At its core, interior design is about transforming spaces into reflections of our clients’ dreams and lifestyles. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about functionality, personality, and creating an environment that feels like home. Achieving this doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a collaborative journey, and the process is as important as the result.

Our award-winning team understands that executives, company founders, and busy professionals need more than beautiful spaces—they need a seamless experience that respects their time and delivers exceptional results. That's why we've perfected a comprehensive design process that guides you from initial concept through final installation, handling every detail so you don't have to. Unlike other firms that hand off projects at construction, we stay actively involved throughout the entire build, collaborating with your construction team and personally installing the finishing touches—from styling your bookshelves to placing the final piece of art. This full-service approach ensures your vision becomes reality without the typical stress, delays, or compromises that come with fragmented design services.

Pre-Design: Setting the Foundation

Every great project starts with preparation. This phase is where we gather all the information we need to set your project up for success. Think of it as building a roadmap for the journey ahead.

Designers in a meeting with material samples in the foreground.

During this stage we:

Capture precise measurements and document existing conditions.
Organize project materials, questionnaires, and key details.
Align with any external team members, such as architects or contractors.
Establish technical drawings and file management to ensure nothing is missed.

This behind-the-scenes work ensures we’re starting with a clear understanding of your space and your goals.

Schematic Design (SD): Dreaming Big

Here’s where the magic begins. The schematic design phase explores the possibilities for your project. We take your ideas, preferences, and inspirations and start turning them into a tangible vision.

What happens in this phase:

We develop initial floor plans, layouts, and space plans.
Dive into material palettes, color schemes, and design concepts.
Present multiple options to help you visualize the potential of your space.

A design stylesheet showing various options for kitchen materials.

This phase is about collaboration: we present ideas, you provide feedback, and together, we shape the overall direction of the project.

Design Development (DD): Refining the Vision

Now that we’ve set the direction, we zoom in on the details. The design development phase is where big ideas meet real-world practicality. We finalize layouts, lock in design decisions, and ensure everything aligns with your budget and lifestyle.

A computer rendering showing a living room with large custom fireplace and sectional sofa.

Key focuses during this phase include:

Selecting finish materials like flooring, tile, and countertops.
Determining plumbing, lighting, hardware, and cabinetry details.
Solidifying the overall design intent and ensuring constructability.

This is where your dream space truly starts to take shape.

Construction Documentation (CD): The Blueprint to Build

Once the design is finalized, it’s time to lay out the instructions for bringing it to life. Construction documentation is all about creating a clear and detailed guide for contractors, ensuring the design vision is executed seamlessly.

Here’s what we produce:

Plan Sets: Technical drawings, including floor plans, furniture placement, lighting, and electrical layouts, as well as interior elevations to illustrate design details.
Schedules: Comprehensive lists of selected products, from finishes to fixtures, complete with manufacturer information and installation notes.
Stylesheets: Visual guides showcasing the design decisions, ensuring every detail aligns during construction.

A construction document showing a bathroom's dimensions.

These documents serve as a roadmap, leaving no room for guesswork.

Construction Administration (CA): Bringing It All Together

Design isn’t just about planning—it’s about execution. Even with the most detailed plans, the construction process can be overwhelming. That’s why we remain involved as your design advocate, ensuring the vision is realized down to the final detail.

During this phase, we:

Conduct site visits at key construction milestones to review progress and address any issues.
Collaborate with contractors to clarify plans and troubleshoot challenges.
Provide ongoing support for decisions about finishes, installations, and adjustments.

This hands-on involvement ensures the execution aligns with the design you fell in love with.

Why Choose Us?

Our design process isn't just about creating beautiful spaces--it's about creating an experience that transforms one of life's biggest investments into pure excitement. We understand that embarking on a custom home or major renovation can feel overwhelming, which is why we've mastered the art of turning complexity into clarity and uncertainty into confidence. Your time, investment, and trust are invaluable to us, and we treat every project as a true partnership built on transparency, realistic timelines, and budgets that work for your lifestyle.

With Studio Garrison, you're not just getting award-winning designers--you're getting a dedicated team that anticipates challenges before they arise, communicates proactively at every milestone, and ensures your investment delivers exactly the return you envisioned. We know this isn't just about beautiful rooms; it's about creating the backdrop for your life's most meaningful moments. From the first sketch to that magical final walk-through when you see your dreams fully realized, we're here to guide you through every decision with expertise and genuine care.