Online interior design, also referred to as virtual design or e-design is the provision of interior design consultation services executed remotely, utilizing online forms, apps, email, and cloud sharing to exchange project information and delivery of completed design plans and documentation. Design and planning of your space is completed in our studio office, delivered direct to your inbox no matter where you live.

All the products and materials we recommend in your design plans are non-custom, and sourced from manufacturers, brands and product lines that are available through retailers and dealers nation wide, from brick and mortar locations, and/or online shops.

We’ll upload your completed package in a colour PDF format, to a cloud based host such as Google Drive or DropBox and send you a link for download.

Your package, including plans, visualizations and source list will be formatted to print on tabloid size, 11 x 17 paper. If you don’t have the capability to print this size at home or work you can simply forward or upload the file to a local third party printing service for pick-up. Alternately you can print ‘to fit’ on regular letter size, 8.5 x 11 paper, at a reduced size.

Lead times are best estimates and are confirmed at time of order. Lead time is from the time we receive your room measure, photos and completed surveys. We do our best to deliver your completed package within the time quoted, however this time frame is dependant on how quick your turnaround is with preliminary reviews. For services with no review phase the time frame is more predictable to what was estimated.

No. All 3D renderings by The Design Shop are computer generated renderings from a CAD drawing, drafted in 3D completely from scratch with each element selected by the designer, modelled to accurate scale/dimension and reflecting our unique design concept for your specific space.

An AI image is an artificial image generated by entering a descriptive text prompt in an AI search tool. The AI tool searches the www for matching data and generates an imaginary fantasy image from its findings. The only human input is text prompts and optional reference images. A photo realistic 3D rendering is a computer generated illustration created from a 3 dimensional CAD drawing. That 3D drawing is created wholly from scratch by a a human inputting every line and element to exact dimension/scale, using CAD software.

We use imperial measurements as our standard but we can prepare your drawings in metric if preferred and upon request.

With online design services all design plans are conceptual and illustrate proposed interior modifications only and are not permit ready drawings. Online services are offered to homeowners across North America, local building codes vary by region and municipality, however, the basis for all local codes is the National Building Code. To the best of our knowledge, supported by decades of experience including preparing permit drawings, our interior space planning and material and fixture choices follow industry best practices informed by National Building Codes and the American Disabilities Act (ADA) with respect to universal design standards and Adaptive Reuse policies implemented by state governments across North America.

If you are aware of specific code requirements that are unique to your geographic region, please include this information in your surveys. It is your contractor and trade’s responsibility to ensure their work on your project is compliant with local building codes and zoning by-laws. It is the homeowners responsibility to ensure proper permits are in place before work begins on your property.

Almost always, the answer is yes. If you’re working within the existing footprint of the original kitchen or bathroom, any permits required will likely relate only to plumbing and/or electrical work in which case the electrician or plumber can arrange for these. For more extensive renovations you may need a building permit for structural changes, extensions, adding windows, extra bathrooms, fireplaces or staircases.

No. Because we don’t visit the site, nor will oversee any of the construction work in person we can’t feasibly take on the responsibility that comes permit documents. The design packages provided by The Design Shop (TDS) are conceptual in context and are not detailed to permit level. We rely on dimensions and information about existing conditions as provided by homeowners but are not verified in person by us. TDS’s design package may not contain all the criteria your local planning office requires. which will vary by region and municipality. Check with your local planning office to verify what information you need to submit and in what format.  You can then use our design concepts as the basis for assessing what information you’ll need for a permit application which your contractor can assist you with.  In some cases you may need to hire a CAD technician or Engineer to prepare additional drawings or details required such as; a foundation plan, a specification for load bearing beams, or exterior elevations in the case of removing walls or adding new windows.

Prior to finalizing your design plan, we share a preliminary design concept for your input. The completed package will reflect your feedback and preferences from the review. After receiving your final design we ask you get back to us within 2 weeks with any questions, need for clarifications or any errors or omissions.  We’re happy to make tweaks and/or corrections to the package as necessary.  Beyond this any requested design changes or re-selections can be provided for an additional fee depending on the extent of changes.