Our goal at Alisha Taylor Interiors is to make the interior design process enjoyable and for each one of our clients to feel at home in their living space. Through our personalized design process, we work to create homes that are unique, timeless, and reflective of the people who live in them.

We strive to enhance our clients’ lives by not only creating beautiful interiors for them but also by keeping the design process understandable and efficient through a systematic method that allows them to visualize and be excited about their designs.

Read on to learn more about the interior design process you will experience working with Alisha Taylor Interiors.

The Interior Design Process

For over 20 years, we have honed our interior design process for luxury custom homes. We take your dreams and turn them into a beautiful reality. Our interior design process allows you to be involved every step of the way to ensure you are thrilled with the final results.

Let’s start at the very beginning and take a closer look at the Project Initiation Phase.

Project Initiation Phase

The project initiation includes the new client inquiry form, the initial client meeting, and the design kickoff meeting. This is the time when logistics are discussed, and visions are expressed.

Step 1: New Client Inquiry Form and Initial Client Meeting

The first part of the interior design process is filling out an inquiry form. This form will entail the type of project you are interested in (New Build, Remodel, or Interior Design) and logistics such as square footage and budget. We will review your form and provide you with the project proposal.

At the initial client meeting, we will take measurements of the spaces needed, evaluate the furnishings level, and take “before” photos of the existing home.

Step 2: Proposal/Design Kickoff Meeting

At the design kickoff meeting, we will discuss your lifestyle, style preferences, priorities, vision, and review inspiration photos.

We will use all the information we gather from the kickoff meeting to create a design that incorporates your unique vision and lifestyle.

Interior Design Development Phase

The interior design development phase is likely what you think of when you think about the interior design process. This phase includes interior design renderings and storyboards that are used to visually communicate each room’s design.

Step 3: Interior Design Concepts and Material Selection

Next, we will go room by room and talk about interior design concepts you are imagining.

With this information, we will present a storyboard for each room. An interior design storyboard like the one below showcases the different elements of a room’s design. It is an easy way to get an idea of what the finished room will look like before an interior design rendering is made.

During this step, we will also select quality materials such as quartz for kitchen countertops, high-end flooring, and paint colors to elevate the design.

Step 4: 3D Interior Design Renderings

We will present interior design renderings of each room for you to clearly envision the final product. These renderings are drawn to scale to create a realistic-looking model. All of the small details, including wall hangings, furniture, light fixtures, and more, are included in an interior design rendering.

Below is an example of a realistic 3D rendering we created for a client’s great room design.

Design Documentation Phase

The design documentation phase is an essential part of the interior design process because it’s when all of the plans are compiled into the Design Book.

Step 5: Floor Plans, CAD Elevations, and Ceiling Plans

During this phase, custom floor plans, CAD elevations, and ceiling plans will be carefully drawn to include in the Design Book. CAD elevations are computer-generated drawings of rooms as viewed from standing in the room itself. Ceiling plan drawings will show the interior of your home viewed from above.

Floorplans are like the blueprints to your custom home. They are drawn to scale and designed to show the relationship between different rooms in the house. Larger furniture pieces will be drawn to scale to see the organization of each space. Room sizes and wall lengths are noted and used in the construction process.

Step 6: Showroom Viewings and Material Selection

Next, we will take you to view showrooms and select more materials for the interior design process. We will work with you to decide upon materials that you love and work in your price range.

Step 7: Design Book

All of the design elements, materials selected, floor plan, 3D renderings, storyboards, and more will be compiled into the Design Book. We will spend time reviewing the final selections before the construction phase begins.

Construction Phase

So how does an interior designer fit into the construction process? An interior designer incorporates your lifestyle needs and aesthetic wants into the entire interior design process, including construction. We will share the plans we created with the architect and builder to ensure your needs and desires are met.

Step 8: Builder Reviews Design

After you approve the Design Book, we will review the designs with the builder to ensure they have a perfect understanding of the project. The builder will see what changes you want to make to your home and how the interior design will fit into the process.

Step 9: Site Visits

Throughout the construction process, we will conduct site visits to check in on the builder and the home. This will ensure that construction is on track and that your needs and desires are being met. You can rest assured that we will keep the process running smoothly.

Furniture/Furnishings Development Phase

The furniture development phase is when we source the custom and unique furniture pieces that will fill your new home.

Step 10: Furniture Layouts/Sourcing

We will present final furniture layouts and decide the placement of pieces in your space. This step is where the design begins to feel complete. Through 3D renderings and storyboards, we can communicate what your space will look like at the end of this process.

Furniture/Furnishings Project Management Phase

Step 11: Order Placement, Inspection, and Installation

Once agreed upon, orders will be placed for furniture and decor pieces. The goods will be received and inspected thoroughly to ensure they are in good condition. Then, the furniture and furnishings will be installed in your home. We will stage each room to create a balanced and elevated look.

Step 12: Reveal and Walk-Through

Finally! The time has come for the big reveal of your new home design. The interior design process is complete. You will do a final walk-through of your newly furnished home and see your dreams come to life!

Trust Alisha Taylor Interiors To Design Your Home

Now that you know the interior design process, it’s time to work with a professional interior designer. Our team at Alisha Taylor Interiors is ready to bring your vision to fruition. Our expertise and collaborative process provide our clients with the best possible experience.

Let us work with you to showcase your style and meet your lifestyle needs with our design services. Contact us today for more information!

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend the Haven Workshop and discovered a wealth of invaluable insights on optimizing my design firm’s operations & enhancing our client experience, all while reveling in the vibrant community of talented designers and industry experts!

A Business Retreat for Interior Designers

For those who don’t know, The Haven List is an online community of lifestyle creatives who inspire living well through meaningful connections. In addition to Haven providing an industry-leading business retreat, called the Haven Workshop, for interior designers by welcoming an environment for designers at all levels to translate their talent into a flourishing brand, Haven is also an online platform for inspiration with a trusted vendor guide, and home tours of fabulous projects around the country.

Personal Reflections: Navigating the Haven Workshop Journey

The Haven Workshop brings the best and brightest designers from around the world together in Carmel-by-the-Sea to learn from influential industry experts and each other.  At Haven Workshop, we focused on the business side of our design firms, to enhance the client experience, and business processes, attract amazing talent to bring on board, and also how to enjoy the amazing community we are all in as designers. There were lots of laughs, way too many notes taken, brain-draining yet helpful business-focused sessions, the most amazing food and so so many new friends.

We were spoiled and stayed in a historic boutique hotel called, La Playa Hotel, in the heart of town just steps away from the white sands of Carmel Beach. As a business owner for over 20 years, I was one of the more seasoned designers in attendance and was in awe of the business-savvy younger designers in our group and the industry experts. It was a week of pulling back the curtain, sharing with each other the challenges and successes we’ve faced, asking questions, and gaining insight.

WE ARE HIRING! Alisha Taylor Interiors is looking for a professional, organized, and self-motivated experienced Interior Designer who loves residential interior design and wants to come work with a great team!

Alisha Taylor Interiors is a small boutique luxury residential interior design firm, which means we are like a family.  Finding a candidate who above all else is kind is important to us!  Beyond that, we value honesty, a willingness to learn, and someone who is hard-working.

Candidate must be organized, energetic, eager to learn, cheerful, good at multi-tasking, and comfortable talking with clients, contractors, architects, etc. The Interior Designer will contribute to the success of the firm by assisting with all aspects of design development, sourcing, meeting preparation, technical drawings, and maintaining organized binders (hard copy and digital). Candidate should be able to work within existing systems and help create new systems for continued success. Must be adaptable and able to successfully function with lots of balls in the air!  We are a small boutique firm, which means we are like a family and are looking for the right person to add to our awesome team! We are flexible regarding a start date.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN INTERIOR DESIGN.
• 4+ years of residential design experience is required.
• Proficient in 2D AutoCAD – ability to develop very detailed floorplans and elevations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, & PowerPoint.
• Ease with computers and learning new software applications and tools.
• Must have a great sense of numbers, math, geometry, and spatial awareness as it relates to design.
• Experience with any of the 3D rendering software programs taught in schools (We use Sketchup and will train if you have experience in a different software program).
• Excellent attention to detail and highly organized.
• Ability to multi-task; meet deadlines and is eager to learn and grow with the firm.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and a reliable vehicle.
• Have a positive, friendly, and professional attitude.
• Great communication and people skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently create full design concepts for projects based on the Principal’s design vision.
• General research and all sourcing.
• Prepare for client presentations by creating mood boards, detailed floorplans, drawings, and elevations.
• Research new products and materials.
• Type up and organize meeting notes, project status, deliverables, etc.
• Maintain organized client binders (digital and hard copy).
• Read architectural plans and produce scaled sketches, drawings, and room layouts.
• Work with a design team from inception to completion on designs and drawings.

Salary: Will be discussed in the interview and is based on experience.

Benefits: 10 days paid vacation, 12 paid holidays and paid sick time, Monday Lunches provided, Work Laptop Provided, Beautiful & Inspiring office space.

Please email a cover letter, resume, and link to portfolio to alisha@alishataylor.com and be prepared to submit references upon request.

WE ARE HIRING! Alisha Taylor Interiors is looking for a professional, organized, and self-motivated Design & Office Assistant who loves residential interior design and wants to come work & learn from a great team!

Alisha Taylor Interiors is a small boutique luxury residential interior design firm, which means we are like a family.  Finding a candidate who above all else is kind is important to us!  Beyond that, we value honesty, a willingness to learn, and someone who is hard-working. We all help with many roles being a small business and this role, specifically, is all about being part of the family, a team player, and assisting where needed.

Candidate must be organized, energetic, eager to learn, cheerful, good at multi-tasking, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment. Must be proficient in 2D aspects of AutoCAD, have a willingness to learn, and a love for luxury residential design. The Design Assistant will contribute to the success of the firm by assisting with all aspects of design development, sourcing, meeting preparation, technical drawings, and maintaining organized binders, and sample library.  The Design Assistant will also work closely with the Marketing & Operations Director to assist in marketing and office management tasks as well.  Candidate should be able to work within existing systems and help create new systems for continued success. We are flexible regarding a start date.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN INTERIOR DESIGN.
• 1-2 years of residential design experience, preferred but not required.
• Proficient in 2D AutoCAD – ability to develop very detailed floorplans and elevations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, & PowerPoint.
• Ease with computers and learning new software applications and tools.
• Must have a great sense of numbers, math, geometry, and spatial awareness as it relates to design.
• Experience with any of the 3D rendering software programs taught in schools (We use Sketchup and will train if you have experience in a different software program).
• Excellent attention to detail and highly organized.
• Ability to multi-task; meet deadlines and is eager to learn and grow with the firm.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and a reliable vehicle.
• Have a positive, friendly, and professional attitude.
• Great social media skills, especially Instagram, which include creating reels, writing posts, and a general understanding of social media marketing.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• General research and product sourcing for projects.
• Prepare for client presentations by creating mood boards, detailed floorplans, drawings, and elevations.
• Follow up with vendors on lead times and quotes.
• Organize and manage sample library.
• Type up and organize meeting notes, project status, deliverables, etc.
• Maintain organized client binders (digital and hard copy).
• Read architectural plans and produce scaled sketches, drawings, and room layouts.
• Assist with social media posts and other marketing tasks, Excel & Canva skills are a plus.
• Assist with general office management tasks.

Salary: Will be discussed in the interview and is based on experience.

Benefits: 10 days paid vacation, 12 paid holidays and paid sick time, Monday Lunches provided, Work from home Fridays, Work Laptop Provided, Beautiful & Inspiring office space.

Please email a cover letter, resume, and link to portfolio to alisha@alishataylor.com and be prepared to submit references upon request.

At Alisha Taylor Interiors, we ease our clients’ worries by following a streamlined design process led by an interior designer, ensuring a seamless and informative experience. However, the key to making your vision a reality lies in having an open and transparent relationship with your team. When clear and honest expectations are discussed at the beginning of the process, the benefits go beyond just making things look good – it extends to making your space work better for you, being more efficient, and creating an environment that truly suits your unique lifestyle.

Trust and open communication make decision-making smoother throughout the project. When expectations are clear from the start, potential misunderstandings are minimized, making the design process collaborative and stress-free. This approach saves lots of time and makes the experience more enjoyable for everybody!

EXPRESSING YOUR STYLE

One of the primary advantages of open communication is the ability to articulate your vision in detail. By clearly expressing your preferences, lifestyle, and design dreams, you provide your team with insights that serve as the foundation for a one-of-a-kind project. This enables them to craft a custom project that doesn’t just look good but also mirrors your personality and preferences, making it uniquely yours.

ADVANCED FUNCTION

Another significant benefit is taking full advantage of optimizing the functionality of your space. Transparent communication allows us, as your interior designer, a thorough understanding of your daily routines, needs, and desires. From clever storage solutions to smart room layouts, the design can be customized to elevate your lifestyle by combining creative aesthetics with utility.

Transparent communication ensures that every small aspect of your vision is carefully considered and executed with precision. Whether it’s choosing high-end materials or incorporating unique furnishings, the result is a space that is timeless and sophisticated.

Hiring an interior designer may seem daunting, but anyone can benefit from having a professional come in and add beautiful touches to your home or help with the process of building or remodeling. Reach out with any questions you may have about what we believe, what we do, or what you can expect from hiring Alisha Taylor Interiors.

As a full-service interior design firm, our team at Alisha Taylor Interiors takes pride in offering an all-inclusive procurement service that goes above and beyond our clients’ expectations. We understand that crafting an elevated living space requires a blend of creativity, quality, and attention to detail. Our full-service procurement service is designed to alleviate our clients’ stress, offering a ‘one-stop-shop’ that ensures every element within their custom homes is carefully considered and expertly placed revealing a turn-key experience.

What to Expect from Our Concierge Procurement Service

Careful Ordering Process for Custom Furniture

Following the conceptual & detailed design presentations, where we dive into the specifics of the full furniture design, and the proposal is approved, we then transition into the ordering process. This crucial step is done in-house by our Business & Logistics Director, Emma, to ensure that every detail discussed and specified in the design presentations is carefully noted.

Bi-Weekly Progress Updates for Informed Clients

Our clients can trust that their unique and made-to-order furniture pieces are being properly ordered through our trade-only manufacturers and will receive bi-weekly progress reports indicating the status of each item in the home. This allows our clients to be informed without the burden of coordinating the moving parts!

Unfortunately, this phase requires the most patience, but we promise it will be worth it! Custom furniture is not made with a magic wand (we wish!), talented artisans create your items, sometimes from scratch. It’s a labor of love for everyone and lead times can take up to 16 weeks because of the talented human hands making sure they get your furniture or workroom items absolutely perfect!

Top-Notch Handling and Inspection at the Warehouse

What sets our full-service procurement apart is the fact that all your furniture items will be shipped to our third-party furniture handlers, Fully Loaded Deliveries, ensuring top-notch service and attention to detail. EVERY SINGLE ITEM is carefully inspected after it arrives at the warehouse, and the item is stored in an air-conditioned, clean warehouse while it waits for the rest of the items to arrive.

Another advantage of our service is that we manage all damage claims and make every effort to address and resolve any issues that may arise. Most of these items are traveling from long and far, so sometimes they don’t always arrive in tip-top shape. Our team will organize repairs or re-orders and note the solution in our progress reports so that our clients are always in the loop!

A Detailed Installation for the Final Reveal

The wait is finally over! Once every piece reaches our warehouse, our team orchestrates a detailed installation with our delivery team. They expertly unbox, position, hang, and fluff each item in the home, aligning with the initial furniture plan discussed during the design presentations. Before our clients witness their new design for the first time, we conduct our own thorough quality inspection and add a touch of love to ensure everything looks perfect.

Our full-service procurement is the finishing touch to creating luxury homes that go beyond the ordinary. From the selection of custom furnishings to coordinating with talented craftsmen, we manage the entire process simplifying the journey of creating a custom home.

At Alisha Taylor Interiors, our goal is to make each one of our clients feel at home in their living space. Through our personalized design process, we work to create homes that are unique, timeless, and reflective of the people who live in them.

We believe that your home is the one place you can escape to after a long day, a place to host and gather with family and friends, and a place that represents growth, memories, and stability. We do what we do in order to make your home beautiful and livable for the life you want to live within its walls.