Sunday 25 November 2012

Interior Designer selection process

We decided to obtain quotations from maximum of 5 IDs as we do not have the luxury of time on our hands due to our busy work schedules.

The following IDs were contacted:-

Kaleido Interior
I have seen many of their featured works in magazines and unfortunately as I did not request for any particular designer, I was assigned a junior designer. After a few meet-ups, the designer simply failed to inpress us. 

Verdict: Rejected. Price was very reasonable though and one of the lowest quotation we received.

Distinct Identity
During my visits to their office, I noticed that all the staff seem young and dynamic. Again, I was assigned a junior designer, lets call her 'Y' with just 2 years experience however she is extremely knowledgeble and is able to answer all my queries. After brief discussions "Y' scheduled a date for me to come back 2 weeks later for the quotation and 3D drawing. We were surprised that she was going to do a 3D for us! When we came back, the 3D drawing turned out to be pictures from various apartments that 'Y' would like to propose to us. We did not know if we should laugh or cry. The quotation is on the high side but they seem to emphasize on the use of quality material. So in other words you get what you pay for. 'Y' resigned shortly after & we were not notified by Distinct until I called their office looking for 'Y'.

Verdict: Rejected.

Multi-Attributes
I contacted the owner of the design company as I saw her featured work in a magazine and I fell in love with it. I would like to engage Lee Lee as her design works are in line with my visions for my new home. I sent her an sms requesting for an appointment, no reply. I called her and she asked me to drop her an email with my floor plan. I did and again no reply...maybe they are too busy?

Verdict: Dropped.

Plush Living
ID Darren Lim was strongly recommended on Renotalk forum. I did a bit of research & found his work on the Park Bleu show flat featured in Lookboxliving.com. I really love the showfalt design and I sent him an email with my floor plan and set an appointment to meet up with him. His assistant met up with me on the first appointment and he was well very prepared with many ideas and a proposed quotation. Price was on the high side but hubby was really bought over by their ideas and professionalism.

Verdict: Shortlisted.

Meter Square
This was the last designer. We met up with the Design Director who is extremely talented. Upon second meeting she produced a 3D drawing incorporating all the ideas and concept I had relayed to her on our first meeting. Price is comparable to Plush.

Verdict: Shortlisted.

The beginning of a new home

It took us 3 months to search for our new home and finally we bought a condominium in Toa Payoh after viewing it only once! We signed the Option to Purchase on 5 September :) The close proximity to the MRT is the deciding factor as it is only 2 minutes walking distance. Other than that we have to settle for a smaller sized 894sqft, 2 bedroom unit. Yey!! Time to look for IDs!!!

Our new home!