My Design Process

My process is much like other designers, however I tend to immerse myself in whatever aesthetic or style I am currently working with to a level I’m not sure some are comfortable with. The best projects are always the clients who I know the best. For example, If I am designing for a friend, I know the ins & outs of their daily life, the nuances, where they like to travel, their favorite foods, what they listen to & how they like to unwind.

I approach every project like this and try to uncover as much information as I can about the client to deliver a customisable and deeply personal result. This all stems from my client questionnaire and the intake process. Some examples of these questions would be- what song do you picture yourself listening to in this room? Where is the most favorite place you have visited in the world? Favorite hotel. Etc. Who would your dinner guest choose to be dead or alive?

All of these questions allow me to dive deeper into the clients unique personality vs just asking a list of favorite colors. This allows my imagination to tap into many different realms and shows the client that I am engaged with them on a personal level, after all this is a personal endeavor to let a stranger into your home and trust them to create a space that you will reside in day in & out. With all businesses, a level of professionalism must be maintained, but my advice is to have fun with it. This immediately disarms everyone and shows we are on the same page working towards the same goal.

Here’s a deeper look into the four layers that shape every project I create.

1. The Soundtrack

Every project begins with a playlist. Music is how I slip into the client’s world – how I uncover what they want to feel when they walk through their space. The playlist becomes the heartbeat of the design, guiding tone, texture, and mood.

2. The Word Weave

Next comes a free-flowing brainstorm – an intuitive exercise where I write every word that surfaces when I envision being in the space: enticing, grounded, inviting, electric. These words anchor and shape the intention behind every design choice that follows. 

3. The Gathering

Then comes the mess. I gather inspiration from everywhere – pulling books, magazines, Pinterest boards, fabrics, and small objects to create a flat lay that captures the mood. This phase is tactile and visual: it’s where textures, colors, and materials start to converse and imagination comes to play. 

4. The Storyboard

Finally, all the layers come together in the storyboard – the narrative of the design. This is where I bring the client in to experience the story unfolding visually, align on direction, and make any final tweaks before the vision comes to life.