Learn more about how we work
Our Design Process
When Kinder provides full design services, we follow a design process that we have refined over the years, which reflects industry standards as well as the RIBA Plan of Work used by architects. Every project is slightly different so might require an adaptation of this design process, for instance depending on whether or not you also have an architect appointed. Read on to discover in more detail how we work through our projects.
Phases of our Design Work
Phase 1 - Refining the Brief
(equiv. RIBA stage 0 & 1)
Our work can involve:
• Signing Letter of Agreement
• Setting up project folder and paperwork
• Instruct and oversee measured site survey
• Outline briefing with architect and other consultants
• Refining our client’s design ambition, issuing client questionnaire
• Refining a comprehensive brief: refining cost, time, size, and scale of project
• Identifying and researching likely project team / collaborators
Estimate 1-2 meetings:
• 1 site meeting
• 1 design inspiration meeting (online or in person)
Phase 2 - Design Concept
(equiv. RIBA stage 2 & 3)
Our work can involve:
• Ongoing discussion of design precedents & inspirations with client
• Space planning – initial floor plans & furniture layouts
• Extensive design research – books, online, showroom visits, phone calls to suppliers
• Creating design concept mood boards for each space
• Defining a colour palette for each space
• Sourcing material samples needed to create physical mood boards
• Generating ideas for any bespoke joinery or furniture (FFE) required
• Creating any initial elevation drawings required
• Refining budget, review likely tender package & purchasing list
• Confirm contractors to tender for the project
• Deliver revisions needed, as agreed
DESIGN CONCEPT OUTPUTS
• Floor plans showing indicative furniture layouts
• ‘Look & Feel’ mood boards for each room
• Colour palettes for each room
• Physical materials mood board
• Sketch drawings for any bespoke joinery required
• Draft project budget
Estimate 2-3 meetings:
• 1-2 ‘direction of travel’ zoom calls
• 1 Design Concept presentation
Example of a ‘Look & Feel’ moodboard
& colour palette
Example of a floor plan showing indicative layouts & final room scheme
Phase 3 - Design Development
• Create full drawing pack ready for contractor to commence work, to include: Demolition plans Lighting plans & electrical drawings Elevations & detailed design drawings for any bathrooms, kitchen & joinery Bespoke joinery elements Paint Schedule
• Finalise product specification for all Hard Finishes & input into purchasing document
• Finalise product details for all furniture & input into purchasing document
• Gather/create all necessary pro forma paperwork ready for payments
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT OUTPUTS
• Document pack ready for contractor to commence work, to include:
• Lighting plans & electrical drawings
• Paint schedule
• Any elevations & detailed design drawings for joinery
• Master sourcing document with all information and costings for Hard Finishes and Furniture (FFE) to purchase
Estimate 4-5 meetings:
• 1-2 contractor site visits
• 1-2 in person presentation meetings
• 1 additional meeting TBC
Phase 3 - Design Development
(equiv. RIBA stage 4)
Our work can involve:
• Create tender pack & oversee tender process on site with 2-3 contractors
• Identify and oversee any other paperwork/ information needed (Structural Engineer, Party Wall, Building Control, any other specialist)
• Ongoing review of project budget
• Ongoing liaison with architect or any other design consultants
• Resolve design detail for any joinery, bathroom or kitchen detailing
• Deliver any design revisions needed, as agreed
• Set up Furniture (FFE) / Hard Finishes purchasing document
Phase 4 - Procurement
(equiv. RIBA stage 5)
Our work can involve:
• Create purchasing account for client funds
• Purchase approved final list of Hard Finishes and Furniture (FFE)
• Input purchases into Reconciliation document
• Oversee deliveries to client or consolidation company
• Get items checked as they arrive for defects
• Sort any returns or faults, as they arrive
• Settle up balance and return any excess funds to client
• Invoice client for handling fee
No meetings
Phase 5 - Overseeing the Build (equiv. RIBA stage 5)
Our work can involve:
• Client support & liaison during build process (Acting as Project Coordinator and NOT Project Manager)
• Ensure CDM, health & safety is met on site
• Ensure design intentions are met throughout the build stage by checking all the small details on site
• Respond to contractor questions
• Finalise/adapt design decisions that may well arise once on site
• Purchase any additional items that might be required during process
Site meetings could be as much as weekly
Phase 6 - Installation & Aftercare (equiv. RIBA Stage 6 & 7)
Our work can involve:
• Overseeing furniture installation (delivery to site & unpack/install)
• Resolving any snagging issues
• Providing care and maintenance guides
• Styling & photographing the space if required
• Ensuring full handover and happy client
Estimate 1-2 site visits
“Working with Leo and her team was an absolute joy. She listened carefully to the many requirements of the room and took on board my personal preferences to create a space that just works in ways unexpected and delightful.”
Rachel Thompson, Client