Our Methodology
How we work
At Calico Dept, we believe good design starts with good listening. Every project, regardless of scope, begins with time spent understanding the space and the people who will use it. We don't work from a house style or a preferred aesthetic — each project results in something that reflects the client, the space, and the way they want to feel in it.
Typical project flow
- Inquiry & initial brief
- Property walkthrough
- Concept & direction
- Full design documentation
- Renovation & oversight
- Final styling
Service 01
Design Inquiry & Briefing
From MYR 490 · 5–7 working days
A focused session built around getting to know your space and your aspirations for it. We carry out a property walkthrough, observe spatial potential, and compile a curated collection of aesthetic references that captures the direction you're drawn to. The result is a written observations document — a clear, considered starting point for whatever comes next.
This service works particularly well for homeowners at the beginning of a renovation journey who want clarity before making larger commitments. It can be taken as a standalone engagement or as the first step toward a full design.
What's included
- In-person property walkthrough (within Klang Valley)
- Written spatial observations document
- Curated aesthetic reference collection
- Initial thoughts on spatial potential and constraints
- Delivered within 5–7 working days
Process steps
- 1.Initial email or call to understand your project and confirm the walkthrough
- 2.On-site visit — we walk through your space, ask questions, take notes
- 3.Reference compilation and written observations prepared at studio
- 4.Document delivered digitally within the agreed timeframe
Design Inquiry & Briefing
Ideal for homeowners beginning a renovation journey
Best suited for
- • Homeowners newly purchased a property
- • Those planning a renovation in the next 6–12 months
- • Clients who want clarity before committing to a full design
- • Anyone unsure where to begin with their space
Service 02
Interior Design & Visual Narrative
From MYR 3,400 · 6–10 weeks
A complete design service that produces a cohesive visual story for your space. This covers floor plans, elevations, material palettes, furniture curation, lighting choreography, and photorealistic 3D renders — all compiled into a structured narrative design document. The document explains not just what to build, but why each decision was made.
Two revision phases are built into the service so the design is refined to your satisfaction before it goes to construction. Suitable for residential projects and boutique commercial spaces.
What's included
- Full floor plans and spatial layouts
- Detailed elevations and millwork drawings
- Material and finish palette with specifications
- Furniture curation and supplier references
- Lighting plan and fixture recommendations
- Photorealistic 3D renders of key spaces
- Two structured revision phases
- Compiled narrative design document
Interior Design & Visual Narrative
For residential and boutique commercial projects
Best suited for
- • Full home renovations or significant reconfigurations
- • New properties being furnished from scratch
- • Boutique retail or F&B spaces with a distinct identity
- • Clients who want a complete, structured design before construction
Service 03
Renovation Stewardship
From MYR 1,800 · 8–16 weeks
Attentive oversight throughout the construction and renovation phase. We act as your representative on-site — coordinating with contractors, reviewing workmanship, tracking timelines, and managing procurement so that decisions stay aligned with the original design intent. The engagement closes with a final styling session once renovation is complete.
For clients who value having an informed, dependable advocate on-site throughout the process. Particularly useful for those who are working, travelling, or simply don't want to navigate the technical conversations directly.
What's included
- Regular site visits during the renovation period
- Contractor coordination and communication
- Procurement support and delivery tracking
- Quality review at each construction milestone
- Regular progress updates to client
- Final styling session on completion
Renovation Stewardship
Your representative on-site throughout the build
Best suited for
- • Clients with limited time to manage contractors directly
- • Those who have a design but need experienced oversight
- • Complex or multi-trade renovation projects
- • Clients combining this with the full design service
Compare Services
Which service is right for you?
| Inquiry & Briefing | Design & Narrative | Stewardship | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property walkthrough | |||
| Written spatial observations | — | ||
| Full floor plans & elevations | — | — | |
| 3D renders | — | — | |
| Material & furniture curation | — | — | |
| Contractor management | — | — | |
| On-site quality reviews | — | — | |
| Final styling session | — | — | |
| Starting price | MYR 490 | MYR 3,400 | MYR 1,800 |
Services can be engaged individually or in combination. Many clients begin with a briefing and progress to the full design and stewardship engagement.
Our Standards
Shared across all services
Client confidentiality
Your property details and personal information are never shared or published without your written agreement.
Written agreements
Scope and deliverables are confirmed in writing before work begins so expectations are clear from the outset.
Honest timelines
We give realistic timeframes and communicate proactively if anything changes — not just at the end of a phase.
Responsible sourcing
Materials and furnishings are specified with attention to supplier ethics, durability, and environmental considerations.
Accessibility considered
When relevant, we factor in accessibility requirements — particularly for multi-generational households and boutique public spaces.
Structured revisions
All full design engagements include revision phases built into the process — not charged as extras after the fact.
Not sure which service fits your situation?
A brief conversation is usually enough to figure out the right starting point — no obligation, just a chance to understand your project.
Get in Touch