Our Design Approach
This page is here to give you a clear sense of how we work before you reach out. It walks through how we approach design, what the process looks like step by step, and answers the questions that usually come up early on. The goal is simple: fewer surprises, clearer expectations, and a project that builds cleanly from the start — not one that gets figured out mid-construction.
Usability
Good design starts with how you actually live. There are design standards, and they exist for good reason, but the goal is never a space that follows the rules at the expense of the person living in it. Your home should fit you — not the other way around.
Connection
The spaces that feel most alive are connected to something beyond the room itself — a material that ages well, a plant shelf in front of a window, a view that changes through the day.
Growing up in Vancouver, BC, surrounded by a landscape that demanded attention, shaped how I think about the relationship between interior space and the natural world. At Studio Olio, that perspective carries through into the work. Natural elements aren’t just aesthetic — they’re part of how a space feels over time.
Sense of place
Every home has a character — something specific to its location, its history, its bones. The job isn’t to impose a style onto a space but to find the one that was already there. Studio Olio refers to this as genius loci — the sense of place that makes a room feel like it belongs exactly where it is.
This is a good fit if:
- You’re working on an older home and want the details handled correctly
- You care about how the space functions day to day, not just how it looks
- You want a clear process and fewer surprises during construction
- You’re open to collaboration and thoughtful decision-making
How we approach design and build
Good design reduces friction. A space that functions well, feels considered, and supports how you actually live changes your day-to-day experience — not in an abstract way, but in the simple reality of coming home to a space that works.
Every project is different, and every client is different. Studio Olio works from that assumption. Clear communication, honest scoping, and respect for the craftspeople building the work are non-negotiable. The details matter, and getting them right is what the process is designed to do.
The Process
Step 1 — Discovery call — complimentary
A quick way to determine fit.
A 10–20 minute call by phone or Zoom. This is where we establish whether the project is a good fit, answer initial questions, and determine the right next step.
Step 2 – In-person consultation
We walk the space and define the opportunity.
An hour in your home. We walk the space together, talk through how you use it, what’s working and what isn’t, and what the project might involve. The consultation fee is credited toward the design fee if you move forward. By the end of the visit, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the project and what it could become.
Step 3 – Proposal and agreement
Clear scope before work begins.
A detailed proposal outlining scope, process, and design fee. You’ll know exactly what you’re agreeing to before the project begins.
Step 4 – Design exploration
We figure out how the space actually works.
In-depth conversations about how the space is used, where investment priorities sit, and what the design options look like. Several space planning options are developed, including a physical layout so you can experience the plan rather than just read it. Early cost ranges are discussed here, with detailed pricing developed alongside a contractor as the design progresses.
Step 5 – Contractor collaboration
Aligning design and construction early.
Contractors are brought in once the design is developed enough to price accurately. This ensures alignment between design intent and construction before work begins.
Step 6 – Final design decisions
Everything is finalized before documentation.
Final selections are made. Layouts, materials, and detailed elements are completed and confirmed.
Step 7 – Delivery of plans and renderings
What the contractor builds from.
2D and 3D drawings, space plans, lighting plans, and a detailed finishes schedule. Everything the contractor needs to build the design correctly.
Step 8 – Construction support and oversight
Present through the build.
Studio Olio remains involved throughout construction to support the design as it’s being executed. This includes coordination with trades, reviewing site conditions, answering questions as they come up, and ensuring the finished work reflects the original intent.
Designed for a tight footprint.
Built to use the full height.
Frequently asked questions
These are the questions that usually come up before reaching out.
Office hours: Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 5pm MT
What services does Studio Olio offer?
Studio Olio focuses on historic home renovation and interior design, including kitchens, bathrooms, layout planning, millwork, custom furniture and built-ins, draperies, rugs, art selection, custom bedding, and colour consulting.
For renovation projects, Studio Olio also provides permit sets and construction oversight to ensure the design is built correctly. Outdoor living projects are typically taken on in conjunction with an interior project so the result feels cohesive.
Do you only work on historic homes?
Historic home renovation is Studio Olio’s specialty — Victorians, Foursquares, Colonials, Mission Style, and Craftsman bungalows are where most of the work happens.
That said, the same approach applies to newer homes — thoughtful planning, strong detailing, and spaces that feel cohesive and considered. Kitchens, bathrooms, saunas, and pool rooms in any home are considered when the scope and level of detail are a good fit.
What if I don’t know exactly what I want yet?
That’s completely normal. Most clients don’t come in with a fully formed plan — that’s part of the process. The early stages are about understanding how you live, what’s working, and what isn’t, and translating that into a clear direction.
How does Studio Olio structure design fees?
Design fees are developed based on the scope and complexity of each project.
Most projects are structured as a flat fee once the scope is clearly defined, with certain smaller or standalone scopes handled differently.
The consultation is where we begin that conversation and determine what the project will require.
What budgets do you work with?
The consultation is where we begin that conversation and clarify what the project will involve. Budgets vary depending on the scope of work and the level of finish. Rather than working from a fixed number, the process focuses on aligning design decisions with investment priorities. Detailed pricing is developed alongside a contractor as the design progresses. Historic renovation and full interior design work vary significantly based on scope, existing conditions, and finish level.
Do you work with my contractor?
Often, yes — Studio Olio collaborates with both preferred and client-selected contractors. That said, the process relies on a collaborative approach. Contractors are brought in once the design is developed enough to price accurately and align on execution. If a contractor isn’t open to that level of coordination, they may not be the right fit for this process.
Do you take on outdoor living projects?
Yes — typically in conjunction with an interior project. Outdoor spaces are considered part of the overall experience of the home, and designing them together leads to a more cohesive result.
These projects are scoped individually and are approached with the same level of detail as the interior work.
How do we get started?
Start with a complimentary discovery call — 10–20 minutes by phone or Zoom.
It’s a chance to talk through your project, ask questions, and see if the approach feels like the right fit.
To get started, call or text 720-860-2443 or email design@studioolio.com with a brief description of your project.
The best place to start is a short discovery call.
It’s a chance to talk through your project, ask questions, and get a sense of whether this approach is the right fit— for both of us.
Most projects start this way, and it’s the easiest way to get clarity before committing to anything further.
You can call or text us with a brief description of your project.