HOW WE WORK

The first step in 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, wish list and proposed budget. Following this, we’ll sit down with you to run through our 10 Step Process in detail, ensuring you fully understand how we work from beginning to end.

Following the initial consultation, we’ll present you with a Letter of Engagement which outlines the exact Scope of Works and design fee structure for our design services.

In preparation of this briefing, you’ll receive an email from us including a pre-briefing questionnaire to assist us in gaining further information about you and the project. 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 bespoke design concept, completely unique to your vision and property. 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.

Presentation – 

Following this is one of the most exciting and anticipated steps in the process. If you’ve gone ahead with our Concept Design – Hourly Fixed  Fee Service, we’ll present the initial design concept at the Darren James Interiors studio. A preliminary scheme of proposed fixtures, finishes and fabrics will be presented by the designer as well as 3D renders for our construction projects. 

Any scope of works that falls under the Interior & Decorating Design – Hourly Service will be presented as a story board including accompanying samples so you can ‘touch + feel’, as well as 2D floor plans and furniture layouts.

We provide ONE round revisions and ask that your feedback is shared at the the one time so that we can make these edits as efficiently as possible.

Follow this meeting we will discuss moving forward to a feasibility/ budget estimate to ensure the proposed design is in line with a project budget to what you are wanting to spend.

During this period, we tweak the design where needed to ensure everything is just right! We’ll then prepare all the detailed working drawings for the construction phase. Throughout this process we ensure that every detail is outlined and clear on the plans for our trades during both the pricing and construction phase of the project. 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 finalised design and plans, page by page, to ensure you understand all the finer specifics of the design and will allow ONE round of revisions as included in our flat design fee.

At this point, any selections that fall under the Interior & Decorating Design – Hourly Service will be documented to ensure the correct specifications and quantities for each individual item selected.

Once everyone is happy with the design and documentation, the project is handed over by the design team to our Project Manager and Procurement team who nurtures the project from a pricing and execution 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 tendering process, if applicable, our Project Manager will organise trades on site to review the extent of works. At this time, you’ll also meet our Site Supervisor.

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.

Following this, procuring of all cost estimates from suppliers and trades is finalised. 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.

Ultimately, the success of every project comes down to impeccable organisation. It requires careful planning, attention to detail and effective communication. Our experienced Project Manager and Procurement Team look 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 Project Manager and Site Supervisor will be in regular contact with you to keep you updated with our progress on site. As the builder – we’ll also coordinate all of the trades, ensuring a seamless work flow.  Our team of trades have been working with us for over 15 years and we know and trust the quality of their work and it is for this reason that our business model is based on all workings being completed by out team. We also handle all their insurances and ensure all compliance obligations are up to date.

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 our procurement team have 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, as well as any defects that need addressing.

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 $395*

Our initial consultation involves meeting with one of our qualified interior designers to discuss the scope of work and explore the project capabilities. *Travel fees may apply. 

Brief & Schematic Design  – Hourly Fixed Fee

Our hourly rate fee for preparation and presentation of look and feel board including briefing, schematic drawings and perspectives, preliminary selections and furnishings including mood boards. This phase of the project is charged at a flat rate of $240.00 per hour (inc. GST). Scaled 2D floor plans for furnishings layouts only.

Design Development & Documentation – Hourly Fixed Fee

Our hourly rate fee for development, documentation and pricing phase of the project is charged at a flat rate of $140.00 per hour (inc. GST). As a full service firm our fee for this service is charged at a cheaper hourly rate and does not include ownership.

Tendering / Pricing Phase – Hourly Fixed Fee

The project is handed over by the Design team to our Project Manager and Procurement team 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. This phase is charged at a flat rate of $140.00 per hour (inc. GST).

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. Where no trade or wholesale discount applies a 15% handling fee will be added.

Design Only 

We often work with our clients in collaboration with architects, building designers as well as other builders. Providing the project is the right fit for our company, we can offer a design only service. Fees for this service are quoted and are based on the level of intellectual property that is required to be handed over for the scope of the project.

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.