OCTOBER 24, 2023

Preparing For Your Design Appointment

Purchasing a condominium pre-construction (before it is built) comes with the exciting opportunity to customize your new home. One of the biggest steps in this journey is the design appointment, where you'll collaborate with our design team to select finishes, fixtures, and personalize your suite to your liking.

Proper preparation is key to making the most of your time and ensuring you create a home that reflects your style and preferences. This comprehensive guide will help you prepare for your pre-construction condominium design appointment.

1. Research and gather inspiration

You should begin by exploring design styles, trends, and themes that resonate with your personal taste. Look through online platforms (such as Instagram or Pinterest) and magazines (such as Architectural Digest, Elle Décor or House and Home), to gather inspiration. Create a mood board or a digital folder to compile your ideas, including color palettes, materials, furniture styles, and lighting options that appeal to you.

2. Understand your lifestyle and needs

Consider your lifestyle and how you plan to use your condo space. Do you need a dedicated workspace? Are you an avid entertainer? Identifying your needs and preferences will help you make design decisions that align with your daily routines and activities. Make a list of must-have features and prioritize them for discussion during the appointment.

3. Review the floorplan

Refamiliarize yourself with the floorplan and dimensions of your suite. Your floorplan is included in your sales documents, it's called “Schedule C1”. This will help you to visualize how different design elements will fit within the space. Pay attention to the flow of traffic, location of doors, windows, and structural elements that may impact your choices. If you aren’t sure how to sense the size of space, compare the measurements on your Schedule C1 to similar sized rooms in your current home to get a sense of scale.

4. Know your budget

Set a realistic budget for your design selections and prioritize accordingly. Log in to our online Design Tool to understand the costs associated with various upgrades and customizations specific to your suite (sign-in instructions will be included in your email from “The Lobby” – our design studio). During your appointment, make sure to ask about any limitations based on building systems and codes. This will allow you to make informed decisions during the appointment without exceeding your financial comfort zone.

5. Communicate with the builder

If you have extensive design plans for your suite or if you're having trouble logging into the online tool prior to your appointment, reach out to our design team to discuss available options, upgrade packages, and any design guidelines you need to follow. Visit The Lobby website for an online catalogue of finishes, or ask for a list of fixtures we offer, as well as any additional customization possibilities. This will help you come prepared with specific questions and ideas during the appointment.

6. Compile a list of questions

Prepare a list of questions to ask your Design Consultant during the appointment. They’ll know about the design timelines, delivery schedules, and any restrictions that may apply to customization. We work closely with our award-winning Customer Care team, and can connect you to more information on warranties, maintenance requirements, and the long-term durability of various materials and finishes as required.

7. Bring reference materials

Bring your compiled mood board, along with any fabric samples, paint chips, or images that inspire you. Visual aids will help you effectively communicate your vision to your Design Consultant. These references will serve as a starting point for discussions, ensuring everyone is on the same page when it comes to your design preferences.

8. Be open to professional advice

While it's important to have a clear vision, be open to suggestions and professional advice from the Design Consultant you meet with. They have experience in creating beautiful spaces and can offer valuable insights and recommendations. Collaboration and compromise are key to achieving a balanced and harmonious design that suits your lifestyle.

9. Other things to keep in mind

Changes or additions to the included features and finishes will have an associated cost. Some materials have multiple included colours to select from (flooring and countertops, for example) at no additional cost, while others, such as appliances, plumbing fixtures, or electrical items have been pre-selected, and any changes would have additional costs associated with them.

Keep in mind, the construction of what is often hundreds of suites in quick succession is a complicated and carefully timed process. If you have extensive plans for your suite design, your Design Consultant will share a set of critical dates for when your decisions need to be made by, in order to keep construction of the overall community on schedule.

Preparing for your pre-construction condominium design appointment is an essential step towards creating a home that reflects your style and meets your needs. By conducting thorough research, understanding your lifestyle, communicating effectively with our design team, and being open to expert advice, you'll ensure a productive and successful appointment.

Have a question about your design appointment? Let us know!

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Jim Stoops, Director Design Services

Jim believes in ignoring the rules and creating spaces that are personal and tailored to the client. His design style leans toward layered, saturated spaces with an identifiable history.