From the briefto design intent.
Five phases, defined deliverables and a written approval before each next step.
The five phases
The five phases
- 01
Programming
We map the guest journey, audit the site and its context, build the area matrix and prepare preliminary planning.
- We deliver
- Guest journey, site and context audit, area matrix, preliminary planning
- From you
- Brand standards, operations brief, site survey and CAD base, target opening date
- 02
Concept
Spatial ideas, material palettes and visual studies make the direction tangible so your team can respond to something concrete.
- We deliver
- Renders, moodboards, material palette, cinematic walkthrough
- From you
- Consolidated comments and written concept approval
- 03
Schematic Set
The concept becomes drawings: how the room is planned, lit, seated and served, coordinated with back of house.
- We deliver
- Floor, wall, demolition, lighting, seating and back-of-house coordination plans
- From you
- MEP and kitchen contacts, technical constraints
- 04
Design Detail
Millwork, finishes and furniture are specified so the design can be priced, ordered and built as intended.
- We deliver
- Millwork details, finishes, FF&E schedules, specification books
- From you
- Final finish palette and FF&E approval
- 05
Design Coordination
We review shop drawings and answer design questions with your consultants and contractors to protect the design intent.
- We deliver
- Shop-drawing red-lines, RFIs, design-intent governance
- From you
- Complete submittal packages
Controls that keep everyone aligned
Controls that keep everyone aligned
- i.
Written approval
Every phase closes with written approval before the next begins.
- ii.
One decision-maker
A nominated approver signs off on behalf of the client.
- iii.
Formal change control
Scope changes follow a change order: request, impact assessment, written approval and drawing reissue.
- iv.
Phase-based billing
Billing follows issued deliverables.
- v.
Clear boundaries
We review shop drawings and respond to RFIs. We do not tender works or supervise construction.
Questions
Straightanswers.
What does PA Design Studio design?
PA Design Studio is a Vancouver interior design studio focused on hospitality and commercial interiors: restaurants and cafes, hotels and casinos, corporate offices, retail and malls. Architectural lighting design is part of the studio.
Where is the studio based, and where does it work?
The studio has offices in North America and South America: Vancouver, British Columbia, and Medellín, Colombia. It takes projects across Canada, South America and around the world. The portfolio on this site covers 19 projects across 10 countries and territories in North America, South America and Europe, and the work of principal architects Patricia Arango and Juan Carlos Correa spans 19 countries on 5 continents. Upcoming projects include Hard Rock Cafe Toronto and Hard Rock Cafe PortAventura in Spain.
How does a project begin?
Every project starts with Programming. We study the guest journey, audit the site and prepare an area matrix. To begin we need your brand standards, an operations brief, a site survey or CAD base and your target opening date.
What are the phases of a PA Design Studio project?
Five phases: Programming, Concept, Schematic Set, Design Detail and Design Coordination. Each one closes with written approval before the next begins.
Who approves the design?
Each project has one nominated decision-maker. Only that person approves work, in writing, at the end of each phase. The next phase starts after sign-off.
What happens if the scope changes?
Changes follow a formal change order: a written request, an impact assessment, written approval and a reissue of the drawings.
Does PA Design Studio build or supervise construction?
No. Our role is interior design and agreed design coordination. We review shop drawings, respond to RFIs and protect design intent, but we do not tender works or supervise construction.
Does the studio take projects across Canada?
Yes. The studio is based in Vancouver and takes projects in British Columbia, across Canada and around the world. Upcoming projects include Hard Rock Cafe Toronto and Hard Rock Cafe PortAventura in Spain.
How do I start a conversation?
Use the contact form or email patricia@padesignstudio.com with the location, the type of space and your target opening date.
Planning a restaurant, hotel or commercial space?
Tell us the location, the type of space and your target opening date.
Start a project