WE DESIGN LAB

The process begins with a high-level Design Statement that defines the client, project type (residence, office, etc.), location, and scope.

This is followed by Research, which includes profiling all users—primary residents, guests, or others—through interviews, surveys, and inventories. Factors such as lifestyle, habits, privacy needs, style preferences, and existing furnishings are documented. The aim is to define goals, functional requirements, constraints (budgetary, regulatory), spatial needs, and potential adjacencies, often visualised through basic diagrams.

Findings are synthesized in a Program Document outlining the brief and a preliminary design direction. This is submitted for client review and approval before moving into concept design. 

Once the Programme Document is approved, the design process moves into concept development. It begins with a broad ideation phase, where potential directions are explored through sketches, notes, and dialogue. Ideas are tested, refined, and gradually shaped into coherent design approaches.

These are distilled into a clear Concept Statement that captures the core intent and guiding principles of the proposed design. Alongside it, schematic drawings illustrate the overall spatial strategy—including orientation, circulation, programmatic relationships, materiality, and colour direction. Initial bubble diagrams evolve into sketches with proportion and atmosphere, offering a first glimpse into the project’s architectural identity.

The refined design concept is shared with the client through a comprehensive proposal for discussion and approval. This includes the Design Concept Statement and supporting drawings, scaled floor plans with indicative furniture layouts, as well as mood boards that communicate the overall atmosphere through materials, textures, and colour palettes.

Depending on the project’s complexity, the proposal may be complemented by additional visuals such as perspective sketches, renderings, physical models, or digital simulations.

An initial cost estimate is also provided, covering materials, labour, and design fees, offering a realistic overview while acknowledging that final pricing depends on detailed documentation and market bids. A preliminary timeline outlines the project’s anticipated flow, key milestones, and expected completion.

This phase results in the complete set of working drawings and technical documentation required for construction and installation. These may include site plans, floor plans, ceiling plans with lighting layouts, elevations, sections, and detailed drawings of architectural and design elements such as doors, windows, finishes, and built-in features. All relevant notes, annotations, and material references are integrated into the drawings to ensure accuracy and clarity on site.

A written specification outlines all materials, furnishings, and fixtures in detail, while schedules define types, finishes, and placement across the project. Together, this comprehensive documentation -drawings, specifications, schedules, and implementation timeline, forms part of WeDesign Lab’s contractual deliverables to the client.

With the final design approved, the project moves into execution. WeDesign Lab coordinates contractor selection and prepares a detailed schedule of works, ensuring that construction, installations, and finishes follow a coherent timeline. All specified materials, furnishings, and accessories are ordered, inspected upon delivery, and organized according to the placement plan. Any damaged or incorrect items are promptly addressed.

Throughout implementation, the WeDesign Lab team conducts regular site visits to oversee progress, ensure quality, and resolve on-site issues as they arise. Once construction is completed, a final inspection leads to the creation of a detailed snag list to address any remaining issues before the final fit-out and styling phase begins.

Post-occupancy evaluation is a critical final step in the design process. After project completion, WeDesign Lab assesses the performance of the design through methods such as client interviews, questionnaires, or site walk-throughs. Feedback is used to fine-tune details where needed and inform future work. Peer reviews may also be invited. In some cases, follow-up evaluations are conducted over time to monitor long-term satisfaction and continually enhance the studio’s design intelligence.