Our signature process
phase I
At Katie Rainey Design, every project begins with alignment. Before we specify a single finish or source a single piece, we focus on understanding you—how you live, what inspires you, and what your home needs to do to support your lifestyle. This is the strategic groundwork that ensures your home reflects both beauty and purpose.
concept design
- We start with a conversation—about your home, your vision, and how you want to feel in the space. We determine whether your project is the right fit for our team and present a tailored scope of work and proposal based on your goals and our expertise. Once approved, we officially kick things off.
- We meet on-site (or review architectural plans) to take detailed measurements, gather documentation, and assess opportunities and constraints. We begin collaborating with your builder, architect, or trades early to ensure feasibility and alignment. This is where our construction-minded design approach begins to shine—thinking through implementation from day one.
- Here we shift into the creative. Through conversations, inspiration imagery, and design interviews, we translate your style, personality, and daily rhythms into a tangible design direction. This is where we start shaping the soul of your home.
1: Discovery & Fit
2. Site & Team Integration
3. vision alignment
phase II
design development
- We develop your approved concept into detailed designs using a combination of 3D modeling tools and digital floor plans. This helps you fully visualize the space before construction begins. We then prepare comprehensive drawings to clearly communicate the design intent to your builder, architect, and trades, so everyone is aligned.
Building on the foundation of Phase 1, we move from broad concepts to precise, actionable designs. This phase is where your vision starts to take tangible form, with every detail thoughtfully considered and documented to ensure seamless execution.
1: Precision Planning with 3D + Floor Plans
- With the design direction finalized, we guide you through selecting the exact hard finishes such as tile, flooring, and countertops in addition to fixtures such as plumbing and lighting. These choices are critical in defining the character of your home and ensuring durability and beauty in every detail.
2. Hard Finish & Fixture Selections
- Next, we focus on soft finishes including paint, wallcoverings, upholstery, window treatments, and area rugs. We also source furnishings and accessories that complement the architectural design to make your home feel complete.
3. Soft Finishes & Furnishings
phase III
With every detail finalized and aligned, we shift into making the design a reality. This phase is where our plans, selections, and coordination come together to deliver a space that’s not only beautiful but deeply livable.
Implementation & Transformation
- Once all furnishings and finishes are approved, we manage the full procurement process. From placing orders and tracking shipments to receiving and inspecting goods, we handle every detail. Our team coordinates with vendors and warehousing partners to ensure a smooth timeline and consolidated delivery.
- Throughout construction, we remain closely involved—answering design questions from the builder and trades, problem-solving in real time, and ensuring the design intent is faithfully executed. This phase benefits deeply from our early integration with your build team, keeping communication clear and decisions streamlined.
- Once construction is complete and all furnishings are ready, we schedule your installation. We manage the entire process—furniture placement, artwork hanging, accessories, and styling—down to the last throw pillow. This is when your home transforms into the retreat you’ve been envisioning.
1. Procurement & Project Coordination
2. Construction support
3. Installation & Styling
4. Project Closeout
- When the dust has settled and your space is complete, we wrap up with care. We walk through the final result with you, address any outstanding details, and present you with a project binder including all specs, warranties, and care instructions—so your home remains as functional as it is beautiful for years to come.
TESTIMONIAL
Working with Katie Rainey Design on waterfront properties has been a fantastic experience. Katie's eye for detail and her ability to enhance natural views while meeting the practical demands of construction make her a standout designer. She collaborates seamlessly with contractors, making every project smooth and efficient. I highly recommend Katie for any waterfront design work.
