At Zimmerman Interiors, we understand that starting a design project can feel daunting. From budgets and timelines to selecting the right finishes, the process is filled with unknowns. That’s why we’ve developed our signature 15-step design process—a proven, step-by-step approach that simplifies every part of your journey from initial phone call to final details.
Whether you’re redecorating one room or designing an entire home, we’ll guide you through each phase with clarity, organization, and expert support. Depending on the scope of your project, you may not go through every phase—but no matter the size, you’ll always know what to expect.
Here’s how we make transforming your home easy, stress-free, and enjoyable.
Our 15-Step Process is made up of 3 Simple Phases.
DISCOVER + DESIGN + IMPLEMENT
Everyone Starts Here: Discovery Call/Client Inquiry
Schedule a discovery call with us to get the ball rolling on your project. Whether you are looking for Full-Service design, you’re a DIY’er or you dont know where to start, we will help you navigate best next steps in your design project. We will also explain what it’s like to work with us and how we can take transform your space to fit your needs in an easy to understand, stress- free way with transparent pricing that makes it easy to understand.
Price: $0 (Free)
Phase 1: Discovery (1-2 Weeks)
Step 1: Design Consultation (1-30 Days)This is always after the discovery call.
• If we feel like we may be a good fit to work together we will move to step 2 which is a paid in person consultation. We meet on-site for a 2- hour session to dive deeper into your objectives. During this time, we discuss style preferences, possible solutions, and timelines while taking measurements and photos.
• After the consultation, you’ll receive a detailed proposal outlining the scope and fees.
Total $150/hr (including commute for jobs over 50 mile radius)
Step 2: Scope and Fee Review (1 Week Post Consultation)
After your consultation we will go back and assess your project. We will use the budget you have given us and the information we have collected to build a comprehensive plan that details what we will do, the timeline and the required investment. Don’t know your budget-NO WORRY! We provide a COMPLIMENTARY service of building a budget for your decorating or construction project based on previous projects and current market prices.
Next, we’ll schedule a follow-up call Zoom or Google Meet call to review your proposal, address any questions, and finalize your budget or make any adjustments
If you’re ready to proceed, we’ll move into the onboarding process!
Total: No additional Fee. This is included in your Consultation
Step 3: Contract and Onboarding
Once we are aligned to move forward, we will go back and prepare your Contract and set you up with your personalized design studio.
We will hop on a call once more to review your contract and introduce you to your studio where you will be able to sign your Interior Design Agreement, payment your retainer fee and schedule the official commencement of your project!
Studio Welcome and set up
Project Questionnaire Online
What you’ll love about Phase One…
• Laying the Foundation: This phase sets the tone for the entire project. By taking the time to understand your vision, goals, and preferences, we ensure the design reflects your unique personality and lifestyle.
• Clarity and Confidence: From budgets to timelines, we provide clear, transparent details so you feel confident about moving forward. There’s no guessing—just open communication and thoughtful planning.
• Building Trust: This is when we start building a strong partnership. We want you to feel supported and understood, knowing you’ve chosen the right team for your project.
What We Love About Phase One…
We love this phase because it’s all about getting to know you. Every client and every project is unique, and this is where we learn about your dreams, challenges, and what inspires you. There’s something special about walking through your space for the first time and hearing your ideas—it’s the moment where the creative spark begins.
This phase is also where we showcase our commitment to making the process enjoyable and stress-free. Seeing our clients’ excitement when they realize we have a plan to guide them every step of the way is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
Phase 2: Design & Planning
Turning Your Vision Into a Plan
This is where the magic happens. During the Design & Planning phase, we take the ideas and inspiration you’ve shared and translate them into a cohesive, tailored design plan. Whether it’s a single room or an entire home, this phase is all about blending creativity with precision to create a space that feels uniquely yours.
Steps in Phase 2
Step 4: Kick-Off Meeting
• Once we’ve finalized the agreement, we start with a collaborative meeting to confirm the design direction.
• We’ll review your style preferences, goals, and any “red-dot/green-dot” feedback on likes and dislikes.
Red Dot, Green Dot: Our Kick-Off Game
In our kick-off meeting, we like to keep things fun and collaborative with a quick game called Red Dot, Green Dot. Each stakeholder gets a set of red and green stickers to vote on curated inspiration images, materials, and design ideas we provide. Green dots go on what you love, and red dots mark what you don’t. Afterward, we discuss your choices to understand why you voted the way you did. It’s a great way to spark conversations, align preferences, and ensure everyone feels heard as we set the foundation for your perfect design!
Step 5: Design Presentation
With all the valuable information we’ve gathered—from your budget and style preferences to detailed measurements and project goals—we take 4-5 weeks to develop a fully customized design plan. During this time, we dive into the details, carefully selecting materials, furniture, and finishes that align with your vision and needs.
When we meet for the Design Presentation, we’ll share:
• Mood Boards to set the tone and overall direction.
• Renderings to help you visualize the design in your space.
• Curated Material and Furniture Selections tailored to your style and budget.
• A step-by-step walkthrough of the entire plan, explaining every detail and decision and all of this within the budget we have agreed to in our initial scope and fee review.
This is the exciting moment when your vision starts to feel real, and you can see exactly how all the pieces will come together!
Step 6: Revisions
• Based on your feedback, we refine the design to ensure every element aligns with your preferences.
• This collaborative process ensures that no detail is overlooked, and your space feels perfect for you.
Step 7: Final Design Package
At this stage, we document everything needed to bring your design to life. For clients implementing the project on their own, we provide a comprehensive design package as a hand-off for you or your contractor to use. If desired, we can also schedule a one-hour hand-off meeting to review the plans in detail.
For clients continuing with our in-house construction, project management, procurement, and implementation services, this package serves as the final plan for obtaining accurate bids from contractors, placing orders, and preparing to move into the execution phase.
The Final Design Package includes:
• Detailed Plans for layout and implementation.
• A Comprehensive Shopping List for furnishings, finishes, and materials.
• Step-by-Step Instructions for coordinating next steps, whether with your contractor or our team.
This step ensures clarity, precision, and readiness for the exciting phase ahead!
What You’ll Love about Phase Two…
• Your Vision Comes to Life: This is the first time you’ll truly see your ideas take shape, from color palettes to layouts to the finer details of furniture and finishes.
• Comprehensive Planning: Every element is carefully documented, ensuring the execution phase is seamless and efficient.
• Collaborative Process: Your input and feedback are at the heart of this phase, making sure the final design reflects your unique style and needs.
• Reduced Stress: With a clear plan in hand, you can feel confident about the direction of your project before anything begins.
What We Love About Phase Two…
We love this phase because it’s where creativity meets purpose. Seeing your vision come to life is one of the most rewarding parts of the process—not just for you, but for us as designers. It’s also a time for collaboration, where we get to explore possibilities together and ensure every detail feels just right.
Another thing we love is the transformation we witness in our clients during this phase. The excitement and confidence that come
Phase 3: Implementation
Where Your Dream Space Becomes Reality
With a detailed plan in hand, we oversee every aspect of executing your design, ensuring that the process is seamless, efficient, and stress-free. Whether your project involves construction, furnishing, or styling, this phase is where vision meets action.
Step 8: Pre-Construction Walkthrough
• We conduct a detailed walkthrough of the project site with the general contractor (GC), homeowners, and any relevant trades.
• During this meeting, we discuss the construction plan, timeline, and key milestones, ensuring alignment on every detail before work begins.
Step 9: Place Orders
• Once all design elements are approved, we place orders for furnishings, materials, and finishes.
• Our team carefully tracks orders to ensure everything aligns with the project timeline.
Step 10: Receive Orders
• We manage the receipt of all products, from built-ins to furniture and décor.
• Items with varying lead times are stored until they are ready for installation:
• For extended storage or assembly, warehouse fees may apply.
• Delivery fees are also discussed in advance to avoid surprises.
Step 11: Construction
• This stage begins with clear coordination and oversight:
• Key Walkthroughs:
• Framing walkthrough to review structural elements.
• Rough-in walkthrough to confirm electrical, plumbing, and HVAC placement.
• Cabinet installation review prior to countertops being added.
• We ensure that all construction aligns with the approved design plan.
Step 12: Installation & Styling
• Installation day is where it all comes together! Depending on the scope, this may take more than one day.
• Our team handles every detail, including:
• Cleaning the space.
• Assembling and arranging furniture.
• Hanging artwork and window treatments.
• Placing rugs, lighting, and accessories to style your space beautifully.
Step 13: Client Reveal
• The big moment you’ve been waiting for!
• Your home is styled to be magazine-worthy, ready for you to enjoy.
• We bring additional styling pieces to enhance the look—you can decide whether to purchase these items or not. Items you don’t wish to keep will be removed after a few days.
Step 14: Resolve Deficiencies
• We address any final punch list items, ensuring every detail is perfect.
• This may involve scheduling follow-ups with trades or suppliers to resolve outstanding issues.
• Our goal is to ensure you are completely satisfied with your finished project.
Step 15: Client Closure Meeting & Final Invoices
• During this meeting, we:
• Review care and maintenance guidelines for your newly completed space.
• Present final invoices for any remaining balances.
• Gather feedback to continually improve our services.
• You’ll receive a beautifully organized binder containing all the details of your project, including:
• Design plans, material specs, and care instructions.
• Vendor information and any warranties.
• We finish with a heartfelt thank-you for trusting us with your home and a promise of continued support if needed in the future.
Why You’ll Love Phase Three…
• Seamless Coordination: We manage every moving part—from orders and deliveries to construction and styling—so you don’t have to. No more taking off work to wait for a delivery in a four hour window! Nope! You can leave it all to us!
• Attention to Detail: We ensure that your space matches the vision we created together, down to the smallest detail.
• Stress-Free Experience: By overseeing everything, we allow you to focus on enjoying the transformation without the logistical headaches. We aren’t saying that things won’t happen! This is construction after all but we are saying that with us on your side, we are your advocates and know how to handle problems when they arise.
What Makes Our Process Different
• Transparency at Every Step: From budgets to timelines, we keep you informed and involved.
• Personalized Support: Every project is tailored to your specific needs, ensuring a custom approach.
• Unparalleled Results: We deliver spaces that exceed expectations, combining beauty, function, and comfort.
This phase is the culmination of all the work we’ve done together, turning your dream space into reality and ensuring every step is executed with care and expertise.
Key Milestones Timeline
Tracking Your Progress Every Step of the Way
We understand that design projects, especially larger ones, can take time. That’s why we’ve developed a Key Milestones Timeline—a visual progress bar that keeps you informed and engaged throughout the process.
This timeline outlines the major milestones across the three phases of our design process:
• Discovery: From your initial inquiry to the Scope & Fee Review.
• Design & Planning: Including concept development, presentations, and approvals.
• Execution: Highlighting pre-construction walkthroughs, order management, construction, and installation.
You’ll see your project’s progress at every stage, ensuring transparency and providing reassurance during longer phases.
Where You’ll Find Your Milestones Timeline
• Included in key documents like the Design Proposal and Final Design Package.
• Featured in presentations during meetings to show where you are and what’s next.
• Updated as needed to reflect any adjustments to the project schedule or milestones.
Why This Matters to You
• Clarity: You’ll always know exactly where you are in the process and what’s coming next.
• Confidence: Seeing progress visually helps you feel reassured that your project is moving forward smoothly, even during longer phases.
• Engagement: This visual tool keeps everyone aligned and excited about the journey to your finished space.
Our Key Milestones Timeline isn’t just a progress tracker—it’s a way to show you that we’re committed to transparency, organization, and keeping you informed at every step!
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to create a home that’s beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours, we’d love to help.
Head over to our Inquiry Form to begin your Journey today!
-Katie
We also invite you to follow us on Instagram to see more project photos and behind the scenes!
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