Bespoke kitchen with large island in a beautiful old Cotswold barn

A considered design process brings clarity and a shared understanding before work begins.

Every project is different, and while the design process is typically drawn from the following stages, not every project requires each one. Following our consultation, we'll recommend the stages most appropriate for your home, ensuring you only invest in the design input your project genuinely requires:

H O W   W E   W O R K

  1. Initial Phone Call (20 minutes)

  2. Design Consultation (£250)

  3. Measured Survey

  4. Concept Design

  5. Design Development

  6. Technical Drawings

  7. Procurement Assistance

  8. Project Collaboration

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Every project begins with a complimentary 20 minute phone call.It's an opportunity to introduce yourselves, tell me a little about your project, ask any initial questions and decide whether Schoolhouse Studio feels like the right fit.

If we both feel we'd work well together, the next step is a Design Consultation (£250). Lasting around 90–120 minutes, this can take place either in your home or remotely by video call, depending on the nature of your project and your location. It's a relaxed conversation about your home, your aspirations and the way you'd like your home to feel and function. Before considering layouts, materials or finishes, it's important to understand the people who call the house home.

How does the process begin?

What can I expect from the consultation?

Every project is different, so rather than following a fixed formula, the next steps are shaped by your home, your aspirations and where you are in the process.

Following our consultation, I'll take time to reflect on everything we've discussed before preparing a tailored proposal outlining the recommended scope of work, design stages and associated fees. This provides a clear understanding of how the project could move forward, allowing you the time and space to consider everything at your own pace.

If you decide to proceed, we'll begin the design process together - I'll prepare a bespoke proposal outlining the design stages and associated fees. Once appointed, the project typically begins with a measured survey of the property, providing the accurate information needed to develop the design.

How are your design fees structured?

Every project is unique, so design fees are tailored to reflect the scope, complexity and level of involvement required.

Following our consultation, you'll receive a clear proposal outlining the recommended stages of work and the associated fees, giving you a complete understanding of what's included before any design work begins. My aim is always to be transparent, allowing you to make informed decisions with confidence.

Good design isn't simply about creating beautiful spaces. It's about making thoughtful decisions at the right time, avoiding costly mistakes and creating a home that's considered in every detail.

What if I’m not quite sure what I want?

Most clients don't begin with a fully formed vision, and they don't need to. In many ways, that's where the design process begins.

Whether you have a collection of ideas, a handful of inspiration images or simply the feeling that your home isn't working as well as it could, we'll take the time to explore the possibilities together. Through conversation, careful questioning and a considered design process, we'll gradually uncover what feels right for your home, your lifestyle and the way you want to live.

  • Based in Buckinghamshire, Schoolhouse works on projects throughout Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire & the Cotswolds

    We also undertake projects further afield when a project calls for it and offer remote interior design services for clients throughout the UK and internationally

  • Every project is different, so our involvement is tailored to suit your needs.

    From initial concepts through to detailed drawings, material palettes and procurement, we provide the level of support each project requires.

    Where appropriate, this may include identifying the pieces that quietly complete a room — whether furniture, lighting, artwork, antiques or one-off objects.

    Some clients require a complete design service, while others simply need guidance at key stages.

  • Some clients enjoy being closely involved throughout the design process, while others prefer us to take the lead. Our role is to provide clarity, creativity and considered guidance, adapting our level of involvement to suit both the project and the people behind it.

  • Many aspects of a project can be developed remotely using drawings, photographs, video calls and shared documents.

    Where site visits are beneficial, these can be arranged as required, allowing us to work with clients well beyond our immediate area without compromising the quality of the design process.

  • Whether we're working alongside your builder, architect, joiner or another specialist, or introducing trusted professionals from our own network, we bring together people who share a commitment to thoughtful design, craftsmanship and quality.

    Good projects are rarely the work of one person—they're the result of good people working well together.