My Goals as a Sosna Designer: Transforming Spaces, Elevating Lives

As a Sosna Designer, my primary goal is to understand you—my client—and your unique needs. Whether you’re embarking on a whole home renovation or seeking to renovate a space, my mission is to enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your surroundings. Through a collaborative process, I aim to craft designs that are in perfect harmony with your lifestyle, budget, and long-term needs while ensuring lasting durability. Ultimately, my goal is to help transform your vision into a reality that not only meets your expectations but elevates your everyday life.

Designing with Purpose and Passion

One of the things I love most about design is its ability to shape the way people experience their environments. When I hear from past clients that their newly designed spaces have significantly improved their daily lives, it confirms that my work is not just about creating something beautiful—it’s about creating something meaningful. This deeply resonates with the core of our Sosna Vision Statement, “Transforming Spaces, Elevating Lives.” It fuels my passion for design and drives every project I take on.

To me, good design isn’t just about what looks good on paper. It’s about ensuring the space serves its intended function, creates a sense of comfort, and reflects the personality and values of those who inhabit it. My goal is to bring all of these elements together in a way that’s sustainable, timeless, and most importantly—authentic to you.

The Design Process: Collaboration and Transparency

Designing a space isn’t just a job—it’s a partnership. It’s a journey we take together to shape your vision into something tangible. While every project is unique, the design process typically follows a set framework that ensures a thorough and thoughtful approach. From our First Design Meeting to the Final Design Approval, I guide you every step of the way.

1. Preparation and Discovery

The design process starts with preparation. Before our First Design Meeting, I review all relevant files, including any plans, photos, or initial ideas you’ve provided. I want to come to our meeting with an understanding of the space, its current state, and any challenges or opportunities it may present.

The Discovery Meeting, as we at Sosna like to call it, is the foundation of our relationship and the most crucial phase in the design process. This is where I take the time to listen and ask questions that will help me understand your needs, preferences, and the specific challenges you’re facing in the space. I want to know about your likes, dislikes, lifestyle needs, and most importantly—what’s not working for you in your current environment. Whether it’s a lack of storage, awkward traffic flow, or outdated finishes, understanding your pain points is essential in creating a design that will make your space both functional and beautiful.

2. Design Concept and Sketch Plans

Once I’ve gathered all the information I need, I move into the design concept phase. During our Sketch Plans Meeting, I present a variety of layout options that explore different possibilities for your space. Typically, I provide 2-3 options for you to consider. The first option reflects your initial vision for the space based on the information shared in our discovery meeting. The second and third options are often proposed as solutions to potential problems or inefficiencies I’ve identified in your space, offering fresh ideas and alternative layouts.

This stage is about collaboration. I welcome feedback and make adjustments as we move forward. We explore everything from room flow and storage solutions to ensuring the design aligns with your aesthetic preferences. It’s about narrowing down what will work best for you and fine-tuning the details to get everything just right.

3. 3D Visualizations and Elevations

Once a Sketch Plan is selected, I present rough 3D visualizations and elevations to help bring the design to life. These early-stage models offer a clearer picture of how the space will look and feel once the design is implemented. While the visuals are still in progress and subject to change, they offer an opportunity for you to see your ideas in action and provide valuable feedback. Adjustments are expected and welcomed, as this part of the process allows for further refinement of your vision.

4. Selection of Finishes and Fixtures

A critical part of the design process is selecting the right materials, finishes, and fixtures that will define the look and feel of your space. In our meetings, we focus on everything from flooring materials and tile selections to cabinetry finishes, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. I often invite clients to join me in showroom visits where we can select stones, tiles, and other materials together. This hands-on approach helps ensure that the materials chosen align with both the design aesthetic and your practical needs, creating a cohesive look that feels just right.

5. Detailed Design Development

As the design starts to take shape, we move into the more detailed aspects of the project. This includes finalizing the electrical plans, finishes plans, and elevation detailing—elements such as cabinetry design, tile layouts, and even custom stair designs. Each detail is considered carefully to ensure that it works seamlessly within the overall design while meeting your functional and aesthetic goals.

We also review everything with our Production Team and Estimator to ensure that the plans are feasible and within budget. If necessary, we work with Engineers to address any structural concerns or modifications. The goal is to ensure that everything is not only visually pleasing but also structurally sound and practical for long-term use.

6. Final Design Approval

Once all the design elements have been refined and agreed upon, we schedule a Final Design Meeting. This is where we review the complete Design Package and sign off on the final plans. At this point, all the details are finalized, and we’re ready to move forward with handing them to our Estimator to be estimated.

In-Between Meetings: Bringing Your Vision to Life

While the design meetings are an essential part of the process, much of the work happens in between these sessions. After each meeting, I work diligently with our Production Team, Estimators, and trades to ensure everything is progressing smoothly. I also continue to research and source finishes and fixtures that best suit your needs.

If allowed, I conduct a Home Inspection with the Project Manager, Estimator, and trades to ensure the design is executable in the actual space very early on during the Design Phase. This is often where potential challenges are identified, and we adjust accordingly to make sure everything will proceed without a hitch.

Conclusion: A Collaborative, Tailored Process

Designing and planning for a renovation is far more than a three-step process—it’s an ongoing, collaborative effort. I strive to look into every detail to ensure that the final result reflects your vision while meeting your practical needs. From the initial Discovery Meeting to the Final Design approval, I’m committed to making your dream space a reality, all while keeping the project on track, on budget, and in line with your lifestyle.

At Sosna, we believe in Transforming Spaces, Elevating Lives, and my work as a Designer is a direct reflection of this philosophy. I’m not just designing a space; I’m designing a better quality of life for you and your loved ones.

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