The Design Process

Ricardo Vasquez designs and builds custom furniture and cabinetry as well as other woodwork for individual clients. This is a brief overview of the process of commissioning custom work.

An interested client contacts me or visits my web site. Typically a client will have a very general idea of what they want, for example:

“I want an office I can resonate in with a Greene and Greene style.”

“I want an entertainment center to enclose my new large screen TV and stereo equipment in a light colored wood.”

Occasionally a client will have a picture of a design they like but it will be unavailable in a size or material they desire. Or they may wish to have a piece made to match or compliment some existing furniture.

We discuss their needs and taste in design. If possible, I visit the location of the work to get a feel for the space and surroundings. After  I gather as much information as possible I am  ready to proceed with the design work. I charge a fee which ranges from $500 to $1,000 or more which covers my time to do site visits and produce concept drawings and designs. The entire design fee is deducted from the project down payment when the contract is signed. If, for any reason, my design is not accepted the design fee is forfeited. For this reason the more information I receive the greater the likelihood that my design will be acceptable. If there are budget constraints, such information will help us focus on what is feasible.

I prepare concept drawings and work up a proposal for the project that includes drawings, materials specifications, type of finish, pricing along with construction and payment schedules. Should any changes be needed I redo the drawings or change the specifications and when all is acceptable I work up a contract.

My goal is to design, construct and deliver a piece that exceeds my client’s expectations.