Design Process

Phase 1

Consultation

I believe in creating spaces that are as practical as they are beautiful and designed to achieve a more marketable property for the short- or long-term objectives. I will start with an in-person or virtual meeting for me to learn the scope of the project, your budget, your project timeline, and what functionality you want to keep or change about your home.

Phase 2

Design

I will provide an estimate quote and if you want to move forward, we will get a retainer agreement in place and then I will send you a design questionnaire. Once I have all the information needed, which can include your inspiration photos, Pinterest ideas, mood boards, etc., we will have a kick-off meeting to discuss your preferences and goals for the design concept.

From there, we start with the layout and design concept direction to create the best efficient layout to make the most of the space potential in terms of use and aesthetics while considering the budget, characteristics of the space and the style desired. Then, I will bring the layout to life with design boards and renderings that include options for color palettes, fixtures, finishings, furniture, etc. (depending on what’s needed).

Once the design concept is approved, you can set out on your own to bring the design to life or you have the option to enter a pre-construction phase with me.

Phase 3

Pre-Construction

During this phase I will produce a finish schedule for you. This includes selecting, sourcing, purchasing, and procuring all design materials that will bring the approved design to life, i.e., appliances, stone, tile, flooring, paint, lighting, plumbing, hardware, window treatments. I have a trusted group of tradespeople I work with for simple makeovers and if a general contractor is needed, I am also able to offer introductions to a select group of general contractors with whom I have a track record.  And I will be available to assist in the review of pricing details, translate trade terminology, and make clear what is included and/or what isn’t in your general contractor’s proposal.

Phase 4

Build-out

Hiring me to also oversee your GC managed build-out can be extremely beneficial in many ways. For starters, when I oversee the management of the design build-out phase you can rest assured there will be no misinterpretations of the design concept you approved. If you decide you want help during this phase, I provide two ways to work with me:

  • I am your advocate and day-to-day contact with your general contractor throughout the build-out phase. My responsibility will be to help intercept and solve questions in the rough-in stage of construction and supervise that the work is being done to specification, to make sure the designs are on track. This includes getting everything to the site that needs to be there for construction to begin, weekly quality assessment site survey walks, check-in with the tradespeople to make sure finishes are correctly installed and working with your general contractor on issues that come up.

  • You will be the day-to-day direct contact with your general contractor, and I will be available based on an hourly fee structure to consult with you to help when/if there are design questions, troubleshooting construction pain points, providing POV, etc.

  • “We love it!”

    Client – San Francisco, Twin Peaks

  • “Amazing, at budget and one week early. Thank you!”

    Client – San Francisco, SOMA

  • “Hi Thecla, we’ve been loving putting our beautiful kitchen to use and hosting!!”

    Client – San Francisco, Presidio Heights

  • “Our leasing agent advised the kitchen remodel is why we were able to raise the rental rate up to market value after our long-term tenants moved out, THANK YOU!”

    Client – San Francisco, The Marina

  • “I develop properties for a living, and I could never get our primary figured out and you did it in one week, WOW.”

    Client – San Francisco, Richmond District

  • “Thecla, thank you for your patience and guidance! We are truly happy in our new home because you have made it beautiful and reflective of our vision.”

    Client – San Francisco, Presidio Heights

  • “Thank you, again. You are banking a LOT of good karma for this one.”

    Client – Tiburon Belvedere

  • “Thank you for working so tirelessly and patiently with us as we worked through so many different design options. We are so happy with our new home.”

    Client – San Francisco, Noe Valley

  • “We were initially a 'hard no' to open an exterior wall but so thankful we followed your guidance. The view will be our “money shot” when the time comes to put the home on the market.”

    Client - San Francisco, Noe Valley

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