Design Process

With a team of skilled collaborators, MLB Design Group offers full-service, highly personalized kitchen and bathroom design for discerning homeowners. We specialize in remodeling, but also enjoy our involvement with certain new-build work. We design and facilitate all aspects of our projects from concept through completion, developing complete project drawings and schematics, materials schedules and samples, and product specifications and technical drawings.

No cookie cutters are used here. We take pride in developing customized design solutions that fit our individual clients and their homes, while being thoughtful about the earth, the budget and the schedule. We are technically adept and imaginative design thinkers, and bring with us a trusted team of artisans, vendors, builders and fabricators who are equally dedicated to the work.

1. We begin with a complimentary phone consultation during which we’ll discuss your project, reviewing hopes and dreams, goals and priorities, constraints and issues. We’ll get to know each other a little better, and decide on next steps. Usually the next step is an in-home interview where we take a close look at your existing space, review your goals and budget in more detail, and discuss a scope of work to align these components. Soon after this initial consultation, you’ll receive a detailed Letter of Agreement outlining the project scope, deliverables, and design budget.

2. Design work is typically accomplished in two phases after you’ve retained our services. Preliminary Schematic Design plans and drawings are more conceptual and are used to present multiple ideas and options. We take a deep dive into space-planning, and work flow analysis for kitchen designs. A preliminary materials list is curated. Your input and review during this phase will ensure that your project’s design planning is heading in the right direction. During Design Development, your plans are edited and refined to present the full design. Additional views are created to include more detail about aesthetics and functionality. 3D views facilitate understanding. Decisions about products, finishes and materials are captured and compiled in a comprehensive manner that ensures you know exactly what you’re getting.

3. Budget Development and Team Building. We introduce you to our recommended teams of exceptional general and trade contractor professionals, briefing them onsite for overall project budgeting. Our background in design-build means we understand, respect and communicate well with builders and tradespeople, and they appreciate our professional approach to the design work which increases their efficiency.

4. Final Project Documentation. Once the budget has been established and the team selected, drawings and specifications are finalized, and a schedule for ordering materials and overall construction can be established.

5. Ongoing design support and construction communication by MLBdesigngroup ensures that the expectations created during the design process come to life during construction. We believe a great team is comprised of a client, builder and designer all working together to achieve excellent results. We build and maintain solid relationships with you and the team by providing meaningful design input, clarification of ideas, and timely responses. A couple of hours of our time each week during construction, especially at the beginning, can keep your project moving forward.

View Project Gallery

(206) 235-7357
marie@mlbdesigngroup.com

Marie Lail Blackburn CMKBD ♦ CID

Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer
Certified Interior Designer
Member: NKBA, CCIDC, SAF
Supporter: DOCOMOMO-WEWA, NW ECOBUILDING

Marie Lail Blackburn
CMKBD ♦ CID

Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer
Certified Interior Designer
Member: NKBA, CCIDC, SAF
Supporter: DOCOMOMO-WEWA, NW ECOBUILDING