do we speak and communicate in english only?
for an initial conversation and ongoing communication during a project, we use english as the primary language. this is because we are not yet fully fluent in dutch and prefer to minimise the risk of misunderstandings. at the moment, our dutch proficiency is at an B1 level.
however, we do communicate with the gemeente and provide all municipal environmental permit
drawings (omgevingsvergunning tekeningen) in dutch. the same applies to a technical specification document (bestek) for contractors.
we’re continuously working to improve our dutch and aim to offer our full range of services in dutch to dutch-speaking clients in the near future.
however, we do communicate with the gemeente and provide all municipal environmental permit
drawings (omgevingsvergunning tekeningen) in dutch. the same applies to a technical specification document (bestek) for contractors.
we’re continuously working to improve our dutch and aim to offer our full range of services in dutch to dutch-speaking clients in the near future.
do we only focus on projects within leiden?
not at all. we work internationally! we love collaborating with clients across different cities and countries, and bringing thoughtful, site-specific design wherever the project takes us.
what are the various stages and services offered?
initiate
- providing information related to the site location, rights and constraints
- analysing council submission drawings
- measuring up and analysing existing buildings
- photo documentation
- digitising any existing council drawings into 2d / 3d
preliminary design
- provisional layouts
- 2d and 3d concept drawings
- schedule of requirements
- 3d visualisations
- reference sheets and material inspiration
- guidance on suitable furniture lines
- presentation booklets
final design
- 2d and 3d resolution
- external and internal layouts for pricing
- colours and specifications of materials
- co-ordination with various consultants and manufacturers
construction & pricing
- conducting meetings with third parties
- planning and architectural phasing
- checking of supplier drawings
- furniture proposal and inventory showroom visits
realisation and completion
- site visits and aesthetic inspections
- interim consultations with relevant installers
- providing information related to the site location, rights and constraints
- analysing council submission drawings
- measuring up and analysing existing buildings
- photo documentation
- digitising any existing council drawings into 2d / 3d
preliminary design
- provisional layouts
- 2d and 3d concept drawings
- schedule of requirements
- 3d visualisations
- reference sheets and material inspiration
- guidance on suitable furniture lines
- presentation booklets
final design
- 2d and 3d resolution
- external and internal layouts for pricing
- colours and specifications of materials
- co-ordination with various consultants and manufacturers
construction & pricing
- conducting meetings with third parties
- planning and architectural phasing
- checking of supplier drawings
- furniture proposal and inventory showroom visits
realisation and completion
- site visits and aesthetic inspections
- interim consultations with relevant installers
what are we as architectural and interior designers responsible for during the project?
as of 2025, under the new "wet kwaliteitsborging voor het bouwen (Wkb)" in the Netherlands, responsibilities in construction projects are more clearly divided:
architectural designers are responsible for the design and permit application.
contractors (aannemers) are responsible for the execution, compliance with technical standards, and must engage an independent quality assurance officer (kwaliteitsborger) to verify construction quality.
this change aims to improve building safety and accountability by shifting construction responsibility more clearly to the contractor.
architectural designers are responsible for the design and permit application.
contractors (aannemers) are responsible for the execution, compliance with technical standards, and must engage an independent quality assurance officer (kwaliteitsborger) to verify construction quality.
this change aims to improve building safety and accountability by shifting construction responsibility more clearly to the contractor.
what do we charge or how do we charge our clients?
every project is unique. the scope, complexity, site conditions, and client goals all impact the amount of work involved. factors like the size of the space, the level of detail in the design, local permitting requirements, and the number of revisions all influence the final cost.
we usually propose a total fee for the total project (where we are involved). in this fee proposal we summarise the brief, explain what you can expect at each stage of the project and what each stage will cost.
we will also provide a summary of our estimated hours so one can see what is involved and the time that goes into each project stage.
we have a set fee per hour (excl. BTW) that we use as a basis for our work and working out an offer.
we usually propose a total fee for the total project (where we are involved). in this fee proposal we summarise the brief, explain what you can expect at each stage of the project and what each stage will cost.
we will also provide a summary of our estimated hours so one can see what is involved and the time that goes into each project stage.
we have a set fee per hour (excl. BTW) that we use as a basis for our work and working out an offer.
how long is a first meeting?
a first meeting is 30 minutes. if we are a good match we can then discuss the details of the project after the offer has been accepted.
how can i / we prepare before a first meeting?
1 / project scope & goals:
what are the main goals you wish to achieve with the design or project? start with a list of priorities from most important to least important.
2 / budget and timeline:
what is your target budget (or budget range) for the project? we can assist with this however it would be helpful to have an idea for a first chat. this will help us to understand the extent of the project and your wishes.
3 / style and inspiration:
do you have examples of styles, spaces, or architecture you love (pinterest, website screenshots, magazine clippings, etc.)? we usually propose our own mood board for every project however gathering your own personal ideas upfront will help us to understand your taste and design personality upfront.
4 / site & existing conditions:
do you have any existing drawings or archived documents that you can share about your property?
we can obtain this information from the relevant municipality if the project is accepted and started .
what are the main goals you wish to achieve with the design or project? start with a list of priorities from most important to least important.
2 / budget and timeline:
what is your target budget (or budget range) for the project? we can assist with this however it would be helpful to have an idea for a first chat. this will help us to understand the extent of the project and your wishes.
3 / style and inspiration:
do you have examples of styles, spaces, or architecture you love (pinterest, website screenshots, magazine clippings, etc.)? we usually propose our own mood board for every project however gathering your own personal ideas upfront will help us to understand your taste and design personality upfront.
4 / site & existing conditions:
do you have any existing drawings or archived documents that you can share about your property?
we can obtain this information from the relevant municipality if the project is accepted and started .
