INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES

We can help you design and permit a project from scratch or retrofit an existing building. We are also available to help you get an existing project through the finish line. And we can be there for general consulting to coach you through the design and permitting processes. Our experience and expertise includes all types of projects from residential renovations and new construction to commercial retail and cultural spaces.

We strive to accentuate and elevate the unique style of your space while keeping your health and resilience at the forefront. We will do all this while considering the embodied energy and the toxicity of materials we choose.

EXPERIENCE

All together we possess 81 years of experience working as architects and designers in both residential and commercial spaces. With our guidance, you will be able to:

  • Elevate the site as a whole by considering every interior and exterior space

  • Make the most of your space by making it feel larger and more spacious with a design that supports efficiency and beauty

  • Provide three dimensional models that help you envision the actual spaces inside and out

  • Identify sustainable materials and technology choices that fit within your budget

  • Act as an advocate for you during the construction process assuring any necessary changes are done in a way that respects the overall design

  • Help you evaluate decisions at every level for the best possible outcome for your budget.


WHY THIS SERVICE: 

We will work with you through a collaborative process that will explore multiple ideas and unlock the property’s full potential. The process will address both beauty and functionality, finding the perfect balance of what you are dreaming of and what will work with your budget. Over the years we have seen a lot of things go right and a lot that have not. Here are a few things we sometimes seen go wrong with projects of your kind over the years:

  • Projects that are built without an over arching design can lead to less than stellar results

  • Poorly sized spaces that do not consider efficiency and the human need for beauty

  • Spaces that do not consider the characteristics of the site to maximize views, and passive lighting, heating and cooling

  • Spaces that feel like they were hurried through the design and construction process

  • Designed spaces that the owner(s) cannot afford

  • Projects that do not consider their impact on the planet

  • Projects that get hung up in permitting because there is a lack of understanding of building codes and zoning regulations

  • Contractors intimidating clients and convincing them to build a lower quality product

Interior Design 

You have or intend to hire a local architect and are looking for in-house interior design expertise. 

WHAT’S INCLUDED: 

Discovery

We start with a site visit to get a full understanding of the existing space. We document the structure and then draft it into our software. We create rough cost estimates and a schedule that we can refer back to throughout the process. 

Schematic Design

Visioning

Together we will preview your vision, and work with you to develop and UPLIFT it. We’ll approach translating the vision and goals into what will be appropriate for your space and your needs. We'll explore how the space might look and feel through the use of inspirational imagery.

Sustainability & Health

Many of the conventional building materials that make up buildings today are toxic and/or energy-intensive to create. Together we develop a set of sustainability goals and determine how they inform the design. We will focus on energy savings, lowering your carbon footprint, healthy materials, air quality, sound and odor. All of these sustainable design decisions will elevate the health and overall experience your space or home.  

Concept Design Package

We will conduct a site visit to document the condition of the existing space. We will use this information to generate a 3D model of the space, giving us the starting point to design. Implementing our longstanding expertise, we will offer design options that address your needs and offer you new ideas to consider. Collaboratively, we will discuss the pros and cons of all the ideas presented. We will have a series of 1-2 meetings to narrow the ideas down into one concept.

Interior Design Process

Taking the Concept Design we created together, we will dive into the interior design process with a collaborative approach. We will provide concept imagery that give you a sense of the look and feel of the space. We will have a series of three meetings where we will guide you through the selection process, gathering information on what materials are available and ensure they fit into your budget. These selections will be developed into a detailed set of drawings and specifications that address every interior element. We can also create beautiful 3D renderings so you can see your space transformed. Renderings can be very helpful in the design process to assist in visualizing the desired end result of the space.  

Interior Design Documents

After the design concept and aesthetic foundation has been established, we will create a finish floor plan identifying flooring material locations and transitions. A lighting plan identifying light fixture spacing and layout will be provided to ensure lighting levels are comfortable, functional and include layered lighting techniques. We will create interior elevations of the space showing design intent for built-in casework and material applications including critical dimensions needed for fabrication and installation. These drawings will also identify plumbing fixture locations, appliance locations and specialty custom design elements. Details will be provided as needed to ensure the end result is built and fabricated in a sustainable way utilizing high quality materials and processes. 


INTERIOR SPECIFICATION

We will assist you in the specification selection process. This will include assistance identifying finishes such as tile, flooring, countertops, paint colors, cabinet style and finish. We will also help select plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, appliances + equipment and any additional accessories.

We will provide a specifications schedule that will include documentation of all final selections which will assist a contractor in all ordering and procuring of your approved selections. The schedule will include an item tag (identified in the documents above), description of the product, manufacturer information, model numbers, color/finish, size, quantities, product links and location. This keeps all of the information in one place and easy to access. We can also assist in value engineering that may arise during the construction process to help maintain the original design intent.

Construction Services

We will use our construction expertise to support you and your contractor to make sure the space is being built per the construction documents. Not only will we help you resolve issues on the fly, but we will act as an advocate for you and the design. We will conduct in person and/or virtual site visits in order to collaborate with the team on efficient design solutions.  

About the Process

We’ll accomplish all of the above through a collaborative process that combines real-time conversations, sketches, independent research, and documentation. Clients find our collaborative process to be inspiring, reassuring, and most importantly fun!

Harka goes beyond interior design and is able to provide comprehensive architectural design services for both residential and commercial projects, ensuring a holistic approach to creating spaces that meet clients' needs and aspirations.