OUR PROCESS

Every project begins with inspiration we gather from you about you and your lifestyle. We take this inspiration and carefully craft and translate it into your beautiful handmade kitchen. Each project is client-specific and a product of a design response to the client’s practical concerns, aesthetic desires, as well as the existing home’s heritage.

Our design process begins with an initial consultation at our showroom in downtown Birmingham. Here we will discuss project scope and review the layout of the existing space so plans are great, but rough measurements and photos are just as effective. We specialize in listening, and this design consultation is all about us beginning to understand your lifestyle, project intentions, wishes (dislikes too), and practical considerations. This is also the perfect time to bring in any inspiration images you’ve collected, and we will be happy to show you examples of work we’ve done that might touch on some of the attributes we’ve discussed. Based on this meeting, we will create a cabinetry estimate range for your project. When you are ready to proceed with designing your kitchen, we ask for a design retainer with a fee based on the project scale*.

After this initial meeting, we begin gathering measurements, whether this be from a home visit or provided architectural plans. We will spend the next 3-6 weeks developing a truly custom design that is unique to you and your home.

Next, we’ll invite you into our showroom for the design presentation and we'll share with you the renderings, plans and material palette for your home. We’ll also present the anticipated project timeline, as well as the quotation in a formal proposal.

Once the formal proposal is signed, the next phase is our technical development phase which typically takes 3-4 weeks, but may take longer depending on changes made throughout the process.  Additional client meetings will occur throughout the process to ensure everyone is up to date and the project goes smoothly. If the client does not have a contractor, we are happy to refer one that best suits the project. Depending on the project, our role can range from simply providing cabinetry, or we may stay onboard to assist with material and fixture selections, all the way through construction administration.

TO THE TRADE

We also love to work with designers, builders and architects! The general process remains the same, but will be adjusted as needed to best fit the project. Oftentimes a quick meeting or phone call in advance of the client meeting can be beneficial to cover the scope and direction of the project. Designers, builders and architects may be apart of the process as much or as little as they like - it is completely up to you! We work in an open and collaborative way and love what we do, we’d be delighted to be a part of your team!

SAMPLE DESIGN PROCESS IMAGES