Frequently Asked questions
We are with you every step of the way
FAQ
Honestly, we prefer not to have a specific style, because we’re designing for you, not for us. Do we have preferences? Of course! If we designed the same style for every client, not only would all our clients have to conform to one look, but we wouldn’t feel like we were challenging our own ideas.
Positive Space Design specialises in crafting bespoke interior solutions beginning with understanding our clients’ individual tastes, preferences, and lifestyle. Custom furniture pieces, unique architectural elements, and personalised décor, create one-of-a-kind spaces tailored to their personality and vision for their home.
Please have a look at some of our previous work in Residential, Exterior, and Commercial design showing a range of aesthetics, concepts, and bespoke finishes.
At Positive Space Design, we take time to ascertain exactly which services you need for your specific project, and provide you with a customised Design Proposal. The Design Proposal includes your scope of works and a fee estimate, so you have some idea of the costs involved, and aren’t taken by surprise.
The scope and fees vary significantly from person, client to client, even when they initially may look like the same project. For example, if you’re looking for a home, which is very much on trend, it will be much faster to design and decorate than one which is more unique. A more bespoke space will take longer to source the required materials, finishes, and furnishings, but the space will have significantly more longevity by not being as governed by trends.
At Positive Space Design, we offer bespoke luxury design solutions tailored to each client’s unique style and vision, backed by our commitment to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. We provide interior design services for large scale renovation and decoration projects throughout Sydney.
Our services are ideal for clients looking for the safety net of knowing that their renovation will be functional and beautiful and designed specifically for them. By designing in 3D and providing transparency in pricing, our clients can have confidence from start to finish, so they can relax, knowing that the whole renovation process is under control, and their dream home is on the horizon.
At Positive Space Design we strive to support the Australian market as much as possible. At times, and with certain projects, we need to look further afield, collaborating with artists and craftspeople from Australia and all over the world.
We love working collaboratively and as part of a team. We recognise where our strengths lie, and rely on our quality project partners to do the same.
Building projects can sometimes have unforeseen difficulties rear up, which require negotiation between all parties. Seamless communication and coordination ensures a cohesive and well-executed design that exceeds our clients’ expectations. Rest assured, we always have your best interests and end goal front of mind.
While we have an extensive list of trades we work closely with and recommend, they will have contracts directly with you, or through your builder.
Over time, trade teams have developed and been refined, and they work like a well-oiled machine. It’s often best to let them do their magic rather than introducing new team members who aren’t tried and tested.
As an Interior Designer, we don’t project manage as such, however, we do provide Design Management services involving site visits to ensure your vision is realised.
The typical timeline for an interior design project with Positive Space Design varies based on the scope and complexity of the project. Generally, a project may take anywhere from a few weeks for simpler consultations, to several months for comprehensive redesigns or new builds.
During our Discovery Phase, we’ll provide an estimated timeline tailored to your specific needs, ensuring we meet your expectations, while delivering exceptional quality and attention to detail.
Budgets are a vital part of any project, and we strive to work within desired financial limitations. Frank budgetary discussions are necessary from the commencement of the project, and will result in assessing and reassessing priorities for the most suitable outcome. Regular updates and open communication
Positive Space Design is proud to serve clients throughout Sydney, with a particular focus on Northern Sydney, the North Shore, and the Hills District.
Regardless of where you’re located, we’re excited to bring your vision to life, tailoring our interior design services to your unique needs, to create exceptional results. We are available to work outside the Sydney area for that special project.
To get started with Positive Space Design’s interior design services, simply reach out to us via our contact page or give us a call. We’ll arrange an initial design consultation ($450, 90 minutes) to discuss your vision, preferences, and project requirements.
During this meeting, we’ll explore your ideas and needs, provide insights into our design process, and outline the next steps. You’ll leave the initial consult with fresh ideas and direction, and a comprehensive Scope of Works and Fee Estimate.
Whether it’s a complete home transformation or a specific space revamp, we’re here to make your dream design a reality. Let’s begin this exciting journey together!
The First consult
When you make contact with us, we’ll arrange a time to meet with you and see the project space. The initial appointment will take around 1.5 hours ($500, including GST), and we’ll talk about exactly what you require, the parameters of the brief, and your personal tastes – after all, this space should reflect you.
Before the initial appointment, think about your likes and dislikes, wants and needs for the space. It is often helpful to have a Pinterest board or a scrapbook of images showing aspects of spaces you love.
From there, we’ll devise a plan together, which may include some or all of the following:
- Selection of furniture, lighting, flooring (e.g. timber, carpet, tile), window treatments, and wall finishes (e.g. paint, wallpaper)
- Selection of accessories and art
- Concept development and design
- Sample boards
- Planning and design implementation for renovations or new builds
- Technical plans
- 3D imagery
- Colour Consultancy
- Custom Joinery
- Project management
Positive Space Design
Process
Discovery
The process begins with an Initial Consultation (Stage 1), where we sit down to discuss your vision for the project over about 90 minutes. After that, we create a tailored design proposal and fee estimate, which we present to you in a follow-up meeting. Once you’re happy with everything, you sign the contract, and we invoice for the next stages, officially kicking off the project.
In the Concept, Schematic & Budget Stage (Stage 2), both you and our team do some initial research before we meet for a detailed briefing. This meeting is where we share our ideas and talk through budget considerations. We then take what we’ve discussed and refine our concepts, creating initial schematic designs to present to you.
Stage 3 is Team Introductions, and is all about bringing in the experts. We gather all the major trades for a meeting to review the concepts, assess the costs, and determine the project’s timeline. Once that’s done, we create a Design Timeline, which we present to you, giving you a clear picture of the project’s progression.
Design
As we move into Design Development (Stage 4), we start refining those schematic designs based on your feedback. We also develop a basic 3D model to help you visualize the space. During this stage, we’ll finalize the selection of materials, fixtures, and furnishings, and we’ll take you on shopping trips if needed. We’ll then present everything to you for approval, make any necessary tweaks, and get your final sign-off on the design.
In Stage 5, we get down to the details with the Design Documentation Package. We convert the schematic designs into detailed Tender Documentation, with plans and schedules, adding in all the specifics like dimensions and material selections. We’ll also update the 3D model and create any photorealistic renders if required. These documents are then presented to you for review, and after any adjustments, we finalise the Tender Package.
Stage 6 is when we submit the Tender Documentation package for Tender and Estimation by the relevant trades. We review their submissions and prepare a Project Estimate, which we present to you along with a Tender Review. We’ll discuss any feedback you have, make final adjustments, and get your approval on the Project Estimate.
Implementation
In Stage 7, we move into Design Management. Contracts are signed, and a start date is set. We’ll establish a timeline for ordering and delivering all the necessary materials, fixtures, and furnishings. Throughout construction, we’ll have regular site meetings to ensure everything is progressing smoothly.
As we approach the finish line in Stage 8, we prepare for the Client Hand-Over. We’ll put together a hand-over document with all the product details and warranties, and conduct a final walkthrough to make sure everything is perfect. We’ll also handle any defect reporting and management. Once everything is in place, we’ll style the space for photography and celebrate the project’s completion.
Finally, in Stage 9, we schedule Follow-Up meetings at one month and six months after the project is completed to check in and address any lingering issues, ensuring everything is just as you imagined.
Ready to take your space to the next level
Call to arrange an intial design consultation