Design Process

Phase I

Documentation & Existing Conditions

Each project begins with a careful study of what’s actually there. Once we’ve discussed the scope of your project and formalized the agreement, we can conduct an existing-conditions survey of your home with measurements and images. From this survey we produce digital floor plans and baseline drawings. Project documents are created to keep the work organized and moving forward.

Phase II

Concept & Schematic Design

With the groundwork in place, we develop the design goals. Questions we consider include “What is the narrative of this home?” and “How does each room contribute to it?” We will talk about how you want to use the space, functional needs and design aspirations. What types of aesthetics are you drawn to? What should we avoid? We spend time understanding how your space can best serve you.

We work with reference imagery to establish a shared visual vocabulary, then translate that into a schematic presentation. Layout studies come next, which include furniture arrangements, circulation between rooms, opportunities for built-ins or focal moments. Explorations into fabric and finish samples with concept sketches or elevations for custom millwork can follow.

Phase III

Selections & Building the Collection

The concepts become concrete. Selecting furnishings is an act of curating a space. We examine proportion, materials, color, and how a piece will live alongside its neighbors. For each space we present options for the key items which may include upholstery, lighting, rugs, art, and objects.

Each approved piece is documented in a written specification noting dimensions, materials, finishes, and pricing. Decisions are made with full information rather than guesswork. The phase concludes with an updated furnishings list and project estimate, which encompasses a complete picture of what’s included, the costs, and which makers and vendors are involved.

Phase IV

Procurement

Managing complex orders across dozens of vendors is where EGC Design’s project management is most visible. Once selections are approved, we provide proposals for the new items with full specifications and pricing (inclusive of our markup, taxes, shipping, and insurance). Orders are then placed upon your approval and deposit.

From there, we track every item, monitor production timelines, and coordinate delivery, either to your home or to a receiving warehouse if the space isn’t ready. Once the shipment arrives, we condition-check every object.

Phase V

Installation & The Opening

Installation is the moment our time spent designing and planning is resolved into a finished space. We coordinate delivery, assembly, and placement of every piece.

Where custom work is involved like millwork and specialty finishes, we assist with estimates, coordinate contractors, and visit the site to keep execution aligned with design intent. We don’t act as general contractors, but we do provide the project administration that keeps decorative work on course. This allows us to flag issues early rather than discovering them late.

We finish with full styling, which includes unboxing, placement, packing removal, mirrors and art installed. You walk into a space that is cohesive and unmistakably yours.

Fees, Timing & Transparency

How this is billed

We believe that transparency is the foundation of trust. Depending on the project, we have different fee structures.

1. Structure 1. The three design phases carry fixed fees scaled to project size.
2. Structure 2. The three design phases are billed hourly, at a rate agreed upon at the commencement of the project.

Procurement and installation are billed as a markup on merchandise.

Because we receive trade discounts from many vendors, marked-up pricing generally lands near retail, with all logistics handled for you. Billable expenses such as travel, samples, and printing are tracked and communicated, and invoices are timely and itemized. The process is structured but not rigid.