Design Set Match
Professional Design Services by Alisa Hofmann

Project Sizes & Scope

Many homeowners are concerned that the size of their project is “too small”. In my mind this would be the case only if you live in a dollhouse. Kitchens, baths, closets, entertainment centers and other spaces can benefit from the expertise of a design professional no matter what the layout, size or even if “nothing” is being rearranged. There are many details that most people don't know or think about before starting, but that are necessary for a successful installation. I bring these to the surface through specification sheets, notes and drawings.

I work with individual homeowners and contractors as an Outsourced Designer and to realtors with “Undiscovered Possibilities”. I will be involved in your project as much or as little as you desire. The following scopes are separated and defined with broad strokes to help you and your family understand some of the time and process that is involved in many kitchen and bath projects.

• Undiscovered Possibilities: Is intended for homes which have awkward spaces and will soon be on the real estate market. I will document the existing floor plan, suggest a more appropriate and comfortable layout floor plan and provide computer rendered perspectives. These will be double-side printed on letter-sized .pdf files for handouts to prospective buyers who would otherwise have difficulty seeing past any awkward and funky spaces. Printing costs and responsibilities are negotiable.
• Preliminary Space Planning: Is the first phase in any design agreement. Included is time to document your home in photograph and measurement. I will provide existing dimensioned drawings and up to three preliminary proposed space planning layouts with computer rendered perspectives.
• Construction Drawings: Are required for a well built room and for building permits for most projects. A full set of construction drawings will include the previously prepared and edited existing floor plans, proposed floor plans and elevations, plan notes as needed and other required documentation as requested by your city or county. If you choose not to use my services for materials selection, all details will be suggested based on conversations about your desires and may require flexibility from installers working with finalized materials.
• Materials Selection: Written and photographic documentation will be provided in a complete project binder and CD that categorizes your decisions through shopping together. Additional research documentation will also be provided for you and your installers to have the best possible packet and head start for a successful project with as few hiccups as possible.
• Project Coordination: During construction it is common for installers to have questions or come across the unexpected. I will assist you in making final decisions and clarifying with your installer on-site, via phone and email during multiple phases of construction to completion. Most site visits are planned strategically as part of a typical process, however occasionally additional visits or conversations may be required.

While many homeowners may be adept in construction, I highly recommend choosing contractors and specialty installers who are licensed, bonded and insured and are certified professionals such as through the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and Build It Green. My goal is, as should be yours, to have the best experience possible. This comes often not through the cheapest bidder on a project, but through companies and individuals who listen, work as a team, document all processes, and desire to provide you with a service that will interrupt your home life as little as possible.

Philosophy

From childhood I have always been fascinated with homes of all shapes, sizes and styles. I found that I was also disappointed when visiting a historic home that had been poorly remodeled by a well meaning do-it-your-self homeowner who, with a little design guidance, could have a room that functioned and didn't stick out like a sore thumb. When I discovered there was a career I could choose that would appease my fascination as well as improve the life of a family and a building, I knew interior design was the right choice for me. Sustainable design was being rediscovered and taught practically while I was in school but has only more recently become mainstream in everyday living. I am not a step-in and design-it-for-you person. While there are certain design elements and placements that must be just so, I prefer to work side by side with homeowners to guide in their decision making process. With so many choices in the showrooms it is easy to get overwhelmed. As your designer, I help guide your decisions step by step so that you can focus on what will work best for you and your family and not all of the other distracting eye-candy.

Design Set Match is a professional freelance interior design service brought to you by Alisa Hofmann. DSM works in and serves the San Francisco Bay Area's homeowners, contractors, and realtors looking for excellent, affordable home design. DSM also offers design consultations, outsourced design plans, and virtual staging. We believe in sustainable & functional living spaces using high-quality, affordable, environmentally-responsible materials from local providers.