Count on our Project Coordinator for Everything Interior
In Danielle Kitron’s world, once sheetrock is in place, it’s her cue. In rapid succession come tile, paint, plumbing, countertops, etc., and the hope that what looked good on a Power Point slide maintains its appeal – and fit – once it morphs into three dimensions.
“We’re always reviewing selections,” explained Danielle, chief project coordinator at Modern Dwellings. “The moment of truth comes once the sheetrock is installed. Only then can we take precise measurements to make sure everything is going to fit, and that there is no shortage of material.”
It’s also at this point that the client starts to see interior finishes bringing their home to life. If what looked good on paper loses some appeal when viewed life-size in three dimensions, at the client’s request Danielle is likely to orchestrate a plan revision.
‘It’s a lot of moving parts…’ – Danielle Kitron.
For example: If the client prefers the wall tile to cover the full height instead of stopping halfway, Danielle has to make sure more of the same tile is available.
“One of the things we’re now experiencing,” she mentioned, “is a lot of discontinuations.”
That’s just one of her occupational hazards.
Planning Stage
Danielle engages with Modern Dwellings clients upon completion of the architectural design. Her initial role is that of finishes consultant – finishes consisting of:
- Doors
- Appliances
- Flooring
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Paint
- Lighting
- Plumbing fixtures
Each of these has sub-categories and extensive options. Serving first as a shopping assistant, Danielle assists clients in making all selections.
“A lot of times I start getting a feel early on for the client’s style,” Danielle explained. “Then we shop at the showrooms. We have preferred supply houses but if we can’t find what we’re looking for through our primary suppliers, then I’ll do some research online.”
A slide from one of the “Price Presentation” meetings.
She estimates about 20 hours of client interaction typically in this initial phase (and about an equal amount later). Danielle assembles a Power Point presentation of the items the client selects. To this point, the client has purchased only design services.
Danielle’s Power Point and the builder’s item-by-item cost breakdown are presented at what Modern Dwellings terms a “Price Presentation.” The bottom-line number is a firm project price, subject to change only through variation requests approved by the client and generally initiated by the client.
Executing the Plan
Modern Dwellings operates proactivity to mitigate supply chain issues: everything is ordered ASAP, even if it has to go into storage for several months.
Danielle orders all the finishing materials. She schedules sub-contractors – in a synchronized fashion – to install each item. She re-orders and re-schedules when client-approved changes are made. She even intiates the build permit applications.
A change in wall tile, the sample above, could be worked around in the schedule without causing a significant delay, but other changes may reverberate throughout the timeline.
Cabinets, lighting, countertop, faucet, backsplash, appliances, and paint are among the finishes that Danielle manages.
“The homeowner may not understand that it’s not just the one item that is affected but everything else that is scheduled (for installation) past that point,” Danielle explained. “Let’s say we’ve initially selected a wooden staircase but during construction they want to switch to cable rail. The cable rail may take four weeks for delivery but if we’ve scheduled staircase installation sooner than that, there are a number of things that will have to be rescheduled.
“It’s a lot of moving parts,” Danielle acknowledged – without complaint. “As a custom builder, we have to provide an exceptional level of service.”
Effective Communication
The backbone of that service includes project reviews every Friday with reports via phone or email of any activity on the project since the previous report. Danielle is at the job site, meeting with either clients or sub-contractors, every one to two weeks as projects near completion.
“We get feedback continually that the thing people like about working with us is the communication,” Danielle mentioned.
Danielle worked in the lighting industry for 20 years prior to her role with Modern Dwellings.
“I love working with the people,” she said. “We get to help fulfill one of the most significant dreams of their lives. It’s a privilege to play a part in that.”