Our Design Process
Kasey McCarty Interior Design Studio approaches each project as a collaborative process between clients, designers, contractors, artisans, and trades. The studio guides projects from early feasibility and planning through construction and final installation, ensuring that design intent is carried through every stage of the work.
The studio regularly collaborates with architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and skilled trades to deliver environments that are thoughtfully designed and carefully executed.
While every project is unique, most engagements move through the following phases.
Discovery and Programming
Every project begins with understanding the client’s goals, operational needs, and vision for the space.
During this phase the studio works with the client and project team to review priorities, discuss budget expectations, and evaluate how the space will function. Existing drawings, site conditions, landlord requirements, and regulatory considerations are reviewed to establish a clear framework for the project.
This stage establishes the foundation for a successful design process.
Feasibility and Space Planning
For many projects the studio begins with feasibility studies and spatial analysis before committing to full design development.
Early layout studies and “test fit” plans evaluate circulation, adjacencies, and operational flow to determine whether a building or space can support the client’s program. These studies help identify opportunities and constraints before significant design investment occurs.
Feasibility studies may be performed as a standalone service or as the first step in a full design engagement.
Schematic Design
During schematic design the overall vision for the project begins to take shape.
Concept imagery, sketches, and preliminary layouts are developed to explore spatial organization, atmosphere, and material direction. Initial selections for finishes, furnishings, and architectural elements begin to emerge, while preliminary construction budgets are reviewed with the project team.
This phase allows the client and design team to align on the overall concept before detailed documentation begins.
Design Development
Once the design direction is approved, the project moves into design development where the details of the environment are refined.
Interior elevations, material selections, lighting concepts, millwork design, and furniture selections are developed and coordinated with the project’s operational requirements and construction considerations. Budgets are reviewed and refined as needed to maintain alignment with the project goals.
This phase transforms the conceptual design into a fully coordinated design solution.
Construction Documentation and Permitting
With the design established, the studio prepares detailed construction documents that guide the building process.
These documents may include interior plans, reflected ceiling plans, finish schedules, millwork drawings, and detailed specifications for materials, fixtures, lighting, and specialty equipment. The documentation is coordinated with engineers and consultants as needed and submitted for permitting and regulatory review when required.
Clear documentation allows contractors and trades to execute the design accurately.
Construction Administration
During construction the studio works closely with the contractor and project team to ensure the design is implemented correctly.
Site visits, contractor coordination, shop drawing review, and problem-solving are part of this stage. The studio monitors progress, responds to field conditions, and works with the team to resolve issues that arise during construction.
This collaborative process helps maintain the integrity of the design throughout construction.
Procurement, Installation, and Styling
As construction nears completion the studio coordinates the procurement and installation of furnishings, lighting, art, and accessories.
Furniture, art, and accessory selections are documented, ordered, and tracked through procurement and receiving. Installation coordination ensures that all elements are placed correctly and the space is styled to create a finished, cohesive environment.