“Know Your Project: Let’s Get Started!”. The 10 steps to savings for you as a design client are: 1. Before consulting the design professionals, collect pictures, catalogues, and images that capture design spaces you admire. Write words down on a sheet of paper that may convey some of those ideas. 2. Be realistic about the schedule. From design changes to lead time on desired materials, it is important to get what you want in the time frame for grand opening. This is important to us as it is to the client. 3. Acquire as much information about your site, tenant, or office space as possible. These can be maps, plans, elevations, or other drawings attached with your lease or property agreement. There may be others from previous owners logged at the city. Since all work should be permitted, you may find existing drawings of your space or site. 4. The drawings at the permit office should be walked through to the city officials. Of course, any changes will be made by the design professional, however, it has been proven to get the ball rolling faster, when there is an interested party present versus dropping the drawings off. 5. Fill out the Project Information sheet in its entirety and email it back. Our project information sheet has lists of questions ranging from square footage to electrical service location. Filling this form out completely could save the cost of a site visit or office visit. 6. Stick to the contract and the schedule outlined. Don’t try to take shortcuts by enlisting assistance outside the agreed contract. For example, NO, we can’t let your relatives do the demolition, if they are not under contract with us. 7. Report any concerns immediately to the team lead. All payments should go through the team lead. All permit officials and inspectors should be consulting the team lead. Confusion can be alleviated by following the chain of command. 8. If you have questions, ask. If you don’t understand a quote or need an explanation of fees, ask questions. We are ready to give answers. If you aren’t sure about terms or need clarification on the process and procedure, don’t be afraid to ask. Be flexible enough to ask the question. 9. If you are thrifty, one can find used equipment and furniture that look good as new. Ebay, Craigs list, and specialty websites can provide you with great sources of used goods. 10. Know your budget and stick to it. Know how much those specialty items cost. If you know your budget and commit to it, you will have something to compare project costs to. You don’t want to open up your business with more overhead than you can carry.

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