Cannon Frank: A Design Corporation PC

Cannon Frank Design Services

Cannon Frank is a full-service interior design firm. There are several steps in the design process, which are described below.

  1. Architectural Plans
    1. Depending on the architect, or the scope of work with an architect, Cannon Frank reviews the architect's space planning to advise if the space provides adequate alternatives for the clients' lifestyle needs (i.e. dining for 8 vs. 12 people, television viewing for 6 vs. 10 people, exercise room, and other family and storage needs).
    2. Cannon Frank reviews the drawings to see if there is a better way to access each space or whether we feel too much space is given to unnecessary corridors, adequate closet space, a functional kitchen, too many doors in one area, etc.
    3. Cannon Frank will also inform the clients if something in the plans doesn't work well. For example, Cannon Frank recently reviewed plans for a luxurious master bath which was accessed through a very large master closet. Cannon Frank recommended that the two rooms change place so the clients didn't have to spend a lot of money on heavily detailed closet built-ins with doors in order to hide clothing while walking through to the bathroom. Instead, a more moderate closet interior cost was incurred without any loss of space, windows or luxury.
  2. Electrical Plans
    1. Cannon Frank prepares a floor plan, giving the clients options for the function of each space as they requested it, with several alternatives.
    2. Once the clients have approved the furniture and function layouts for each space, Cannon Frank prepares the electrical lighting/outlet placement plans and will work with the architect or builder and specify to them the type of fixtures to be used.
    3. Cannon Frank will recommend to the clients a system to incorporate several electrical functions into one system (i.e. HVAC, audio/video, lighting controls, window shade controls, security, etc. can all be incorporated into one switching package with multiple control and remote control options). Some detailed elevations may be necessary.
    4. Cannon Frank will manage the relationship with all electrical vendors/suppliers, unless this is covered by the architect's responsibilities.
  3. Millwork
    1. Cannon Frank will design and review the millwork drawings and details for all the cabinetry in the house, including the kitchen, library, bathrooms, laundry, audio/video areas, closet storage, etc. Cannon Frank will send all millwork drawings out for approval and manage the entire process, or will work with the architects if they are responsible for millwork selection or design.
    2. Once the complete millwork package has been designed and a finish has been determined for each, Cannon Frank will provide recommendations, and either Cannon Frank or the client can send them out for pricing (to Cannon Frank's sources or the clients' sources).
    3. Cannon Frank will work with whomever the clients choose, closely guarding that the clients get the best detail and quality work possible and that all specific functions are met. Cannon Frank will select the veneers, direct how they are applied, review the drawings for approval and once reviewed by all of those involved, will approve them and follow-up to insure a timely execution. All finishes will be designed by Cannon Frank and submitted to the client for approval.
    4. Cannon Frank will coordinate the millwork with the audio/video consultants, the electricians, and introduce any consultant necessary to ensure the sanctity of an art collection (i.e. Cannon Frank brought in a consultant from the Art Institute of Chicago to discuss the proper lighting and ventilation for a rare collection of glass paperweights to guarantee the lighting didn't etch the glass collection and the heat from the lighting needed to be properly ventilated so outside dust didn't enter into the cabinet. A maintenance program was also designed to ensure that ventilation and bulb-changing would not damage the collection.)
    5. Cannon Frank will specify the selection of doors, all moldings, window casings, bases, etc.
  4. Appliances and Plumbing
    1. Cannon Frank will specify appliances and/or all plumbing fixtures and coordinate this with millwork fabricators, builders and electricians.
  5. Stone/Tile/Flooring
    1. Cannon Frank will specify all stone tops and/or tile.
    2. Cannon Frank will design the stone or tile layouts.
    3. Cannon Frank will specify products for all the baths and pool and will provide several options of design layouts as well as products. Once approved, Cannon Frank will give these drawings and specifications to the builder for pricing. All bath hardware will be selected and specified for the clients' contractor to purchase.
    4. Cannon Frank will specify all flooring and wall applications necessary to complete the look for the kitchen, bath, bar, laundry and/or pool areas.
  6. Staircase
    1. Cannon Frank will design the staircase either in wood, iron, marble, carpenter-built or custom-built by a stair fabricator.
    2. Cannon Frank will specify this to the clients or to the contractor for pricing.
  7. Windows
    1. Cannon Frank will work with the client's architect or builder to provide pockets for drapery, shades or blinds, and if electrified, coordinate this with the clients' A/V person.
    2. Cannon Frank will provide design options for drapery installation, including fabric selections.
  8. Painting, Decorative Wood/Wall Finishes, Wall Upholstery, Wallpaper Specifications
    1. Cannon Frank will provide several contractor options for bid.
    2. Cannon Frank will supply all wallcoverings needed for the home at the standard mark-up, but no mark-up on any labor will be applied.
  9. Jobsite Visits
    1. All jobsite visits will be done without question in order to ensure the project is going along as expected.
    2. Cannon Frank will coordinate with any sub-contractor or general contractor to keep on track.
    3. Extra jobsite visits will be invoiced accordingly. It is most efficient if the client/contractor/architect provides an agenda of questions which need to be answered and they can be consolidated into one meeting.
  10. Client Purchases
    1. If clients decide to purchase a piece of furniture without the assistance of Cannon Frank, a photo of the piece should be provided along with the size so the suitability of the piece can be determined (and if it will fit within the plan and scope of work already done). No profit will be necessary to Cannon Frank.
  11. Cannon Frank Purchases
    1. All furnishings, fabrics, carpeting, area rugs, lamps, chandeliers, window treatments, bedspreads, mirrors, etc. are considered furnishings and will be sold to the clients at the previously discussed, agreed-upon mark-up or fee.
  12. Art
    1. All art and accessories, Cannon Frank recognizes, is a very personal endeavor.
    2. Cannon Frank will be glad to work with clients in strictly an advisory capacity, or can direct clients to the type of gallery believed to be the most suitable to their tastes.
    3. Cannon Frank can bring in an art representative who will work with the clients directly with or without Cannon Frank's advising.