It always starts with a plan

We believe that spaces function and reflect their brightest when they start with a vision. If the time and investment are not made in design, then the end product will not reach its full potential. That’s why all of our clients walk through a streamlined design process to make sure that their intentions, style, and unique needs are all reflected in the product we deliver.

Gather information

After you request contact on our website, one of our team members will reach out to set up the first call. On the first call we will collect contact information, clarify the scope of your project and become acquainted with your needs. We will let you know what to expect moving forward and answer any questions you have.

A few helpful documents will be sent to you to begin our journey. These include a design questionnaire to help us zero in on what to prepare for a first appointment, as well as a welcome letter and investment guide with useful information to help you plan ahead for your project.

Upon reviewing the completed documents we will consider which services will be most helpful to you. When we have determined it is a fit for us to work together, the design team will schedule a time to visit your home.

Our design team will visit your home to view the space, measure it for drafting purposes, and begin dreaming with you. At this appointment you can expect to hear inspiration and ideas on how to customize your home to your liking. We really enjoy diving into your personality and lifestyle, so that we can tailor the design to work for you and your family. Before leaving the appointment we will have created a wish list and a needs list so that we can get to work.

Drafting/ Concepts

The process begins with drafting the areas of your home that you would like to make physical/structural changes to. We will use the layout to begin changing and shaping your space to address your problem areas and create a new plan. Often our team will collaborate with each other to ensure we offer you the best options that are structurally sound, and aesthetically excellent.

The Designers will create mood boards to communicate the style and direction of the design. They will mix features existing in your home with the vision you discussed in your first appointment to create a truly original design for you.

Many clients are looking to have us style their spaces and other adjacent rooms. This is a great way to ensure that your new kitchen and living room still fit and flow in context with the rest of the first floor. We will add furniture, textiles, and detail items to finish the design!

Our team will also create a working project budget, considering all elements of the design, and what it will take to get from concept to living space. This includes the cost of everything from moving furniture to final cleaning. We do our homework so that your budget includes all discussed and known changes allowing you to make informed decisions up front.

In our experience offering a comprehensive and well-laid design is the foundation for a great project and a timeless space that you can appreciate for years to come!

Presentation

After all the work behind the scenes, it’s time to paint the picture for you … So Exciting! We will invite you to our office in Lancaster to walk you through the preliminary plan.
Your new and improved space comes to life with 3D renderings and design layouts as we present our vision. Together we explore product samples, discuss fixtures and finishes, showing you the options we have carefully considered to accomplish your goals.
Our project proposal includes the scope of work, drawings, and a budget to accomplish your project. We look forward to hearing your feedback and questions. It is important that you leave with all the necessary information to take the next steps.

Decision

We pride ourselves on our process and are determined to present a full picture and working budget so you have the tools you need to make a wise investment.

Once you have decided to work with Black Forest, we present you with a contract to get started.

Many Clients would like us to put together an interior furnishings and styling contract separately as a follow-up to their renovation. Along with this service, we typically style your space and have it professionally photographed to be showcased on our website!

Should you decide not to have us perform the construction portion, we have design-only options. These packages include design edits to the preliminary drawings and material selection/ ordering/ delivery services.

Project Preparation

A great design needs to be professionally implemented or it only stays in the imagination… fortunately we do all that for you!

At contract signing, we schedule material selection days with you. You will join us for a day or two to hone in on all the elements of your design. Together we visit vendor locations to look at materials and fixtures that reflect your style, and function in your budget.

After selections are completed, final drawings will be created to represent your material choices. Your final selections will be reconciled with contract allowances and you will be provided with an adjusted contract total.

At this point, we begin to pull necessary permits, order your materials and create a project schedule. Typically you will have a projected timeframe for your project at contract signing. About a month before your start date we will send the project schedule for you to follow along with.

Construction

Design is complete, materials are secured, it’s time to dig in!

By this point in working with us, we hope you expect nothing but the best. So to exceed your expectations we have a team of skilled craftsmen we are incredibly proud of. You will meet your team leader who will be your point of contact until the project is complete. He will be working daily in your home as the main installer and manager of all aspects of your project. Our team leaders are available for all questions and will work to resolve any changes that develop as they make the design come to life. Our team leaders focus on one project at a time, keeping your schedule and ensuring quality from start to finish.

We strive to make the construction process as painless as possible. It is difficult to have people working in your home for 6-10 weeks because your home is typically a place of refuge and relaxation. Our goal is to set clear expectations, boundaries, and schedules so that you know what’s coming next, and when you will be back to enjoying it again. Many of our homeowners elect to vacation or live elsewhere for a portion of the project. While this is not necessary, we have found that it softens the impact of having major alterations done to your home.

We focus on providing you with turn-key renovations. Your team leader will remain on your project to finish every detail., He will also be there to review the final details of the project with you to ensure that you are satisfied with the project. We want to start strong and end stronger!