Studio Kimi interior design — double-height living room with a marble fireplace, Mona project in Mississauga

Our Process

How every Studio Kimi project comes together
How we work

A clear path from first conversation to final reveal.

Every home is different, but the way we work doesn't change. From the first conversation to the day we hand back the keys, our process keeps the project clear, considered, and on track — so you always know what's happening and what comes next. Here's how every Studio Kimi project comes together.

Phase 01

Discovery & Design

Every project starts with understanding — the home, how you live in it, and what isn't working today. We measure and document the existing space, talk through how you use each room, and set a clear scope and budget direction together. From there we develop a concept: the layout, the look, and the direction for materials, and we present it so you can see and feel where the project is headed before any detailed drawings begin.

  1. Discovery & site measure
  2. Scope & budget direction
  3. Concept development & presentation
Studio Kimi kitchen design rendering — white oak cabinetry, marble waterfall island and veined marble backsplash
Phase 02

Design Development & Planning

Once the direction is set, we design it in full. We produce the technical drawings — floor plans, elevations, millwork details, and lighting layouts — and build 3D study renderings to test scale, proportion, and materials before anything is finalized. We select every material and product (flooring, tile, cabinetry, lighting, plumbing, and finishes), refine the details, and assemble a comprehensive design package with an honest investment range — so the plan is fully resolved and priced before anyone picks up a tool.

  1. Technical drawings & 3D study renderings
  2. Material & product selections
  3. Design package & pricing
Studio Kimi material and finish board for an interior design project
Phase 03

Build & Reveal

With the design locked, we move to build. As a design-build firm, we act as your general contractor — coordinating the trades and staying hands-on through construction to protect the design intent. When the work is done, we deliver and install the furniture, style the space, and hand it back to you — finished, considered, and ready to live in.

  1. Construction & trade coordination
  2. Furniture delivery & install
  3. Styling & final reveal
Construction and framing during a Studio Kimi home renovation
During the build
Finished, styled home interior at the Studio Kimi project reveal
The reveal

Common questions

How do your design fees work?

Our design fee covers the design work itself — concept, drawings, selections, and the full design package. What it comes to depends on the scale, size, and scope of your project, so we price each one to what it actually involves. For real examples and typical figures in Ontario, take a look at our cost guide.

How long does the design process take?

For a full home, the design phase typically takes about four to six weeks. From there, construction timing depends on the scale and scope of the work. We set realistic expectations up front so you always know what to expect — there's more on renovation timelines here.

Do you handle the construction too?

Yes. We're a design-build firm, so we don't just hand off drawings — we act as your general contractor and build the project too. We coordinate the trades through construction, then install the furniture and style the space for the reveal. One team, accountable from concept to move-in.

Do I need a designer if I already have a contractor?

Yes. A contractor builds what's in front of them; a designer decides what gets built and how it all comes together — the layout, the materials, the details. Even if you have a builder you trust, our drawings and selections make their job clearer and the finished home far more cohesive.

Do I need a permit?

Most renovations of any real scope need a building permit — and we handle that for you. We hold a BCIN (Building Code Identification Number), which qualifies us to prepare and submit the permit drawings your municipality requires, so we manage the process from start to finish. We're also NCIDQ-certified interior designers.

What areas do you work in?

We're based in Oakville and work across Mississauga, Burlington, and the wider GTA. If you're just outside that, ask us — we'll let you know.

Will I see what it looks like before we build?

Yes — and that's a big part of why working with a designer matters. During the design phase we present the concept: layout, materials, and visuals, so you can see and feel the space before anything is built. Good design isn't just making a space pretty — it's risk control. Decisions get made on screen and on paper, where changes are easy and inexpensive, instead of on site, where they're neither. Nothing gets built until you're confident in the plan.

Do you take on single rooms, or only whole-home projects?

We focus on whole-home and multi-room renovations rather than single-room jobs — we generally don't take on just one bathroom, for example. That said, every project is different, so if you're not sure where yours fits, it's worth a conversation.

Ready to start?

Contact us