ABOUT

The first step to getting your project off the ground is having a consultation with Darren James or one of our qualified interior designers. During this stage we’ll assess the property, review and consult on house plans and discuss your project requirements in detail. Together we’ll establish your individual requirements for the space, determine the functionality of the room/s, discuss layout possibilities, aesthetics, your must-haves and your wish list. Following this, we’ll sit down with you to run through our 15 Step Process in detail, ensuring you fully understand how we work from beginning to end. By the end of the consultation you’ll have clarity on how to move forward with your design or renovation, regardless of whether you choose to engage with our services or not. 

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

In preparation of this briefing, you’ll receive an email from us that will assist you with the particulars. 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. At this time, we’ll also require a full measure and survey of the property. Following this, you’ll receive a Return Brief document via email outlining the items discussed and a summarised brief for the project for your review and approval.

This is the stage of the design process where we weave our magic into the development of the overall design concept, completely unique to your vision. As we get down to the nitty gritty details, we inject our appetite for exceptional design into the selection and preparation of each element leading up to the presentation. During this phase we’ll update you weekly on where we’re at with the project and ensure we relay and answer any questions or queries you may have.

This is without a doubt one of the most exciting and anticipated steps in the process. If you’ve gone ahead with our Room Design – Fixed Flat Fee Service, we’ll present a full design proposal in 3D at the Darren James Interiors studio.

This will allow you to visualise all architectural and design facets we’re proposing for your home or space. Witnessing your project in 3D will help you understand how your design is going to look, feel and function – and ultimately – the clearer you understand the design, the more comfortable you will be when it comes to making decisions.

A 2D Drawing package representing the technical aspects of the proposed design will also be presented, along with a full scheme of proposed fixtures, finishes and fabrics.

Any scope of works that falls under the Furnishing and Decorating – Hourly Service will be presented as a story board including accompanying samples, 2D floor plans and furniture layouts.

In terms of your feedback from the presentation, one round of revisions 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.

During this period, we’ll prepare all the necessary documents including detailed working drawings and schedules for the construction phase. 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’ll arrange a meeting with you to go through the plans once more, page by page, to ensure you understand all the finer specifics of the design. At this point, any selections that fall under the Furnishing and Decorating – Hourly Service will be documented to ensure the correct specifications and quantities for each individual item selected.

Once everyone is content with the design, the project is handed over by the design team to our Contracts Administrator who nurtures the project from a pricing and administration standpoint. For you this means another set of trained eyes is reviewing the project and scope of works in detail, ensuring nothing is missed. As a part of our detailed quoting process, if applicable, our Contract Administrator will organise trades on site to review the extent of works. At this time, you’ll also meet our Site Supervisor. Following this, procuring of all cost estimates from suppliers and trades is finalised. 

To engage our services for the construction works and commission us to carry out the project, we’ll require the completion of a QBCC approved contract, approval and sign off of all drawings and specifications, as well as an initial deposit of 5% to 10% depending on the total project cost. At this stage, we’ll discuss a proposed timeline for construction and coordinate the plan 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. For further information, refer to our full terms and conditions here.

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, the success of every project 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 and a Darren James Interiors site sign and banner will be displayed prior to works commencing.

Throughout the project, our experienced Contracts Administrator and Site Supervisor will be in regular contact with you to keep you updated with our progress on site. Forming part of the contract – and as the builder – we’ll coordinate all of the trades, ensuring a seamless work flow.

As required under the QBCC contract, on handover you’ll receive a Practical Completion Certificate. Any minor defects or minor omissions will be noted and agreed at the time of signing the Practical Completion Certificate. These will be listed on what is called a ‘defects/omissions document’.

During this phase, any nominated defects or omissions are addressed and rectified. Our goal is to ensure everything is absolutely perfect and you’re head over heels for your new home or space!

Behind the scenes, we’ve been tracking and expediting all the furniture items we’ve purchased. Each item is quality checked as it arrives. On install day (or as we like to call it: ‘Reveal Day’) all items are delivered to site by professionals with the installation being supervised and coordinated by Darren James Interiors. We take care of every detail including rubbish removal and final placement of styling elements.

Although the job is now complete, we value the work we’ve achieved together and will be sticking around for a little while longer. 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. 

Read more about our team

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 scope of work involved and the needs of each individual project. As a design and build 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 provide, and all conditions of our engagement are outlined in our detailed Design Services Agreement.

Furnishing & Decorating Service – Hourly 

Our hourly rate fee for furnishing and decorating services includes the sourcing, selection, pricing and purchase of furniture, soft furnishings, window treatments and the likes, and are charged at a flat rate of $225.00 per hour – with a min of 30 hours. Our services for the selection and specification of other hard finishes outside of the fixed room design fees for any new build is $225.00 per hour.

Furnishing Purchasing – 

Furnishings and accessories are sold to the client at no more than retail price (suggested RRP or market value). In the case where a retailer has a current promotion, sale pricing will be honored at the time of purchase. Any trade or wholesale discounts received by Darren James Interiors cover our time in assuming liability for the project and providing our seamless, experienced full service Procurement & Install services.

CONSTRUCTION PHASE COSTS

As Licensed builders (QBCC Lic.1197127), we carry out and oversee the entire build and construction process for all of our designs.As part of the briefing process, it’s important we establish a feasible budget before commencing any design work. From our experience, establishing this budget from the beginning ensures both parties are clear on the project goal.

All costs associated with the construction phase of the project are provided in a detailed quotation, and once the design has been approved, will form part of a separate QBCC approved contract where relevant payment schedule and terms will apply. Payments are scheduled against set project milestones.