The Shape of Things : Issue 2

The Shape of Things

issue no.2

This week we look a little into one of our favorite parts of the process- defining the design concept.

Concept:

Your Design Story

What is a design concept?

A design concept is essentially the story that conveys + connects the intent + objectives of the client’s space with the user’s experience. It is the guiding principle that keeps the designer authentic in their architectural, finishes, lighting, + furniture decisions.

Why is it important?

A concept allows the client + the designer to stay aligned in understanding the true design + user experience they are aiming to achieve. It keeps them on the same team, aiming toward the same goal.

Is this a universal approach?

Well, we all work a little differently. Unfortunately, we’ve seen this process diluted if not completely removed in many firms in the name of efficiency. However, we view Concept as an absolute necessity. We know that creating a strong design story allows us to plan better layouts, select better materials, + always make decisions based on what is most aligned with the vision, not simply because we like it.

The concept keeps us honest + focused.

How does a designer create the concept?

Again, we all work a little differently. For us, the approach is highly collaborative with our clients and works the same for commercial + residential projects. We spend time getting to know our clients, their business or home, along with all their hopes + dreams.

Here’s a sneak peek at a portion of our process…

Visioning

Discover you + your highest aspirations
Define business / lifestyle goals
Define ideal / target customer
Understand how you want your customers / guests to feel when they enter your space + when they leave.

Fun fact, we always start with a game of “Would you rather?”- it loosens things up + gives some fun insight into our clients’ preferences + priorities.

Wanna play?

Would you rather have one very long fingernail (like reallllllllly long) or a single long nosehair (like realllllly long)? And no, you can’t alter either one!

Submit your answer below + we’ll share the anonymous results next week!

SUBMIT

Imagery

Our approach to imagery is abstract. Our goal is to get as much information from our clients as possible during our time together. While many designers use photos of other spaces, we zoom out + focus on the “why?”.

We have found that when clients look at other interior spaces, they get hung up on the small stuff. We help our clients get out of their own way so we can uncover how they respond emotionally to materials, shapes. scale, + other design elements.

Some of our favorite image types to show are…

High fashion - runway / editorial
Contrasts in materials (hard + soft, rough + smooth)
Various nature scenes
Various types of artwork (sculpture, paintings, etc.)

Want to learn more about our process or anything else?

Let’s Connect!