The Jenny Martin Design Process
Our established approach guides our clients from a dream to reality
Onboarding
Let’s do coffee! Our process begins with an introductory consultation to get to know each other. We believe that the success of any relationship is grounded in strong communication, and we want to make sure that we’re the perfect fit for you. Please bring any background documentation that you’ve prepared to date; this may include architectural drawings, surveys, landscape designs, and contractor budget breakdowns. We’d like to hear your story, understand the “HOW” and the “WHY” with respect to your vision, and discuss the team you’re assembling, clear-sighted timelines and budgets. Whether we meet in person or virtually, we want you to leave with a clear understanding of what to expect in the months to come. A detailed proposal is provided, outlining our process and the fees associated with each phase, and will be provided after this initial consultation.
PROGRAMMING & PLANNING
We’ve decided to work together! Now it’s time to step into a deeper discovery meeting, where we structure the framework that the design will reference as it unfolds. Using your collection of ideas and items that inspire you – through photographs of your special collections, coveted possessions, and existing furniture and artwork, as well as your inspirational images, whether from magazine clippings or digital compilations - we’ll discuss how we can incorporate the things you love. We’ll explore your needs and wishes, passions and hobbies, and discuss the daily flow of your work and family schedules. This is the BEST time in the process for you to bring us your ideas and research, at the beginning, when ideas are germinating.
Design development & selection
As the design phase kicks off we start by fine-tuning your floor plan to determine your new home’s flow and functionality. Then, room by room we will present you with curated palettes alongside design sketches so that you can visualize how your room will feel when it’s all complete. Being able to touch and feel the perfect combination of materials alongside images of the respective light fixtures, plumbing fixtures and appliances for those rooms, all reflecting your design aesthetic. The artistry of selecting the perfect combination is made holistically and based on years of experience and knowledge, but our collaboration with you is key. To supplement our presentations, we may recommend visits to showrooms, especially for appliances and plumbing, so you can experience what we’ve come to know and love about the brands we recommend. Several client/designer meetings may be needed during this phase, depending on the size of project.
Construction drawings & Specification
You’ll be provided construction drawing and design specification packages to fully communicate your curated design to your builder and trades for tendering. Your final package includes the necessary floorplans, furniture plans, reflected ceiling plans, lighting layouts, elevations, detailed millwork drawings and sections as required to price and build YOUR home. Thorough design specification documents, including all materials, finishes, lighting, plumbing and their installation methods, are our mainstay, and part of the reason builders love working with us. Our connections to the construction industry are second-to-none, and we want you to benefit from our years of experience. We only recommend builders that are true craftsmen and that we know are trustworthy and meet the caliber of our clients’ expectations. If you’ve already assembled your team, we’ll collaborate closely with them to execute your vision.
Decorating & sourcing
Many of our clients continue from construction straight into the details for finishing their homes with the perfect furnishings, artwork and décor. In some cases we manage both construction design development and decorating simultaneously for a highly coordinated custom home. Other clients come to us exclusively for decorating – we’re thrilled to provide either. Similar to construction projects, we’ll sit down with you to determine your furnishings style, comfort desire, and desired quality level, as well as your needs in the space. From there you’ll be presented with furniture floorplans confirming scale and proportion, conceptual imagery to communicate the vision, and furniture recommendations. Once your approval for the design direction is received, we move on to sourcing specific fabrics, drapery and window coverings, furniture and décor, and provide you with quotes based on your custom selections. We place all orders, providing you with regular updates, then receive, inspect and store pieces as needed until you’re ready for installation. We consider ourselves to be in the business of providing turnkey homes, and being organized and detail-oriented is a hallmark of our work.
Set-up & installation
When the time comes, we coordinate the delivery and set-up of everything needed for your new home. Starting with large scale items such as furniture and area rugs, and directing the installation and placement of window coverings and artwork. Smaller lamps and tables are positioned while our professional stylists artistically balance and style your shelves. We live for the moment you enter your home and see your vision become a reality, in a house that perfectly reflects your style. This is home!
