Distance has never been a deterrent in my approach to creating beautiful, functional spaces. Whether I’m designing a primary residence nestled on Vancouver Island, a quiet retreat tucked away in BC’s Interior, or a coastal home on the East Coast, my commitment remains unwavering: to provide thoughtful, personalized design solutions with the highest level of care, even when working from afar.
Over my 25+ years in business, I have refined our remote design process to ensure clients receive the same exceptional experience regardless of location. Today I am sharing a glimpse into how we make it work.
01. A Focused, “Design-Only” Service
The primary distinction between our local and remote design services is our “design-only” approach for distant projects. While we don’t physically manage these projects on-site daily, we remain deeply involved in every single design decision, ensuring the vision comes to life exactly as planned. This service is particularly ideal for clients who already have a local contractor or project manager in place.
02. Continuous Design Support
Throughout the process, we provide ongoing design support to ensure that every element — from custom millwork to the perfect furniture placement — is executed precisely to plan. This requires consistent communication with local trades and regular updates to maintain design integrity. During construction, we work on a monthly retainer basis, ensuring we are readily available for questions and continuous design oversight as needed.
03. Buttoned-Up Communication Systems
Despite the physical distance, connection always remains at the heart of our process. We leverage video calls, detailed photo updates, and scheduled check-ins to maintain alignment with both clients and local teams. Behind the scenes, we use tools like Asana and Google Calendar to keep everything organized and on track, creating a seamless collaborative experience for all involved.
04. Strategic Site Visits
While we sometimes conduct our initial Design Discovery Session remotely, I always make it a priority to meet the contractor and take comprehensive measurements during an in-person visit to kick off the project — what we call “Trade Day.”
Following this crucial first step, we schedule at least one additional site visit, typically during installation, to ensure everything is coming together beautifully as envisioned.
Custom-made pieces in our PEI Project, crafted by talented local artisans, brought to life through our remote collaborations.
05. Cultivating Local Partnerships
One of the keys to successful remote project management is building relationships with trusted local tradespeople. While we source many items through our established supplier network, we take particular joy in working with local artisans and vendors for custom pieces that truly reflect the character of your home.
For instance, we often partner with local millwork shops to create unique, locally-sourced elements that honor the region’s materials and craftsmanship. This not only supports local businesses but adds authentic character into your space.
06. Complete Logistics Management
One aspect clients appreciate most about our remote design service is that we handle all logistics from start to finish. This means coordinating multiple vendors, tracking shipments across different timelines, and ensuring everything arrives at local warehouses for safekeeping until installation day.
Throughout this process, we maintain constant communication with vendors, warehouses, and delivery teams, tracking each item and troubleshooting any issues before they impact your project. This comprehensive logistics management ensures that no detail is overlooked, regardless of the miles between us.
07. Tailoring Designs for Each Property
Remote projects often involve specialized property types that each come with unique considerations. For vacation rentals, we emphasize durability without compromising style, creating spaces that are welcoming, functional, and easy to maintain year after year.
For second homes and seasonal residences, we carefully consider the local environment and how it will affect material choices. A beachfront property requires different finishes and fabrics than a mountain cabin, and we select materials that can withstand the specific environmental conditions while maintaining their beauty.
The Power of a Thoughtful, Remote Design Process
The secret to a successful remote project lies in thoughtful planning, consistent communication, and a flexible design process. In my experience, distance doesn’t diminish the impact of design — rather, it enhances our ability to refine and perfect every detail from concept to completion.
The space between us simply becomes another design element to work with, not an obstacle to overcome. Through our carefully developed systems and a commitment to thorough communication, we have transformed distance into an opportunity to deliver exceptional design experiences.
If you are looking to create a seamless blend of East Coast and West Coast aesthetics, we can bring your vision to life — even from a distance. Reach out, and let’s start the conversation.
Yours,
Lori
