Q: Isn’t hiring an interior designer expensive?
A: You can actually save hundreds and thousands of dollars by hiring a Designer. In addition to having access to Designer’s only furnishings at a percentage off retail. My experience and knowledge can help you from making costly mistakes, saving you time and the headache of overseeing all the details that go into a project.
Overall, the cost savings of DIY for consumers can be realized. Small mistakes can be excused in light of the overall savings. However, when it comes to big mistakes, that is not always the case. To avoid either, hiring an interior designer can seem like an additional expense but trusting a professional to deliver the results can deliver a return on your investment you can enjoy for years to come.
Q: What if I want to shop for items online or on my own?
A: We can still work together. For the actual design concepts and the program to be followed I charge a fee. To implement the design I charge hourly. I have had clients who have taken my concepts and programs and managed the rest themselves. For oversight on your purchases I charge by the hour. I also take a purchase management fee (this is included in your quoted price) on products purchased through me for a given job, but this is only to cover the cost of time invested in order to process, manage orders and filing sales tax forms. Read more in detail about this option under the Purchasing Management Services tab.
Q: What can I expect to occur at our first meeting?
A: I do offer a first meeting at no charge. You can opt for a first visit/interview where we meet and make a personal connection. I will show my portfolio, discuss the scope of work to be involved in the project, determine your objectives and how much you are wanting to invest. Following this, I will go over the design process with you. I do not charge for this and consider this to be a good opportunity to sell myself. This meeting is usually an hour. There is no ‘Brain Picking’ because that is a different phase altogether of my business process.
But if it is advice you want, I have one time consult minimum in which I will brainstorm with you, give you ideas, and retail sources when possible – than you may want to consider scheduling a consultation which has a fee associated with this. People have gone both ways – those wanting to search for a designer choose the former – those who need answers, choose the consult.
Q: Will I know how much the design fees will cost?
A: In order to address concerns over not knowing the final amount, we can agree to a set amount of hours for each category going in, and a clause that allows that to be increased if desired. I provide you with complete time details with every invoice so you know what I did, when and how many hours it took.
It is common to expect 10% – 40% of the total project cost are for creativity, which is the intellectual property (creative ideas, knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of the process and construction). All this is built upon through years of experience. From this amount 50% – 60% of the design fees are for the project and purchasing management services.
Q: I know I want to make changes – but I am not sure I can explain what style/look I am aiming for. How much of this do I need figured out?
A: Not to worry. We can start from here. If you have examples of spaces that you have seen or been in that have moved you; this can move the conversation towards getting the right solution for you. Sources such as design magazines, or go on line to Houzz.com, and find pictures of things you LOVE, as well as pictures of things you HATE. This really helps me fine tune what you are looking for and gives me a sense of direction. When we meet we will be able to have discussions about how these images relate to your project, budget, trends, etc.
In addition I will be sending you an intake questionnaire which needs to be complete prior to our first meeting, which will give me an opportunity to prepare for more in-depth conversation. I will want to hone in on the feeling or experience you desire to obtain.
Early on in my career I often heard from my clients “how did you figure me out?” Keen observation and asking in depth questions will reveal much to me about how I can help you accomplish your objectives. Once this has been determined – leave the making ‘it’ fabulous to me.