FAQs
Working with a professional interior designer may be new to you and we’re pretty sure you have a few questions about how we work. Perhaps you’ve worked with a designer in the past and you’re wondering how we’re different? Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions and answers to help you better understand our process and how we conduct business.
How do you calculate your design fee and how is it billed?
Depending on the level of design service requested, the design fee is calculated based on an estimated number of hours we feel the project may take. We have years of experience and we are able to estimate our design services based on past projects. What we can not account for are things like re-designs, on site trouble shooting, specialty sourcing, etc. That is why our design fee is always just and “estimate” and is subject to adjustment to account for unforeseen circumstances. In any case, a retainer is always established and billed from which we deduct hours as we go. We will provide you with a running balance of hours and retained funds and alert you of any overages from our original estimated design fee.
Do you charge a procurement fee?
Yes. My design business model relies on two sources of revenue - design service fees and a margin on all resold goods. Our procurement fee aligns with the industry standard and applies to all goods specified, sourced, and purchased by us.
Can I purchase goods specified for my design project directly through your vendors??
Typically our vendors are “to the trade” vendors and do not accept third party payments. Their policy is to work only with designers. Even if the vendor is a retail resource, there are still many benefits to processing those orders through us.
Will we receive all of the discounts extended to you by your vendors?
In short, yes. Please remember that our value to you is not in our discount but is truly in our knowledge, experience, and access to resources. Not all vendors offer discounts to the design trade and some discounts are nominal. In order to benefit from any pre-established design trade discounts all goods must be purchased through us.
Will you be at my home to oversee all aspects of renovation, installation, etc?
That is considered “project management” and it is the responsibility of your general contractor to oversee things like demo, plumbing, electrical, wood work, tile, etc. However, we will check in over the course of the project to insure that the design is being executed according to our agreed upon vision and to answer any questions to help guide the trades.
How does shipping and delivery work?
Whenever possible we will arrange to have goods delivered directly to your residence. Some vendors only offer “dock to dock” delivery in which case we will contract with a receiving agent to receive, inspect, and provide local delivery of your items to your home.
What are your business hours and what is the best way to communicate with you when I have questions??
Our business hours are Monday through Friday 9am - 5pm. It is within these daily hours that we communicate with you, our vendors, and conduct our creative business. We prefer that all communication is conducted via phone or email. Our goal is to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours or sooner, schedule permitting.
What about texting?
I reserve texting for family communication and emergencies only. I respectfully ask that you please direct all business communications to email or phone.
Do you bill for drive time?
Yes. Drive time is included in our hourly billing calculations