Frequently Asked Questions
What do you charge?
We charge a flat fee for the concept design brief and an hourly fee for final design, project management and procurement. We charge a design commission on all items specified for the project. For our virtual consulting clients, our hourly rate is $675 per hour.
What is the difference between full service design and virtual design?
Full service projects are those that entail designing complete spaces and often include a renovation or a new build. We work with our full service interior design clients every step of the way from determining layout and structural changes to crafting custom furniture pieces and managing schedules with contractors. Virtual design clients are those who are seeking advice in designing or decorating their homes, but do not require project management, custom design work, drawings, or product sourcing.
What is your process?
We approach every project as a true collaboration with our clients and partners, blending creativity with structure to deliver beautiful, livable homes. Our standard process is accomplished in six phases:
Inspiration & Vision – We begin with a client kick-off meeting where you share your inspiration and big-picture dreams. From there, we curate additional references, identify design patterns, and define a cohesive vision with color palettes, architectural details, and anchor furnishings.
Concept Design – We develop design boards and a scope of work, presenting them to you for feedback and approval. For renovations or new builds, we also coordinate with contractors early to help you select the right team.
Final Design – We refine every detail, create construction drawings and specifications, and present the complete design for review with one round of revisions before final approval.
Budget Alignment – We work with your contractor to create an accurate, itemized budget, ensuring the design and cost expectations remain aligned.
Procurement & Construction – Orders are placed based on lead times, construction begins, and we host regular Zoom meetings with you and your contractor, along with key site visits at critical stages.
Installation & Reveal – We organize and arrange the installation of wallpaper, window treatments, and furnishings in one coordinated phase so you see the vision come together all at once. We then schedule professional photography before your move-in.
How soon can you start?
Start dates vary depending on our current project load.
How long does the design process take?
Good design takes time. We believe in designing your home for the long term and to focus on providing you with customized, specialty pieces that will last. Project timelines are dependent on the scope of work and level of detail. The pre-construction phase can be as short as two months or as long as a year. Typically, the design brief takes 10 - 12 weeks depending on the size of the project, and revisions will be provided in 3 - 4 weeks. Lead times vary, but even for furnishing and decorating projects only, it takes about 4 months to finalize the design, and up to 6 months from approval before any furniture may be installed.
How long will my remodel take?
Remodel timelines are dependent on contractors’ schedules and permits. A typical wait list or lead time for a quality contractor is 3 - 6 months. Once a contractor has been finalized for your project they can provide you with a more accurate timeline and cost.
Can we work on the home in phases?
Yes. We often begin with just a few rooms or spaces, but we have a set a minimum level of investment of $150,000.
Can I add to the scope of work?
Yes, however this will affect the project timeline and budget.
Can I manage the project myself?
We manage all aspects of the project related to design, including furniture and decor. The contractor manages the construction process, however we are highly involved and oversee the construction process every step of the way.
I already have a contractor or architect, will you work with them?
Yes, we are happy to collaborate with architecture firms in the design process of major remodels or custom builds. In fact, we recommend it. We will work with whomever you have already hired for the project. However, we do ask to be involved in the design and planning meetings early on to keep the process streamlined and to define clear lines of responsibility. We are also happy to recommend contractors and architects for your project. Often we can tailor the right firm for the job based on scope, style, and deadlines.
Where do you shop?
We purchase from an assortment of sources. The list includes trade only vendors, our favorite vintage dealers and vintage stores, retail providers and online.
Can I include items that I already own into the design?
Yes. When possible we use existing pieces, especially those with special meaning to you. When we first meet, we will assess and review any items that you would like to incorporate into the design. While we will consider all items for the space, we will be sure to tell you when existing pieces are holding back the style direction or simply won’t work with the new design. Existing pieces can often be re-purposed in other rooms if needed.
Can I purchase items for the project?
We purchase all furniture, decor, art, specified materials and fixtures after we receive payment from you. You won’t need to purchase anything yourself.
Can I source items for the project?
To keep the process streamlined, we will source all of the furniture and decor items. We have established relationships with vendors and knowledge of quality and value for the items that we propose in the design.
How does shipping and delivery work? And how is it charged?
When we assemble a purchase invoice of your approved items, we include a shipping allowance which works out to be 20% of the cost of goods sold. This allowance percentage is based on an industry average for the cost of shipping, freight, receiving, storage and delivery. The process of shipping and delivery includes the following services: shipping the item from the supplier to our preferred receiving warehouse, receiving the item at the loading dock, inspection of the item, photographing the item, storing the item until delivery, and the delivery of the item to your home. Once the items have been delivered we will settle the balance on the shipping fees. Tariffs are not included in this allowance and must be paid upon receipt.
Will you be photographing the project? How does that process work?
We intend to photograph and document each and every project we take on. We include the rights to photography in our contracts. If you have concerns about having your home photographed, this will need to be discussed early on in the process. It does not mean we will not accept the project, it means we may have to adjust the contract.