THE PROCESS & WHAT TO EXPECT

Beautiful spaces take time to create and we’ll do our best to accomplish as much as possible during your Design Day. Thoughtful consideration is given to each decision and selection to ensure it reflects the overall aesthetic, your taste and personality, and the way you live. The more information you provide ahead of time, the more we can hone in on your style and select the perfect items for your space.

Phase One: Research & Design

RESEARCH: We can't wait to learn more about your design style and lifestyle. Please set aside 30-45 minutes to complete your design questionnaire, which can be found at the bottom of this page. We'll review this information in more detail at your intake meeting where we'll also measure, take pictures, and review inspiration images. We also ask that you email us your blueprints so we can print a set for our review.

DESIGN: From there, we'll create floor plans, source fixtures and furnishings, and select finishes to create your custom design. Once all the finishing touches on your design are complete, you'll enjoy a presentation where we'll review all of the details, including fabric, swatches, and finishes, and can adjust the design as needed.

Phase Two: Project Management & Procurement

Once the design plan is approved and your proposals have been paid, we'll begin purchasing, tracking, and double checking that each piece arrives correctly to the receiving warehouse. We'll also collaborate with your contractor or trades and schedule site visits as detailed in your proposal throughout construction to ensure every detail is executed perfectly.

Phase Three: Installation & Styling

The final phase is where the magic happens - your installation! We'll coordinate the delivery of any items ordered through Rebecca St. John Design and will be on site on your install day to ensure everything is in its place. We'll bring accessories selected specifically for your space to add the finishing touches to tie it all together, leaving you with a complete space ready to enjoy.

In the event we are photographing your space, we'll notify you in advance and take care of all the details.

COMMUNICATION

Communication is essential to keeping your project running smoothly. We’ll keep communication limited to email and your Mydoma client portal for best record keeping.

EMAIL: rebecca@rsjdesign.ca

BUSINESS HOURS: Monday-Friday 9-5 CST

EMAIL RESPONSE TIME: 24-48 hours

Mydoma Client Portal

We’ll use your Mydoma client portal for communicating, sharing pictures and selections, approving invoices, and reviewing final design documents. We’ve linked a simple guide below for how to access and use your MyDoma Client Portal. You will receive a separate email shortly with an invitation to activate your account.

Reselections

Communication is so important for keeping the momentum of your project moving forward. For design feedback and reselection requests, we ask that you provide them by email within 4 business days from your presentation. Your contract outlines the specific number of reselections included for your project.

Reminder

We may use text messages to communicate in quick turnaround situations. However, we do not use text messages for product approvals, feedback, or for general project inquiries.

BUDGET & FEES

Design Fees

Design fees are due monthly and the specifics can be found in your contract. Invoices will be emailed one week prior to the due date and you can make your payment online or by mailing a check to my home office located at 63 Glenview Drive SW Calgary, AB T3E 4H4

Late fees will be assessed at the rate of 1.5%/month.

Shipping & Freight

Shipping and freight fees are the cost for vendors to ship items from their factory to the receiving warehouse. Smaller items may be sent via UPS or Fedex, while a majority of furnishings will be delivered via a freight truck.

Receiver Fees

Due to requirements by vendors, a receiving warehouse is required to receive, inspect, and store the majority of items ordered for each project. Once the space is ready for furnishings, we’ll coordinate with the receiving warehouse to schedule your white glove delivery. If applicable, the receiver will also assemble your furniture upon delivery. Generally shipping, freight, and receiving account for 10-15% of the furniture budget.

Budget

In the beginning of each project, we'll discuss your budget and work within those parameters to design a space you will love. In the event we find a custom or vintage piece that will be perfect for your design but is outside of the discussed budget range, we'll present the item for your approval before incorporating it into the design. Please notify us immediately if your budget changes during your project

PROJECT GUIDELINES

To ensure you have the best experience throughout your project, we’ve highlighted a few important project guidelines below. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Project Timeline

Once your project has begun, research, design, and material selections will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the scope of the project. Larger projects may take additional time as there is more complexity.

Orders

Quality is important. We strive to select and purchase high quality products that will reflect the investment of your design. Payment for orders is due in full prior to order placement. In the event of a backordered or discontinued item, we will notify you immediately and provide alternate selections if necessary.

Lead Times

Fine furniture takes time. You can expect anywhere from 12 weeks or more for production time. Custom upholstered pieces may take longer and we’ll keep you updated as we receive status information on your orders.

Currently we are seeing delays of 6-12 weeks or more due to Covid-19.

Project Updates

After your design presentation and once orders are placed, you can expect to receive weekly updates. If you prefer less frequent updates, please let us know.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where do you source furniture?

We typically design with mid to high-end furniture pieces that we buy directly from craftsmen and vendors only available to designers. We love mixing highs and lows and incorporating antiques and one of a kind items into the designs when possible.

WHAT MEETINGS DO I NEED TO ATTEND?​

We require that all decision makers attend all key meetings. This includes your intake meeting, your design presentations, and any other important meetings. This prevents any delays with back and forth communication and helps to keep your project on schedule. In the event a key decision maker cannot attend a meeting, we will find a convenient time OR we'll offer a virtual option so everyone can join. 

Can you integrate my existing pieces into the design?

We'll do our best to incorporate your existing pieces into your design if they fit the aesthetic you are looking to achieve. However, we cannot guarantee the inclusion of existing pieces, and design each room as if from scratch to ensure a designer look.

I love it! How do I order?

Once you have approved your design, we’ll provide details to your builder for items to be ordered by them. For items sourced through Rebecca St. John Design, you'll receive your invoice which can be paid online or by mailing a check to our office. Full payment is required prior to order placement. We'll keep you updated along the way so you always know the status of your orders. Please note, in the event you purchase an item presented in your design through another retailer, there will be a 25% procurement fee billed on the original price of the item we presented.

How do reselections work?

We do our very best to make selections that are perfect for your design style, lifestyle, and budget. If there is an item you don't love, we ask that you notify us by email within four days of your design presentation so we can make another selection for you. Your proposal outlines the number of reselections included for each phase.

THANK YOU

Thank you again for choosing Rebecca St. John Design. Once we receive your design questionnaire, which you can find by clicking below, and your blueprints, we'll reach out to schedule your intake meeting.

Please let us know if you have any questions along the way. We are so excited to get started!

Sincerely,

Rebecca