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Our Process

Beginning at the beginning is of the utmost importance at JamesThomas. We can’t wait to pick out fabrics, and paint the walls, and find that perfect accessory that ties the whole room together. But starting there would mean that we would be overlooking some critical foundational decision-making.

And so, we came up with what we call our Five Layer Design Process so that our team, and our clients, stay the course and know exactly what to expect next.

the Five Layers of Our Process

The Story

We start each project asking what do we want this room to communicate and how should it function? We work with our client to uncover the desired use for the room and determine the roll that this room will play in our clients’ lives.

the structure

Now we get into the high-function items. Where will the plumbing go? How will the HVAC be positioned to keep the room temperate at all times? Is there enough room for a crowd to fit around the fireplace?

The Romance

Because man cannot live on function alone, at this stage, we begin having conversations with our clients about lighting and atmosphere. How will this room be staged? How will people live in this room and how can we use lighting to make that experience more pleasant?

The CHARACTER

Now that we have the skeleton of the space, we can start talking about design in detail. Paint, wallcovering, furniture and textiles begin to bring this room to life.

The spirit

This is the final and sometimes most overlooked stage of the design process. Curated art and accessories give the space its own unique personality – bringing the home to life its own, one-of-a-kind way.

We start each project asking what do we want this room to communicate and how should it function? We work with our client to uncover the desired use for the room and determine the roll that this room will play in our clients’ lives.

 

Now we get into the high-function items. Where will the plumbing go? How will the HVAC be positioned to keep the room temperate at all times? Is there enough room for a crowd to fit around the fireplace?

 

Because man cannot live on function alone, at this stage, we begin having conversations with our clients about lighting and atmosphere. How will this room be staged? How will people live in this room and how can we use lighting to make that experience more pleasant?

 

Now that we have the skeleton of the space, we can start talking about design in detail. Paint, wallcovering, furniture and textiles begin to bring this room to life.

 

This is the final and sometimes most overlooked stage of the design process. Curated art and accessories give the space its own unique personality – bringing the home to life its own, one-of-a-kind way.

 

“We believe in good lighting. Atmosphere is everything.”

Communication, Budgets
& Timelines

At JamesThomas, we pride ourselves in our communicative, no-surprises, style of service.

This makes it easy to work in lockstep with a project’s stakeholders.

how We Work with Our Clients

we collaborate

We love it when our clients get involved and share ideas. We also appreciate the insights of the project’s architect. We refuse to work in a silo.

we say what we mean

The price tag that we give you at the start of the project will be the same price tag at the end of the project. There will be no surprise add-ons, no up-sells, no last minute shock and awe. There is no value to suspense or surprise in our business.

we adhere to timelines

Ensuring that our clients feel in-the-loop, aware of the next steps, and apprised of the process overall is a centerpiece of the JamesThomas experience.

At JamesThomas, we specialize in designing your perfect welcome home. Let’s get started.

LOCATIONS

900 N. Franklin St, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60610
1380 Wildflower Ln, Glenn, MI 49416

312.738.7300
info@jamesthomasinteriors.com

LOCATIONS

900 N. Franklin St, Ste 800, Chicago, IL 60610
1380 Wildflower Ln, Glenn, MI 49416

312.738.7300
info@jamesthomasinteriors.com