Kara Kersten Design
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The Design Process

OUR PROCESS

What to expect: Our design process explained

CUSTOM REMODELING & NEW HOMES

  • An Initial consultation takes place to talk through your needs, questions, ideas, and give our feedback based on experience and expertise.  We measure the As-Built space & take reference photos at that meeting if time allows
  • A Design Proposal is presented for the full scope customized to your project needs discussed at your initial consultation

Schematic & Design Development Phase:

  • A Design Deposit is collected and As-Built plans are drawn
  • ​Programming takes place to learn more about you and your specific needs
  • Schematic layout options are reviewed with clients​ to talk through pros/cons of each scenario 
  • We edit and create a new dimensioned/notated final plan
[If an Architect has been hired and provided the above items, we come in here:]​​​
  • Review plans and walk through design details
  • Create a lighting plan
  • Create cabinetry plans & elevations
  • Spatial 3D views with general color/materials are reviewed

Materials & Product Selection Phase:

Product shopping trips and presentations take place for the following items:
  • Cabinet Door Style & Details
  • Flooring Selections
  • Countertop Selections 
  • Tile & Stone Selections/Layout Design
  • Grout Selections
  • Plumbing Fixture Selections
  • Lighting Fixture Selections
  • Cabinet & Bath Hardware Selections 
  • Trimwork Profile Selections & layout details
  • Paint/Stain Colors throughout
  • Wallcoverings​

Furnishings & Decor:

  • A consultation takes place, and a budget is discussed & agreed upon
  • Style Moodboards of the overall aesthetic are presented
  • A furniture layout plan is created
  • Suggested furnishings & soft goods are presented
  • Furniture proposal with pricing is approved/ordered
  • Window Treatments are approved/ordered
  • Needed decor & artwork is approved/purchased [if needed]
  • Plants & pots are approved/purchased [if needed]
  • A date for the final installation & reveal is scheduled with final photographs taken

Construction Support Phase:

  • Demolition with your chosen contractor starts
  • We perform trade walk-throughs on-site [Framing, Electrical, Tile, & Paint - typically]
  • Documentation & coordination of selections with you and your contractor​
  • We advocate for you when questions arise, or surprises take place, we also translate construction lingo if needed
  • Final photographs are taken to show off your amazing space

Cheers!


We know HGTV makes it look easy, quick, and inexpensive... but we know better. 

It's not easy (unless you have a good team hired to help you), it's not quick (if you expect high craftsmanship & quality), and it's not cheap (if you have a large scope & want to use trusted trades), but it's definitely worth it when design, function, & layout make such a dramatic difference on the quality of your daily life for you and your family.  

​Our graphic below helps explain the struggle between the four major contributing factors that drive each project.  They are SCOPE (the amount of work being done/size of project), BUDGET, QUALITY, and TIMELINE.  It is impossible to have all four without 1 -3 of them suffering.  That’s why it’s super important for us to establish which one your top priority is before the job starts
Picture

As long as expectations are laid out in advance, you'll feel much better going into the race knowing what muscles will be sore, and that the prize
​at the end is a sweet victory.  Here's a look at the typical emotions that you may experience:
Picture

Designing From Home

Hiring a designer doesn't have to be scary.  Whether you live in Kansas City or elsewhere, we're here to help you create the home of your dreams.
​Take a listen to our clients from Houston, TX talk about their experience working with Kara Kersten Design after flooding during Hurricane Harvey:
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  • Home
  • About
  • Philosophy
  • Portfolio
  • Services
  • Process
  • Consultation Packages
  • Before & After's
  • Who Loves Us
  • Media Coverage
  • Contact
  • Happiness at Home