worry, someone from the team will update you regularly via email about the stage your project is currently in so you know just how things are progressing. To get a head start and learn about the design process in depth, check out our BLOG POST!
Design consultations are a very exciting kickoff for your next Commerical or Hospitality design project! Eden loves to learn all about your hopes for the space and then make them a reality. So, book a consultation today! We can't wait to hear from you.
XOXO,
Eden Stringham