Prior to meeting with you, in order to determine the needs of any project, our conversation will consist of questions about the scope of work, budgets, as well as a projected time frame for completing the work and expectations. Based on the qualifying information received, we can tailor a plan to meet your needs. The options can be to pay for a single consultation, a concept/plan, or full service design services.
We do offer a first meeting at no charge. But if it is advice you want, etc 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.
If we schedule an appointment for a consultation, I will give you a homework assignment before our in-person meeting. Such as viewing multiple 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.
Your home is the backdrop of your life. Every last detail that is well-conceived and perfectly executed reflects your good taste, passion for comfortable living and joy in life. You want that home for entertaining your friends and family, yet you don’t know where to start? What color scheme creates that perfect ambiance that reflects your personality and your love for the people who mean so much to you? Relax and let me guide you effortlessly through the process of designing your perfect retreat.
It’s not about what you own, it’s about how you create a warm and welcoming place to gather, share stories and laughs. It’s about the memories you create.
Services may include:
- Kitchen and bathroom remodeling
- Renovations
- New Construction
- Design Concept, specification, purchasing and installation
- Space planning
- Job site observation to assure design intent
- Paint consultation
- Furniture, artwork and accessories
- Window treatments
- Staging for home sellers
Design Consultation (usually two hours; for those in search of design advice)
During the meeting we discuss the scope of work, offer ideas for the project, and determine the amount you want to invest in your project. This is an opportunity for you to dream out loud, bring in pictures of things you want to include in your project, have specific questions answered by a design professional. I often offer suggestions or possibilities you had not thought about. Fees are due at the beginning of the visit.
This meeting is also designed to make some of the critical determining factors for both parties. The decision will be made at the close before either of us invest any further time to move forward to the next phase. Part of that discussion is an understanding of how you would like to work with me, understanding your communication styles and preferences, and how you prefer to make important decisions.
Having said this, I in turn will share the same as well as set expectations for you as Clients. No work will begin until I have both, a signed ‘letter of agreement’ and a retainer in place. The letter of agreement covers the terms and conditions of my design services. You will have an opportunity to read through it while I take photographs as well as take preliminary measurements of the space, which will help us to begin a design plan. Once the contract has been signed, retainer received and a budget range agreed to, I will put together a proposal and a design plan.
For smaller projects, just the initial design consultation may be all we need for our work together, as in the case of picking exterior and interior paint colors or general design direction. In some cases clients or projects may not be a good fit for my full service design work at Design Matters, and in that case our initial consultation will set you up for success with your project. I can refer you to interior design colleagues or trade professionals that are a better fit for your goals. Meetings early on are to be with ALL decision makers.
Initial Visit (those wanting to search for a designer- choose this format)
If you would prefer, 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.
This meeting is also designed to make some of the critical determining factors for both parties. Part of that discussion is understanding how you would like to work with me, understanding your communication styles and preferences, and how you prefer to make important decisions. We will discuss the letter of agreement and the budget requirements for the project. The letter of agreement covers the terms and conditions of my design services. Having said this, no work will begin until we have an Agreement in place and a retainer received. If we decide to move forward I will put together a proposal; an outline of what I will do (not ideas).
If we are proceeding with Interior Design services, The Proposal will include the scope of the project and other pertinent information such as my design fees, time frame, budget, and an estimated completion date. Once you return the design agreement with your deposit I will get started on the design concept for your project, generally I will be ready for our next appointment in a week or week and a half. My projects start with a design fee and/or a retainer on file that is later applied to the final invoices. Deposits are determined by each project based on the total estimated scope. Meetings early on are to be with ALL decision makers.
One-Time Consultations work for those projects that do not need my full service interior design and expertise, and I am happy to provide a consultation at your home or business. Fees are due at the commencement of the visit.
I should also note here that depending on your project, I may offer you a flat rate design concept. These can also be done long distance. In the case of flat rate design concepts, I generally offer an initial concept and a fine tuned revision directed by the client. Clients can shop the marketplace or make purchases though my studio or both following our work together. More is said about this under the ‘Purchasing Management Services‘ tab.