Depending on your personal preferences, the nature of your project, and your budgetary considerations, as your interior designer Coleen will work with you in a way that will maximize the value you and your home will receive from her services. Typically, you begin with a courtesy telephone consultation during which she learns about your project, you get to know Coleen, and the two of you discuss the project, your budget, and the various ways you can work together.
Coleen then meets
with you to get a thorough understanding of your desires, a review of what
there is to work with, designs that appeal to you, and a discussion of what overall results you are trying
to achieve. Of course she has her personal preferences, but she never imposes them on
her clients. Whatever the styles you prefer, she will guide you through the
choices you make to ensure that the end result meets or exceeds your
expectations and reflects your personality, not hers. 
Some clients require only a single meeting to review design decisions, and that is the end of the job. More often, however, Coleen stays involved with the project through its completion, whether that is days, weeks, or months. For more information, please see How We Charge.
Consulting
The first step is a meeting to get to know each other and the nature of the project. During this phase, Coleen will learn your preferences, and will review photos, clippings, and swatches that you might have collected as you began visualizing your project. Of course this is also the time to review the current status of your home, unless the project is only for new construction. This is also the time to have budgetary discussions, so that you and Coleen will share the same vision as to the expected results from the estimated expense.
Designing
During the design phase, Coleen will prepare drawings, collect samples and photographs, perhaps accompany you to some of the design centers, take measurements, and in general work out the specifications for the job. During this time, she will consult with and advise you on fabrics, furnishings, paint colors and finishes, floor coverings, window treatments, stone and tile, cabinetry, and all other aspects of your project.
Estimating
When the design is complete, Coleen will summarize the materials, labor, and other costs into a complete proposal for your review. She will also provide a schedule for each part of the project, so that you will be able to plan accordingly.
Construction
Coleen will oversee every task in the project, from demolition to final touches. She and her craftsmen will see to it that your project is completed efficiently, on time, and within budget.
