What is virtual design?

Virtual design is the application of professional interior design services via ‘a long distance relationship.’

Professional interior design services that show the client’s personal style and personality usually takes getting to know the client in some detail. Understanding the functional needs and aesthetic values for the individual, couple, or family is paramount. Then careful selection and attention to detail reveals a beautiful design enjoyed by all.

To do this well via a long distance relationship, a partnership needs to ensue. The client is responsible for completing a detailed information packet. The packet includes a questionnaire, instructions for measuring and outlining the room(s) and windows, and a list of photos to be taken. If the client has existing furnishings to be incorporated into the design, an inventory of these pieces will be included in the questionnaire.

After the designer reviews the information, a conversation via telephone occurs between client(s) and designer. This conversation deepens the understanding of the client’s desires and captures information that may not easily be conveyed on paper or in photos.

Once this process is complete, the design begins to unfold. First, computer generated drawings illustrating space, furniture, and lighting plans are completed. Each piece of furniture is dimensioned as well as the traffic paths and negative space (negative space, for example, is the distance between recessed lights or between a furniture piece and the wall) to know where placement is to occur.

Each furnishing (furniture, lighting, fabric, accessories, art, tile, window treatments, paint color, finishes, etc.) will be specified. These specifications can be implemented literally or can be used as a catalyst to fill the room with choices similar to the items selected by the designer.

What will the client receive?

The client will receive for each room designed:

• Computer generated drawings with space, furniture, and lighting plans
• Elevations of art and accessory placement on walls
• Large paint swatches
• Fabric samples
• A CD with pictures of furnishings specified
• Pictures of art and furnishings unable to be transferred to the disk
• A written summary of the design including information about why the furnishings were selected
• An estimate of the furnishing cost as specified

If the client would like to review the information with the designer, this can be done via telephone at no additional charge.

What is the fee for virtual design?

The fee is based on the size of the room. For an 8’ x 10’ room or smaller, the design fee is $500.00. For a room larger than 8’ x 10’, the fee is $1000.00.

The design fee is non-refundable.

How do we get started?

To get started, simply purchase the desired room(s) size via the web site. An email confirming your purchase will follow with the attachments below (please complete the information for each room):

• Questionnaire
• Instructions for Measuring and Outlining the Room (an example is provided)
• Instructions for Measuring and Outlining Windows
• List of photos to be taken of the room(s)

Once the completed packet is received at the design studio, the designer will email the client to schedule the telephone conversation. Please allot ample time for this dialogue.

How long does it take to receive my design(s)?

The lead-time to receive your completed design(s) is dependant on the number of rooms. For one room, the lead-time is on average three weeks from the time of the telephone conversation. For multiple rooms, the lead-time is four to six weeks.

If you would like additional information on Virtual Design, please email us at virtualdesign@paulagracedesigns.com or call 703-201-1490.