Harmonie Construction

The Impact of Design in Residential Construction.

We had the privilege of meeting Marie-Andrée Cyr, one of the co-founders of K&M Design, who shared with us her extensive experience and passion for residential interior design. In this article, she unveils how the collaboration between designers and contractors, such as Harmonie Construction, brings benefits to all parties involved, particularly to the client. What is the impact of design in residential construction? Explore this exciting creative realm where the art of space design comes to life.

Can you tell us about your professional journey as an interior designer?

I studied business administration and management, skills that directly apply in my role as an entrepreneur. I managed to blend this education with my passion for interior design. While being a stay-at-home mom for a decade, I underwent a complete career change and committed to making a living from my passion. The result is that today, in collaboration with my partner Karine, I am an entrepreneur leading a talented multidisciplinary team where each individual brings their strengths.

The harmonious fusion of my administrative and artistic sides is essential. In the field of interior design, some designers heavily focus on technique, while others prioritize the artistic aspect. I chose to surround myself with an exceptional team, which I consider one of the best. At K&M Design, we highlight each person’s strengths because it is entirely realistic to recognize that no one can excel in all areas. Interior design is an act of creation.

What are the main values and design philosophies that guide your work at K&M Design?

The values and principles guiding our work at K&M Design are deeply rooted in our commitment to our clients. We truly emphasize listening to our clients because we believe it is essential to create spaces that resonate with them. Interior design is often perceived as a luxury, especially nowadays, but we chose to change that perception.

When Karine and I created K&M Design, our goal was to make our services accessible to everyone. We believe that everyone has the right to live in a space that reflects their personality and lifestyle. We don’t believe in the systematic imposition of current trends because it doesn’t suit everyone. Instead, we believe in a collaborative approach where we listen to our clients, understand what makes them comfortable, and in what ambiance they want to live.

Finally, we attach great importance to the creative process. We understand that each project is significant for our clients, regardless of its scale. We treat our clients the way we would like to be treated. This means taking the necessary time for each client, fully engaging in their project, and ensuring they are satisfied with every step of the process.

What are the major steps in realizing a project with an interior designer?

Collaborating with an interior designer offers many advantages in creating a space that perfectly reflects your tastes and needs. Here are the five main steps of our creation process:

Building a Trusting Relationship

Our creation process begins with an initial client contact, either through our website or by phone. During the first phone call, we seek to establish a personal connection with our clients and make them feel at ease. We also ask them to send us a video of the space to be designed. In recording the video, we encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas.

Understanding Style

We usually ask our clients to send us a maximum of three images and explain their interpretation of the presented style. It’s common for couples to have different interpretations of the style they want, and clients often describe their style, for example, as preferring a “modern-urban” design. Upon receiving these videos, we often realize that the term or style may not be perfectly defined, but we always manage to capture the essence of what our clients are trying to express. We understand their unique “vibe,” thus eliminating potential conflicts related to style interpretation.

Planning

Once the preliminary discussions are complete, we develop a service proposal detailing the project’s stages. Two designers then meet with the client at home to discuss the project in depth, carefully asking enough questions to delve into their privacy and truly understand their needs and preferences. We then proceed to officially measure the space and conduct a space study.

Execution

Back at the office, we move on to 3D modeling, creating a plan booklet, selecting materials, and finalizing the project’s look. Some of these steps may be optional, allowing us to remain accessible and flexible.

Unveiling

Finally, we present the overall project to the clients.

What is the impact of design on new residential construction?

At K&M Design, we have been offering guidance services for new residential construction projects for several years. Although the world of new houses may seem straightforward at first glance, it is actually quite complex, especially for those not familiar with the field.

The impact of design on residential construction is significant, and our guidance service presents significant advantages for both the client and the contractor in charge of construction. The contractor is tasked with building the client’s house, which is already a considerable task. However, when it comes to choosing details such as floor color or ceramic tiles, it may seem less crucial for them. Often, contractors direct their clients straight to suppliers to make these selections, which can quickly become a tedious task.

As interior designers, we are responsible for ensuring that every element harmonizes perfectly. It may seem trivial, but the color of a gray tile can vary significantly. For the client, it’s gray, but in reality, it has a shade that can lean towards pink or even blue. When choosing cabinets, this can be jarring. Our role is to manage every micro-detail and guarantee the cohesion of the entire project.

What are the main challenges related to design in a new residential construction project?

With new construction contractors, we don’t encounter as many challenges as in other contexts because the plans are generally well-established. When clients buy a new house, many architectural questions, such as window orientation, roof slopes, columns, and projections, have already been discussed and resolved.

Our guidance service becomes a fun part of the process. There are many decisions for our clients to make, but they are made in a pleasant atmosphere and without the major challenges we might face in other situations.

Why work with Harmonie Construction, what do you particularly like about this residential construction contractor?

What particularly delights me about Harmonie Construction is their client-centric approach. From their initial meetings, they organize what they call the “Harmonie Tour,” a visit to the project site in nature, to explain in detail every aspect of the project, from foundations to the smallest details of the land. They explain why the entrance is positioned in a certain way, why a terrain is leveled a certain way, and so on.

As interior designers, we get involved more towards the end of the project. However, thanks to this experience, I had the opportunity to understand how they manage aspects like recycling excavated soil and the terrain’s features. This can be particularly enriching for clients looking for a property in the countryside.

This participative approach creates an engaging experience for the client, who truly feels involved in the creation of their future home.

The Demand for Multi-Generational Homes Is Currently Surging. For a Designer, What Elements Should Not Be Overlooked in This Type of Construction?

When embarking on the design of a multi-generational home, a thoughtful consideration of preserving the privacy and independence of both generations is crucial. It’s essential to determine which spaces should be distinct and which can be shared. Can an interior connecting door promote connectivity while preserving privacy? What view will each generation have, and how can it be optimized to meet their specific needs?

Considering the creation of private outdoor spaces, such as terraces or gardens dedicated to each generation, becomes crucial. Establishing extensive communal living spaces, such as a shared living room or dining area, can foster moments of family conviviality. Soundproofing must be meticulously taken into account to ensure peace of mind and preserve privacy between the two generations.

For successful planning, it is highly recommended to enlist experienced interior designers. Their expertise will reconcile the needs and desires of all parties involved, ensuring the realization of a harmonious and functional multi-generational living space. Open communication among all parties is the key to achieving a design that reflects the unique needs of each generation while promoting balanced and pleasant cohabitation.

In What Way Is Design Important in a Multi-Generational House Project?

The significance of design in the realization of a multi-generational project lies in its ability to address the needs and desires of each occupant, whether it’s a couple, a family, an individual, or an elderly person. The key is to adapt the space to provide access and mobility tailored to each individual, creating an inclusive and functional environment.

Design goes beyond the mere arrangement of rooms; it plays a crucial role in materializing the vision of each generation for the home they will occupy. By considering their desires and expectations, the design creates a unique space that reflects the identity of each occupant. This approach promotes harmonious cohabitation by establishing a personalized environment where everyone feels at home.

Thus, design becomes a catalyst for conviviality and harmony, offering each generation a space that not only meets their practical needs but also reflects their aesthetic vision and aspirations. In essence, the attention given to design in a multi-generational project contributes to the creation of a home where each occupant can thrive fully.

Last Question, “On s’appelle, on déjeune, on design,” Where Does It Come From?

We collaborated with a local company in the region for our branding. It started with a simple phone call, and we immediately felt excellent synergy. We enjoyed discussing our projects over a cup of coffee, and within 15 minutes, they had grasped the essence of our company.

Our approach is simple: we call each other, we have lunch, and we design together.

We’re not aiming to project an image of luxury, austerity, or inaccessibility. Instead, we emphasize warmth, friendliness, and proximity to our clients. Ultimately, the difference lies in our ability to stay within the bounds of accessibility while creating a warm experience while designing beautiful spaces.