I think there are a lot of unknowns when it comes to working with a designer. It really isn’t like most episodes of HGTV- not to put them down, but they are entertainment where entire projects are wrapped up in under an hour. This tends to create an unrealistic expectation for what designers really do!
My team’s most important goal is that our clients LOVE their homes. At the end of the day, it’s not about creating a space that speaks to our portfolio, but creating a space that speaks to our clients. Today, we’re sharing some answers to questions frequently asked.
FAQ #1: How much do designers charge for their services?
We kick off each project with a paid Initial Consultation. This is an in-home appointment where we’ll tour the entire home (or as much as you want us to see!) then focus on the area you need assistance with. During this appointment, we’re happy to answer any questions we can, make simple suggestions, share contacts, and sometimes even pick a paint color! We’ll have a brief discussion of your budget and then get you a proposal that will outline the full scope of our services, including the breakdown of pricing, within a week.
Our preferred method is a flat fee model for the design process. This allows us to immerse ourselves in your project and be as creative as possible on your behalf. If your job involves construction, our level of involvement will be included in that pricing. Each design presentation allows for one set of revisions included in the fee.
We also offer Day of Design services which includes a focused day (or days) of design and provides you with an executable plan of actions you can take.
We have a few clients that prefer the hourly “pay as you go” method. We have this fee structure available in limited situations, but it doesn’t allow for a comprehensive design plan and doesn’t yield the best results.
To read more about these, visit our Design Services page.
FAQ #2: Will we go shopping together?
We can do this! If you’re looking for a shopping buddy, your best options are our Day of Design or Hourly packages.
In our full service design packages, however, we call this The Field Trip. Often in a project, the items we’re looking at can be heavy or cumbersome or sometimes just require your involvement in the selection process. This also depends on the client- most clients hire us as they don’t WANT to shop for items.
FAQ #3: What is the difference between retail and custom furniture?
Both from a quality and style perspective, retail is designed for the masses! It means your choices are limited to what has the most appeal. Unique, client-focused spaces are simply not their thing. But unique, client focused spaces ARE our thing!!!
I’m not trashing retail – I spent years in that industry and understand it very well. For a design practice, though, we don’t want to be limited to shopping at the retail level where we’d be at the whims of what they want to sell. When you’re shopping for furnishings from a retail store, the in-store staff are limited to selling what is on their sales floor or in their catalog. This ultimately means that their sales goal is the focus rather than the best outcome of your home.
I understand the allure- you can sit, touch and tire-kick. You can return if you feel like it. A design approach is, by its very nature, a custom experience and a high level of personalization. It really is all about you!
FAQ #4: How do you capture my design style?
By the time we get started on your project, we’ll have had many conversations. The first is our phone or “Discovery” call where you’ll answer a few questions and share your project goals. In advance of our first meeting, you’ll get a client questionnaire.
During our Initial Consultation we’ll get further acquainted. One of the reasons I like to do a full home tour is to hear you talk about what you love already! This gives me a really good insight into your style. Our field trip is another opportunity to connect on your personal style.
We use an online digital platform to share content and communicate with you. There you’ll find any drawings and product selections made for you. If we’re not sure which you’d prefer, you’ll tell us right online.
Finally, the design process offers two presentations. The first is a concept meeting where we’ll be presenting broad strokes for you project. This is done in the office with samples you can touch and feel and is a great time to make sure we’re on the same page with you. Any revisions are implemented and digitally shared. Once approved, we’ll be prepping for your final design presentation, also in the office, including 3D renderings, drawings and final fabric selections, and the budget.
If you have additional questions we didn’t answer in this post, reach out to us. We would love to chat and answer those questions!
Xoxo,
Pamela
