ABOUT

During the consultation with Darren James or one of our qualified interior designers we will assess the property, review and consult on house plans and discuss your project requirements in detail. By talking with you we will establish your individual requirements for the space, the function of the room/s, discuss possible layout options, aesthetics, your must haves and your wish list. Following this, we will sit down with you and run through our 15 Step Process in detail to ensure you fully understand how we work from beginning to end. At the end of the consultation you will have clarity on how to move forward with your design or renovation regardless of whether you engage the services of DJI or not.  

Following the initial consultation we will present you with a Client Proposal Agreement which outlines the exact Scope of Works discussed in the initial consult. Once agreed upon this commissions us to proceed with the design. The agreement outlines the process and payment structure required to complete the project as well as the expectations of both parties.

Prior to the briefing meeting you will receive an email from us that will assist you in the preparing for the brief. During the meeting we will further establish your vision and key objectives for the design, as well as discuss project timelines and most importantly the project budget. We generally require a full measure and survey of the property at this time also. Following the briefing meeting you will receive from us a Return Brief document via email outlining the items discussed and summarizing the brief for the project for your review and approval.

This is the stage of the design process where we work our magic and develop the overall design concept which is completely unique to you. A lot of work is done in this stage behind the scenes as we get down to nitty gritty of selecting, designing and preparing every single element ready for the presentation. During this phase we will continue to update you every week on where we are at the project and ensure we relay and answer any questions or queries.     

This is without a doubt one of the most exciting and anticipated steps in the process . If you have gone ahead with our Flat Fee Room Design Service, in the studio we will present a full design proposal in 3D allowing you to visualise all the architectural and design elements we are proposing for your home or space. Seeing your design in 3D will help you understand how your design is going to look, feel and function and ultimately the more you understand the design, the more comfortable you will be when it comes to making decisions. We will also present a 2D Drawing package that represents the technical aspects of the proposed design and a full scheme of proposed fixtures, finishes and fabrics.   

During this meeting we note any changes you would like to make. One round of revisions incorporating your feedback from the presentation is allowed within the fees quoted, provided that such revisions do not require work exceeding or altering the original scope of works defined in our agreement.

Preparation of documents including appropriate detailed working drawings and detailed schedules for the construction phase are carried out. This is not a quick process nor should it be rushed. We need to ensure that every detail is outlined and clear on the plans for our trades during both the pricing and construction phase of the project. In our experience, the more detail we provide the better the execution of the design. At the end of the documentation stage, we will arrange a meeting to go through the plans once more page by page to ensure you understand all the finer details of the design. 

During this phase, any selections that fall under the Furnishing and Decorating – Hourly Service will be documented in a detailed specification to ensure the correct specifications and quantities for each individual item selected.  

Once everyone is happy with the design, the project is then handed over by the design team to our Contracts Administrator who looks after the project from a pricing and administration stand point. This is yet again another set of trained eyes going over the project and scope of works in detail to ensure nothing is missed. As a part of our detailed quoting process if there is any trade work involved our Contract Administrator will organise trades on site to review the scope. At this time you will also meet DJI’s Site Supervisor. Following this, procuring of all cost estimates from suppliers and trades is completed. 

To engage our services for the construction works and commission us to carry out the project we require completion of a QBCC approved contract, approval and sign off of all drawings and specifications as well as an initial deposit of 5-10% depending on the total project cost. At this stage we will also discuss a proposed timeline for construction and to co-ordinate the project from start to finish.

All furnishings selections will be priced separately as they do not form part of the construction works / QBCC contract. A deposit is required before placement of orders. Refer to our full terms and conditions here

Ultimately every project’s success comes down to impeccable organisation. It requires careful planning, attention to detail and effective communication. Our experienced Contracts Administrator looks after all of the planning including scheduling and ordering. 

Our site team ensure everything is coordinated and ready to go. The site is professionally prepared, protected and made safe in order for the construction work to commence. Darren James Site Signs / Banner will be erected prior to works commencing.   

Our experienced Contracts Administrator and Site Supervisor will be in regular contact with you throughout the project to keep you updated with our progress on site. Forming part of the contract and as the builder we co-ordinate all of the trades and all construction work ensuring quality is maintained and the seamless flow therefore minimizing disruption.

Practical completion completion means the point where all building work is complete, except for any defects or omissions which do not prevent the home from being used for its intended purpose. In other words, if the unfinished items prevent the home from being “lived in” then practical completion could not be deemed to have occurred.

As required under the contract, on handover you will receive a Practical Completion Certificate form. Any minor defects or minor omissions will be noted and agreed at the time of signing the Practical Completion Certificate then these will be listed on what is called a ‘defects document’. The list must state by when we will be addressing these items. Both you and our Darren James Interiors

During this phase any nominated defects or omissions are addressing and rectified as per our nominated completion date. Our goal is to ensure everything is absolutely perfect and you are in love with your new home!

Behind the scenes we have been tracking and expediting all furniture items being purchase, Quality checking them as they arrive and coordinating the installation date. On install day (or as we like to call it – ‘The Reveal’ all items are delivered to site by professionals and supervised by Darren James Interiors. all items are set up and placed and all unpacking and rubbish removal occurs.  

Whilst the job may be now complete, we will still be round. Six months following Practical Completion, Darren James Interiors will carry out a maintenance service at your home. This service is at no charge to you. Of course if you have any issues we would be happy to assist and would love to hear from you. 

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Initial Consultation Fee $375

Our initial consultation fee for a two hour on-site meeting where one of our qualified interior designers will discuss the scope of work and explore the project capabilities is $375 (Including GST).

Room Design Service – Fixed Flat Fee

Our fixed room design fees start at $5,500 (Including GST) and are calculated on the size, scope of work involved and the needs of each individual project. As a design and construct firm providing a full circle service, our room design fees are simply a base fee, charged at a cheaper hourly rate ($110.00 per hour) and do not reflect ownership or transfer of copyright. Details of the services we provided and all conditions of our engagement are outlined in our detailed Design Services Agreement (as per the Design Institute of Australia guidelines) so you know exactly what to expect from us throughout the process.

Furnishing & Decorating Service – Hourly 

Our hourly rate fee for furnishing and decorating services includes the sourcing, selection, purchase and installation of furniture, light fittings, soft furnishings, window treatments and the like is charged at a flat rate of $225.00 per hour – with a minimum of 30 hours. Our services for the selection and specification of other hard finishes outside of the fixed room design fees including paint schedules and flooring options for any new build and/or renovation is $225.00 per hour. Once we have received your brief we are happy to provide an estimation of hours to complete your project if required.

Furnishing Purchasing – 

Furniture & furnishings are sold to the client at no more than retail (suggested retail or suggested market value). In the case where a retailer has a current sale or promotion, sale pricing will naturally be honoured at the time of purchase only. Any wholesale and trade discounts that are received by Darren James Interiors cover our time in assuming liability for the project and providing our experienced full service Procurement & Install services. This ensures a seamless and coordinated install which is managed completely by our experienced team.  All orders for interior furnishings and products purchased through Darren James Interiors will be priced separately. 

CONSTRUCTION PHASE COSTS

All costs associated with the construction phase of the project will form part of a separate QBCC approved contract and the relevant payment schedule and terms will apply. Payments are scheduled against set project milestones, so you can rest knowing that the design work won’t proceed without your approval.