Concept, design, sample, and installation
Client, or designer often provides an initial vision. This drawing was provided by client.
This was an exact design, but often this is just an image that they provide from online. It is just used as a starting point for our initial conversations.
Then tile is selected. I often do a cad drawing. To make sure that we aren't surprised at layout time.
I make a physical sample. To make sure that you like the grout color with the tile.
Sometimes fixturing is helpful. This was used as a jig to make 90 degree wetsaw cuts on tiles that didn't have any right angles available.
Tiles layed out on the floor for client approval. There were shade variations to this tile. So I like to give my clients an opportunity to look at it first. Before setting in stone.
And then it all comes together without any surprises.
Adding these extra steps ensures that things go well. It takes away the pressure of your tile decisions. Because you have an opportunity to adjust if you end up not liking the grout color on sample board.
Or if the grout and silicone don't quite match. This happens sometimes even though they are from the same manufacturer.