Process
We love creating projects that reflect our clients' unique personalities and lifestyles, and we value clear communication at every step of the way. To do this, we follow our tried-and-true five-phase process for every project, whether we’re working on an interior decor refresh, interior design, a remodel, or new-construction.
1. Programming
During our initial interview, we discuss your design goals for your project, including the pros and cons of your current space. We establish your budget, scope of work, and your ideal timeline. Next, you provide inspiration images of rooms or objects that reflect your preferred aesthetic and style.
2. Schematic Design
At this phase, we examine every aspect of your project and present you with our initial ideas for achieving your design goals within the determined parameters. More specifically, we develop the style concept, visit your property to measure the existing space, draft initial floorplans, and curate preliminary selections of finishes, fixtures, and furniture. We’ll set up a meeting to show you these initial ideas so that we may further edit based on your feedback and preferences.
3. Design Development
After your approval of the Schematic Design concept and layout, we proceed with developing the full design by finalizing options for finishes, fixtures, and furniture. Depending on the scope and size of the project, we may meet with you several times to present the further refined selections and drawings. We guide you through this process starting with the items that have the largest impact, working down through each individual detail. We also further develop the layout, then move onto elevation drawings, cabinetry drawings, and lighting plans.
4. Construction Documents
More than just floorplans, we will also present drawing of lighting plans, switching plans, elevations (how things like lighting, artwork, window treatments, etc. are placed height-wise within a space), and cabinetry. Once you approve the Design, we finalize all construction documents and begin purchasing items. The final drawings include specific details for all tradespeople and vendors so that our design plan is executed as intended. When requested, we act on your behalf in obtaining estimates from contractors as needed.
5. Contract Administration
During construction and while you wait for your furniture and decor to arrive, our goal is to lead our you through what is often a difficult and disruptive process. We advocate on your behalf if problems arise and make sure that your needs are met. We assist in the creation of a construction punch list and/or oversee the installation of your furniture, art, and accessories.
DESIGN Services
Interior Decorating
Furniture, art, accessories, lighting, and window treatment selection for private homes, condominiums, apartments, new construction, or commercial projects.
For each decor project, we begin by working with our client to develop a custom concept based on their personal style and that of the space. We source all of the furniture and decor pieces necessary to complete each project and present our recommendations at a design meeting with a scale drawing of the proposed furniture layouts, including elevation drawings to understand how pieces (including artwork, lighting, and window treatments) relate height-wise throughout. After all items are approved, we begin the purchasing process and oversee shipping, tracking, and final installation.
Remodel Interior Design
Redesign of interior home layout and built-in items, including the selection of all construction finishes, plumbing, and lighting as well as the creation of AutoCAD construction documents.
With our remodel projects, we curate all of the design details and draft the necessary drawings and documents for contractor bidding and construction. Once you have approved of the Schematic Design—with all of the finishes, fixtures, and appliances—we assemble a complete construction packet so that you may solicit contractors to bid your project, as necessary. After receiving the construction bids, clients select their preferred contractor and Michelle Dirkse Interior Design acts as the go-to for all design-related questions that may arise throughout.
New Construction Interior Design: Commercial and Residential
Design of cabinetry and built-in items, plus the selection of interior finishes, plumbing, and lighting as well as the creation of AutoCAD construction document details.
By partnering with your preferred architect and/or contractor on your new construction project, we draft the remaining details needed for the construction of your residential or commercial project. We select all of the interior paint, counters, tile, flooring, plumbing, lighting, and appliances and draft these into your construction plans. As construction proceeds, we act as the point team to address any questions. We are also available to check in on the project to ensure that it is built as we intended and as you approved. See behind the scenes of a commercial new construction project here.
Michelle Dirkse Collection
Artistic fabric and wallpaper by the yard, as well as custom rugs, furniture, accessories, and artwork.
Through collaboration with local and international artists, Michelle has created an all-new, one-of-a-kind collection of decor items and wall coverings focused on scale, pattern, and texture. Each pattern is made from original artwork that embodies the talent of the artist behind the design. Clients and designers can shop the collection online or in the showroom, regardless of whether or not they’re working with our firm on one of the above design services.