What is Virtual Design?
What is Virtual Design & Why is it So Popular Today?
Okay, so we all know about traditional interior design/decorating, but you've probably heard all the rage about Virtual Design. So exactly what is it?
Virtual Design, or traditionally known as E-Design (stands for *Electronic Design*), is a newer way to work with a professional Interior Decorator or Interior Designer completely remote from anywhere! Virtual Design became really popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when Designers tried to find ways to continue working & serving their clients. This was also perfect for clients who transitioned to remote work. Many people found that with the more time they spent at home, they wanted to create a home office space that was both beautiful & functional. Through this, many Designers started offering virtual design services and have been able to reach clients from all over the world that they normally would never have been able to.
Post-pandemic, Virtual Design continues to grow in popularity. One of the main reasons people love it is because it is a cost-effective way to work with a professional Designer all from the comfort of your home. How so, you may ask? With traditional Full Service Design, a Designer is usually contracted with the client for months during a remodel, renovation and/or furnishing project. Sometimes even years for new build constructions projects. They are usually with the client during the initial design concept phase all the way to install. As a result of the extensive work involved, the investment is much greater with Full Service Design.
Virtual Design is a great cost-effective alternative option where a Designer can help with producing the designs digitally, such as providing floorplans, renderings, drawings, design boards, etc. and sending it over to the client. For remodels and renovations, typically it is up to the client to give those designs over to a General Contractor to execute on the final design. This makes Virtual Design a lower investment since the Designer is not involved with the project management side. Many Designers also offer virtual design consultations over the computer. Maybe you just need an hour or so to talk with a Designer and receive all the design suggestions, advice, and recommendations? If so, lots of them will offer simple video consultations where you can pick their brains- all without having to leave the comfort of your home!
That goes to say that not having to leave your house is a BIG win for lots of folks! Clients can easily contact a Virtual Designer and keep it strictly 100% online for the entire duration of the project. You'd be surprised to learn the many ways that interior decorating and interior design can be done digitally in this day & age.
How Can a Virtual Designer Help Me?
Remodels - An Interior Designer can help you with providing drawings, elevations, and renderings for a new floorplan, kitchen, bathroom and more! These finished designs can easily be sent over digitally to the client. It's important to note that the entire point of virtual design is for the Designer to take care of the design portion strictly. So, it is up to the client to make sure they are hiring out the proper contractors to hand the designs over & for them to properly execute it.
Renovations - An Interior Designer can help with sourcing materials and finishes to create a cohesive color palette for your home. They can ship over samples for you to see in person, so you can compare it in your actual space and see if you like it. As Designers, we can also use our expertise and knowledge to guide you on the best materials to use in your home.
Furnishing & Styling - It's also fantastic for an interior decorating project! This is what we do at EP Design Studio. Our clients work with a Virtual Designer that will source new furnishings that align with the client's overall style and investment. Clients receive digital design boards, furniture layouts, 3D renderings, and shopping links for the client to purchase the furnishings. This allows them to implement the design all on their own! It's a very convenient way for clients to still receive professional design help, but also execute the project on their own time.
What Does EP Design Studio Offer for Virtual Design Services?
Take a look below on the Virtual Design packages we currently offer:
Client receives professional design boards & an easy shoppable product list with curated items from retailers, per room.
Client receives everything from the Base Package, plus 2D Furniture Layouts & 3D Renderings, per room. This helps them to feel 100% confident in the design through the added deliverables!
If you think you'd be the perfect client for a Virtual Design project with us, reach out to us below & let’s get the conversation started!
So, is Virtual Design Right for You?
Virtual Design is a fantastic & convenient way to receive professional design help at a fraction of the traditional cost. It's perfect for those who like DIY, have a smaller budget and/or want to manage their own projects. However, we always recommend that for some projects and circumstances it may be best to hire an Interior Decorator or Interior Designer for a Full Service project or at the very least in-person design help. Especially if you feel that you are the type of client who doesn't have time to manage a big project or you simply don't feel comfortable with that undertaking. This services relies heavily on the idea that you, the client, will need to be on top of project management so that everything is executed successfully. This is important to consider when pursuing the Virtual Design route!