Never Assume Anything: Project Management is Key

This lesson is sadly learnt by many of us and often is not a singular occurrence which makes the lesson being learnt even more painful.

On large and small projects, there are many elements and many different parties involved which all have to play a valuable part in achieving the ultimate goal in the completion of the plan.

MIDA Interiors play one of these vital roles in the chain of decisions and control of such things as planning, bespoke manufacture, labour, timings and budget. Essentially, we are project managers here to ensure your project runs smoothly often in conjunction with the main contractor and lift this responsibility from our clients who are often very time-poor. Our role in the majority of our projects may be explored using the 5 key elements of project management.

1. Identify our clients’ needs

You are unique. Here at MIDA, we work closely with you to really understand the vision you have for your home and how you want your home to work for you. Functionality and mindful designs are key to delivering this vision to you. 

We all have different lifestyles, which in turn have very different requirements from the basics of how and where we like our coffee/tea in the morning, to where and how you like to work in the house, which is more important than ever now.

2. Detailed planning

The devil is in the detail as they say and MIDA Interiors can take you through a process of planning which will ensure all bases are covered. 

The process will often take the following course, but again this is tailored specifically to each project and is organic:

Initial meeting.

We always insist on meeting at the property initially so that we can get an idea of the overall project and scope of work. This is also an opportunity for you to meet Missy and I as we like to build a relationship and rapport with each of our clients. This ultimately allows the design to flow naturally from each individual’s lifestyle and personality.

‘Never assume a picture tells a story’. 

It is essential to visit a property for the initial stages of work as light, space, views and external colour palette to name a few elements, all come into play in the design process.

Initial brainstorm and ideas generation.

Often carried out during our first few meetings and generally on-site so that we can all get a feel for the space, light and existing properties of the space.

This is your home, and we are here to ensure the utopian vision is met by directing you diligently.

Onsite survey.

MIDA and concerned parties, i.e., potential contractor/joiner will undertake a full site survey where measurements and property specifications can be ascertained.

‘Never assume measurements remain the same through construction phase, measure and remeasure!”

Planning and specification.

Floor plans, elevations, joinery details, digital room boards and in-depth specifications can be generated.

Estimating.

Once the initial design brief has been discussed and confirmed, estimating can commence. MIDA Interiors will liaise and negotiate with the trade, contractors and client in order to produce a full estimate for each element of work.

MIDA have a huge range of interior trade accounts and a wealth of knowledge on the best contacts within the industry who would be the ideal specialist to carry out the task at hand.

‘MIDA will never assume all elements have been included in a quotation or schedule of works. Thorough assessment and review are key.’

Invoicing and implementation.

We work closely with you to fully appraise the plan through the estimating / planning process. At this point, you will be fully briefed on the planned approach to completing the project, projected costs and of course time associated to complete. 

MIDA will then confirm with all the parties concerned. This will involve conveying dates with the contractor, placing orders with our trade associates, and writing make-up sheets for our furniture makers and preferred workrooms/makers.

‘Never assume that an order has been received – MIDA works hard to check and recheck order placement and correct implementation of instruction.’ 

Time planning

This begins the moment we meet you. Very often you will have an idea of when you would like the project to commence and complete. MIDA Interiors help you manage these expectations in relation to the goal to be achieved. Sometimes, those special touches do take time or indeed often things may seem very long-winded and here at MIDA, we can guide you to the most time-efficient methods of procurement and production.

‘Never assume where time is concerned, as time waits for no man!’

3. Monitoring

Efficient and effective monitoring of the project throughout every single step as we have touched upon is essential in ensuring a beautiful end result. 

MIDA will oversee this very important element both on and off site.

4. Communication

With over 40 years of experience collectively, MIDA are professionally equipped to communicate most importantly with our client, but also with all the creatives, craftsmen and women and trade who play a part in every one of our individual and unique projects.

5. Collaboration

MIDA have over the years built some truly remarkable relationships with a diverse range of contacts within and associated with our trade. This is the foundation of finding a good interior designer. 

‘It is who you know and what you know that counts!’

We have collaborative relationships which we would instinctively put forward to work with us specific to the project, based on the hi-end level of their work and professionalism. This could be anything from furniture makers, world-renowned art dealers, artists, builders, Venetian plastering through to landscape gardening just to name a few.

Thinking of starting your own project but feeling overwhelmed at the scale of the task? 

MIDA Interiors are confident that you will feel at ease when working with us making this process exciting. Yes, exciting…….that’s what good design and a well-executed professional approach to implementation should accomplish. 

Contact MIDA Interiors to help you create the beautiful, perfectly planned and tailor-made functional home interior you deserve and start living your best life at studio@midainteriors.com.