How we work.
From the first conversation to handing over the keys, this is what working with Studio Dotbox looks like.
The conversation.
Understanding the brief, the site, the budget, and the client.
The proposal.
A detailed proposal covering scope, fees, stages, and deliverables.
The design.
Concept, development, and detailed design, in clear stages.
The build.
Site supervision, coordination, and execution.
The handover.
Final walkthrough, documentation, and the space in use.
01. The conversation.
Every project begins with a conversation. It is how we understand whether the project is right for the studio, and whether the studio is right for the project.
At this stage, we discuss what you are thinking about, the site or space in question, the brief as you see it, the timeline, and the budget. It is a two-way conversation, not a sales call.
What you receive
- A clear understanding of how we work
- An honest view of whether Studio Dotbox is the right fit
- A proposed next step if we both want to go forward
What we need from you
- A willingness to share the context of the project
- Availability for one or two initial conversations
- Honesty about timeline, budget, and expectations
02. The proposal.
Once we agree the project is a fit, we share a detailed proposal. This is where the commercial relationship begins, and where we establish a shared understanding of what the work will be.
The proposal covers scope, fees, stages, deliverables, and timeline. Every term is written plainly, with no ambiguity. You sign nothing until you have read and understood the proposal in full.
What you receive
- A written proposal document
- A clear fee structure with staged payments
- A list of deliverables for each stage
- A proposed project timeline
What we need from you
- Review and approval of the proposal
- A signed agreement to begin work
- The initial payment that triggers the design stage
03. The design.
The design stage is where the space is resolved. It is the longest stage and the most collaborative. We work through concept, development, and detail, in clear phases, with sign-off at each one.
This stage is where most of the thinking happens. Site studies, concept explorations, planning resolution, material choices, services planning, and detailed drawings all sit here.
What you receive
- Concept drawings and mood boards
- Developed design drawings
- Detailed design and technical drawings
- Material and finish proposals
- Regular updates and review meetings
What we need from you
- Availability for review meetings
- Clear feedback on concept, design, and material decisions
- Sign-off at the end of each design phase
04. The build.
Once the design is approved, the project moves to site. At this stage, we work closely with contractors, vendors, and site teams to ensure the space is built the way it was designed.
Site supervision, contractor coordination, vendor management, and day-to-day problem-solving all happen here. We stay present on site, because buildings are made during the build, not during the design.
What you receive
- Daily updates during active site work
- Weekly progress meetings
- Resolution of site-level design decisions
- Coordination of all contractors and vendors
What we need from you
- Availability for site meetings as needed
- Timely decisions when site conditions require them
- Staged payments released as milestones are reached
05. The handover.
The handover is not the end of the project. It is the beginning of the space being used. We walk through the completed space with you, hand over all documentation, and resolve any final items. After that, we stay available as the space is lived in.
What you receive
- A final walkthrough of the completed space
- All drawings, documents, and warranties
- A snag list resolution process
- Ongoing availability for questions once the space is in use
What we need from you
- Time for the walkthrough
- Honest feedback on the finished space
- Final payment on handover
If you are thinking about a project, the first step is a conversation.
Start the conversation →