our approach
Creative Management + Direction
We are a creative agency that connects different creative professions through a unified project vision.
Our aim is to transform the way projects work, without the need for appointing and managing each creative service separately. We take the time to truly understand the guiding vision with the client and define the scope and services needed. This means we can bring in a team that are the right fit. We project manage the services for the client so they have a more streamlined project with one main point of contact. We believe this makes for unique and successful projects.
We can also take on smaller commissions or assist your existing team to fill in the gaps of the project
Typical Client Vendor relationship
the k+co studios approach
our process
We work on a complete range of project types and scale — from private homes and woodland cabins, to retail brands and hotels.
Although the specific scope and services will vary per project, our process generally follows the framework below:
00
Introduction + Catchup
This is where we meet and introduce ourselves, and you can tell us about your project. This is a complimentary service and can be as simple as a coffee or an informal video call. Following this meeting we can send over our suggestion of services and pricing guidelines along with any specific requested details, so you can decide if we are the creative agency for you.
01
Project Definition
Once we are appointed our primary task will be to establish the key project vision and brief.
We will define this with you - discussing style ideas, your lifestyle or brand, the constraints and business objectives, alongside the experience you want to create.
This typically involves a site visit or meeting to review the existing brand (depending on the project type). You can also show us anything else that helps explain your ideas or needs.
To conclude this stage we will also put together a project scope with our lists of recommended services and creative team tailored to your exact needs from our Collective. We also include a timeline and fee breakdown.
From this point we await for your approval ready to to start the process!
02
Concept + Initial Design
In this phase we distill the brand or project essence and start to create a defined concept ‘DNA’ unique to your project.
From this, we will create some initial designs, so there is something tangible to review to start to see the project coming to life.
What we will deliver and develop depends on the project type. For example, for a Restaurant project this may be showing initial ideas through customer zoning diagrams and some 2D floor plan options, alongside mood boards for the spaces, furniture style and other key touchpoints from uniforms and branding identity, even down to the tableware style - any element that contributes to creating a your project’s full experience.
Again the exact deliverables depend on the agreed services and your unique brief.
Prototypes in progress
03
Design Development
Following the client feedback, we make adjustments and develop the designs with more detail.
In this stage we also takes into account any unforeseen challenges affecting the timing and budget, from structural and license issues of a building to manufacturing timelines. In this stage some initial samples may be made to test out processes and quality.
We then present final designs to the client for sign off.
04
Final Design Packages
This is the stage where all the design is translated into technical drawings and specifications ready for full production or build.
This information then goes to tender to get the best prices. We provide the contractors and makers with all the details to price the design accurately.
Throughout this pricing and detailing process we source suppliers, meet with contractors, approve final materials and design details — always checking with the client when approvals are needed.
05
Implementation + Realisation
Lift off! Once all the contractors are appointed, we take on a creative services project management and a monitoring roll during the implementation / construction stage, working across all the scales of your chosen scope. We liaise with all the trades and consultants, reviewing key manufacturer and builders drawings and responding to site and general queries in relation to what is being produced. This ensures the end result is executed inline with the vision intended. It also helps keep a clear working structure and helps keep the project on track. We keep you in the loop as much or as little as you require as things progress.
06
Final Touches + Setup
The main body of work is now complete and this is the final stage bringing the project to completion.
The specific details will depend on project type. For a built interior scheme this can include curating and placing the furniture, styling pieces and art ready for guests or family use. For a retail opening, this could include installing the window display and providing the staff with their bespoke uniforms. For a hospitality soft launch, the task could be sending out custom invitations and and getting everything ready on the opening night, including placing the selected soaps and room fragrance into the washrooms. As always, it is whatever each project requires to complete the full project vision.
Our Pricing Structures
Pricing depends on the nature, scale and complexity of the project. The scope of works and services are defined together with the client at the initial meetings and we can discuss any financial concerns and unique aspects and set up a clear agreement. Our aim is to be always transparent, and charge a fair price for our services and the skills of the collective team.
Typically all fees are paid directly to K+CO STUDIOS and we then pay the collective team and subcontractors ensuring a more streamlined process, but this does vary depending on project type. Our fees include our project management of the all the creative services within your project.
01 projects
Typically the fees are paid per agreed design stages and there is a deposit to start work followed by fees payable on completion of each stage. For larger projects the stage fee is split into regular monthly payments to keep the work moving.
02 one off
Alternatively for smaller commissions, consultancy, ‘add-ons’ or unique tasks — we charge by the hour, but this is to a pre-agreed rate or to a one-off fee.
03 sourcing
The sourcing service, as a standalone service, is charged per item to an agreed rate or fixed price.
free consultation
We offer an informal complimentary meeting, either by phone, video or in-person. We then send over a summary board and outline of the deliverables and fees to ensure we are all aligned before mutually agreeing to start any work, so you can be sure we are the creative agency for you.