Shopping for IDs

With the floor plan, and key delivery end August, it's time to shop around for interior designers. Additionally, we also approached 2 contractors, since the requirements is quite clear cut. Hence the past few weeks have been very busy meeting several IDs.

1. United Team (Desmond):
One of the first few we met. Comes across as dependable, managed to get most of what we are looking for. In our 2nd appointment where he provided the quotation, he gave a 3D drawing of our bedroom 2 (the one with the study and platform bed) so that we can visualise better. He also suggested sealing up the 3rd toilet to make space for a storeroom. Something that did not occur to us before. However, we will probably not adopt that idea - given that we prefer if the helper have her own private area in the yard and kitchen, so it is important for her to have a private toilet.

2. Design for Space (Andrew):
A plus for him is that he renovated a unit in our same block before, so he is well aware of the unit's space and orientation. He also highlighted the hot afternoon sun, which demonstrated his familiarity with the project. However, felt that we cannot clique well with him, so we did not proceed with him. His presentation of the space layout also did not appear impressive, and we were not entirely sold.

3. Unity (Wynn):
One of the most 'ID' feel interior designer that we met. She spent the most time explaining her thoughts to us, and sketched a few designs on the spot when we discussed our requirements to her. Felt that she has a lot of ideas in the initial meet-up, but took a bit long to get back to us for the quotation. Also, the quotation was a bit inaccurate because of the measurements she took from the floorplan, and needed some correction here and there.

4. Fortuna (Mr Goh - Contractor):
One of the 2 contractors that we met. Within expectations, it was a straight forward meeting. Provided the quotation promptly on what we told him we wanted. Cheaper (slightly) than the IDs quote, but felt that the slight difference of about $1k to $2k wasn't that significant though, to justify the 'design fee' that we will incur for the advice on themes, colour coordination, design advice, furniture shopping, light shoppings etc.

He also mentioned that he would project manage everything, similar to what an ID would do.

5. Woodplus (Derrick):
Plus point is that his company has a good strength in carpentry works. Understands that he seldom does residential except for referral business as he concentrates on commercial projects. Also has a kind of ID feel (feels creative). Also very proactive in following up with us, informing us that he is overseas hence expect some delays etc. Also followed up with us after he sent the quotation over too.

6. Space Atelier (Jonathan):
Met him and discussed the requirements. Did not come back with quotation. We took the position of a RFP - if someone did not follow up, we also would not too as it shows that they are not interested in earning our money. So I guess Space Atelier is automatically out of the running already.

7. Teck Lee Seng Renovation (Junxiong):
2nd contractor that we met. No response back after initial meet-up. Same as Space Atelier, written off. Disappointing as he came with recommendations from our friends who recently engaged him to do their house.

8. Inside Living (Michael):
Came across as a dependable ID, and provided ceiling plans, and quite a good space layout idea.

9. The Carpenters (Daryl and Yvonne):
I think we got one of their junior designers. We walked into the showroom without any appointment, and they got assigned to us. To be fair though, they provided their own design ideas in sketches to us as an alternative, which is more than what most of the other IDs did. However, we did not get the confidence that they can handle our renovation. Hence probably giving this a pass.

10. M3 Design (Montie):
Another ID with a very designer feel. However, he needs 3 weeks to get back to us with a quotation, so still pending for a 2nd meet-up to hear his ideas. Will update again.

11. The Interior Lab (Matty):
A very practical designer. Suggested 2 things to us which no one has raised before.
(a) for us to use wood tiles for the balcony as it has lesser maintenance requirements and slightly cheaper. The drawback is that the feel when stepping out to the balcony is that of tiles, instead of wood. However, this turned out to be a good idea instead - which i will explain in another post
(b) for us to do away with the curtain pelmet. This would allow for a higher ceiling height feel, and wouldn't affect the visual effect much.