Interior Design | Interior Architecture | Spatial Planning |
Designing around people, not convention
THE PROCESS
Every Making Spaces project over the last decade has been different - as unique as the clients themselves. A creative process is never entirely linear, so writing a step-by-step guide is near impossible. However, there is a framework. One thing that does remain consistent is that each project begins with an initial consultation:
Initial Consultation - Understanding You & Your Project
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a two hour meeting is arranged with you at your home or new property. Here I find out more about you, your family, what you're trying to achieve and to discuss your brief, budget and timescales in more detail
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if we both feel we're a good match and you're happy to proceed, a working agreement is sent to be signed before moving on to Stage 1 of the design process or Spatial Planning.
Stage 1: Style Direction & Exploration
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working with you on a dedicated, private online board, the collated images begin to inform the direction of the design
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annotated moodboards are created along with floor plans showing the suggested layout
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another meeting is scheduled where I present initial ideas and we discuss in more detail
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there may be some amendments to make and follow up work required at this stage, but once we are all agreed on the overall style direction, we are able to move onto Stage 2
Stage 2: Visualise & Touch
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developing the chosen concept to a complete design, this is presented in the form of 3D CAD drawings, video walk-throughs and fully rendered room images. An absolute must for those who struggle to visualise
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physical finishes and samples presented giving you chance to see and feel them in the space
Stage 3: Detailed Design & Technical Drawings
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development and design of any bespoke items (joinery, art, soft furnishings etc.) may require additional meeting time with you and specialist trades
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checking the logistics and feasibility of the new design with contractors
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technical drawings - floor plans, elevation drawings and plans for first fix plumbing and electrical including lighting plans
Stage 4: Schedule & Procurement
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once designs and specifications are agreed, a detailed schedule of items is produced
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we place orders with suppliers on your behalf. Invoices are sent directly to you, and payment is made directly to the supplier — we don't process or hold funds for goods at any stage. This means you retain full visibility and control over what's being ordered and when
Stage 5: Implementation
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site visits are recommended throughout the process in order to react quickly to and solve any unexpected issues.
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we offer project co-ordination and support rather than formal project management — we help translate the design into something your contractors can build, attend site visits, and keep communication flowing between everyone involved. All contractors and suppliers are engaged and paid for directly by you.
"I've never seen a designer with so much detail and specifics to a job. Every detail is covered like it's your own home. I take my hat off to you. Never seen this depth before."
Colin Horsfield - Pro-Fit Electrical
Stage 6: Project Sign-off & Photography
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snagging
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interior styling, hanging artwork, positioning family treasures
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project sign off
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photography
C. Davidson, Collingham
Right from our first meeting she took time to really understand how we, as family, live and what we needed from the planned extension to our house. She came up with so many ideas and suggestions we would never have thought of - like using a small upstairs area to house a laundry area with washing machine and dryer (to avoid endless trips trailing washing up and down the stairs). Such a fantastic idea and one I am grateful for every day!
C. Finch, York
We initially met on a colour consult for the hallway and after a cuppa and me moaning about our kitchen, she persuaded me the way to go was to put off the decorating and knock down a wall in the kitchen instead! This was a bit of a shock but after some discussions we went for it and the end result is amazing. The space has been totally transformed and it makes a difference to our family every single day.
L. Simpson, Embsay
Working with Making Spaces on an extension, ground floor remodel and total refurb of our three bed property has been fantastic from start to finish. From the very first chat about the architects’ plans (and a subsequent change which has transformed the space) to the finishing touches, Karen has been invaluable.
SPATIAL PLANNING - Assessing the functionality of your existing or planned space
Most of us live in houses shaped by habit, convention or someone else's idea of family life. We rarely stop to ask whether they really suit the way we live today. Spatial Planning is ideal for those who are about to undertake a renovation or building project. Throughout this focused piece of work we analyse and stress-test your current layout or architectural plans, the benefits of which can be enjoyed for years to come.
“We initially approached Karen looking for advice regarding a new kitchen to go within a proposed 2-storey extension to our house. We took along our architect's drawings. Immediately Karen could see several areas within the drawings which didn't make sense, didn't make best use of the available space and which would cause great frustration to us living there. We agreed to leave the drawings with her to try and work out a better layout. What she came back with blew our minds. Karen managed to put herself inside the drawing and walk around visualising all aspects. She asked the right questions to get to know what would work best for us and our family. She then talked us through her proposed layout in such a clear, logical manner that it was easy for my husband and I to visualise it too. We are so, so glad we approached Karen before any building work had started! Karen has likely saved us from a completely inappropriate and frustrating extension.”
S. McIntyre, Leeds
