GETTING STARTED

What? Virtual design studio is a valuable program offered from LaSalle Custom Design Studio that allows clients the benefits of diy-custom interiors for a sensible price.

Who? Virtual design studio is intended for those who may not need or want the full scope of services provided by LaSalle Custom Design. Room by room projects, limited budgets, control of purchasing are all excellent reasons for using this special program. our virtual design studio clients gain custom tailored spaces while playing an active role in the design process.

Where? Virtual design studio works for clients throughout the United States and even beyond. The majority of communication is efficiently directed through email and webcast. Specified design products and finishes can be found online and through local brick and mortar showrooms.

How? Engaging in dedicated conversation with our clients, directed by very design-specific questions allows us to discern our clients taste, style, desires and needs. Simply supply us with digital photos of the designated rooms, photos of the exterior of the home and some basic site information. In addition, we ask for measurements of the rooms the client in wanting designed. We will assist in this process to make it as simple as possible. Once all of the assessments are made, we custom design a tailored room specific to the client’s style.

Four to six weeks after placing a virtual studio order, the client receives a professionally crafted presentation    For each room designed.  The package includes:

Professional design boards complete with colors, furniture selection, photos,  and sketches for conceptual design consideration.

• A Schematic furniture plan drawn to scale
• A  Finish book complete with samples of fabrics, paint, wall-covering, flooring, tile, hardware, wood finishes, etc. and a detailed finish plan for the space.
• A spreadsheet of resources of where to find each design selection.
• An easy to understand guide of how to implement all of the selections based on the design plan.  The client can decide how much or how little of our design they  use, make subsititutions according to budget and preference and implement the design on their own timeframe.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

How to measure your room(s)

• Using pencil, sketch out the existing layout (don’t worry about scale), and be sure to include the locations of all windows, doors, and closets.
• Use a tape measure to measure each wall, corner to corner. record the sizes and locations of all openings and built-ins (doorways, pass-throughs, built-in bookcases, etc).
• Then measure each wall in detail: start at one corner of the room, measure the distance from the corner to the outside edge of the window casing, from there to the opposite edge of the window casing, from there to the edge of a built-in cabinet, and so on to the opposite corner.
• When you finish the first wall, total the measurement; it should match the first overall measurement.
• Continue this process around the room, and note the measurements on your drawing.

Additional helpful information to provide:

• Ceiling height for each room
• Location of all power outlets
• Height of windows and doors
• Location of windows on each wall
• Location of any wall (sconce) or ceiling lights
• Photos of your space

We recommend that you take panoramic digital photos of each individual wall of the room as well as some perspective photos (taken from different angles of the space).

Be sure to include:

• Photos of the locations of windows and doors/doorways.
• Try to include a shot of the outside of your home or apartment building.

We derive valuable inspiration from the exterior architecture, site, and landscape of your home.

• Take photos of any existing furniture, accessories or artwork that you would like us to include in the design.

Inspiration Items

• Pull “tear sheets” from magazines and let us know what you love and what you don’t love in them.
• Send pictures of rooms you admire, even if you feel like they’re nothing like your own room.
• Sneak a photo at your friend’s house you’ve always admired and let us know why.
• Show us colors you love (and be sure you tell us which colors you don’t).
• Send a swatch of fabric(s) you’ve been saving
• Remember that the more you tell us about what you like, the more personal your design will be. we love receiving your input.

FAQ

• What was the catalyst for Virtual Design Studio?
• How does the designer get to know the client if they have never met?
• How much communication is there between the designer and the client during the design process?
• Can you incorporate some of my existing furnishings?
• When is payment due?
• How long does it take for me to receive my design?
• What if I have questions after receiving my design?
• Once the design package is delivered to the client, do you offer any additional services for Virtual Design Studio clients?
• Have you ever had an unhappy client?

Q: What was the catalyst for Virtual Design Studio?

A: Joey LaSalle, Principal of LaSalle Custom Design Studio, initially began helping long distance family members design spaces in their homes.  It wasn’t long before he realized how by providing the design ideas, selections and guidance, each project was met with success and ease for both he and his family member.  Joey also realized how this allowed each person to implement the design at their own comfort level, timeframe and budget.  Having relatives who lived in remote and rural areas where they would not normally be able to hire in design services was another determining factor that this could be a solution for many other people who wanted well designed spaces and enable them to achieve their particular style, taste and function.

Q: How does the designer get to know the client if they have never met?

A: The more information a potential client sends us, the more we get to know their needs, tastes, and challenges for their room. in addition to measurements of the space and a completed questionnaire, we welcome tear sheets from magazines and the internet, photos of other rooms in your home, swatches of fabrics and colors you love…anything that will tell us more about you.

Q: How much communication is there between the designer and the client during the design process?

A: Communication is crucial to the success of your project.  We will ask you to submit a significant amount of information to gain a clear understanding of your design goals.  It is important that we uncover as many details about your taste, personal style and how you wish to live and function in the space before we ever begin the design process.   When questions arise, we will call you but usually most communication will be via email.  Through out the design process we will communicate with you on an as-needed basis.

Q: Can you incorporate some of my existing furnishings?

A: Our goal is to do our very best to integrate your valued pieces into our design.  Of course, to do this, we need to know at the onset of the project so we can plan for it.  Please include photos and measurements, and if it is an upholstered piece and you intend to keep the same fabric, a cutting is helpful.  If the existing fabric doesn’t fit well with the new design, we will recommend a replacement fabric.

Q: When is payment due?

A: Submitting your payment is what initiates our service.  We cannot begin to work on your project until we receive payment in full.

Q: How long does it take for me to receive my design?

A: Our standard lead time is four to six weeks….six being more typical.  If you order multiple rooms for design development, we may need some extra time to complete your entire order.  While timeliness and maintaining a strict schedule is important to meet deadlines, we will not compromise your design by rushing through it.  We will always communicate with you should additional lead time be required.

Q: What if I have questions after receiving my design?

A: Your questions are important to us. We do our best to make your custom design implementation as simple as possible, but should you need clarification, we will do our best to help you.  Our goal is for you to be completely satisfied with the results.

Q: Once the design package is delivered to the client, do you offer any additional services for Virtual Design Studio clients?

Some of our clients would prefer to have us handle the shopping, ordering, and purchasing process.  We are available for additional service on an hourly basis.

Q: Have you ever had an unhappy client?

A: The beauty of the virtual design studio program is that you are in charge of how much or how little of our design you use.  Therefore, you receive beautiful results that are tailored specifically to you and this ensures happy clients.