HOW WE WORK: THE PROCESS

While working together with our clients, our goal is to help them navigate through the process, discover possibilities, and make educated decisions to create a home they love and are proud of.

Encouragement, inspiration, and fun are also a part of the process!

 EXPLORATION AND DISCOVERY STAGE

During this initial stage, we take the time to learn about the clients’ personal style, lifestyle, aesthetics, and aspirations, and how they wish to use their residence.

We gain additional understanding through a site visit, architectural drawings, and photographs to ensure that we understand all factors such as time, budget, and administrative requirements.  Following this thorough exploration stage, we will prepare a services agreement for the client, outlining the scope of work and design fees. The scope of work varies and is tailored to client’s specific project requirements.

DESIGN FEES

We carefully consider each individual project and work together with clients to determine the best fee plan for their needs.  Our fees are based on two key factors:  scope of services and the amount of time required to complete the project.

Flat Fee

This fee works best when the scope of work is well-defined and the project plan is formulated.  It is based on an estimated amount of time that will be required to complete the project.  A 10% retainer is required to initiate work on the project and will be applied to final billing.  Flat fee will be billed in installments, at the end of each project phase (such as Layouts/Space Planning phase, Specifications/Selection phase, and Procurement of Goods phase).

Hourly Rate

Whether the scope of project is well –defined or not, the client’s needs require design work for a portion of their residence, or this is simply their preference, the clients has an option of paying an hourly rate.  Our $175/hour fees are billed every two weeks and detailed charges are provided along with each invoice.

CONCEPT

Based on the findings of the Exploration and Discovery stage, we will present the concept designs, consisting of cabinet concept drawings and custom interior details, floor plans illustrating the proposed furniture layouts, electronic design boards with imagery of selected furnishings and fixtures, along with samples of finishes, fabrics, wallpapers, etc.  This is a very collaborative stage and we invite our clients to give as much feedback as possible.

DETAIL

Having discussed all of the concept designs, we progress to the design development and detail design stage.  All final custom cabinetry drawings, furniture selections, interior detail drawings, along with specifications, finish plans and schedules (such as lighting, plumbing, paint, trim), as well as pricing, will be presented for the client to approve.   

 REALIZATION

The schedule of work will be outlined and agreed upon. With all onsite requirements met, works will commence and we will attend regular site meetings to ensure our designs are being carried out to our specifications and that the project is progressing as planned.

GOODS PROCUREMENT

We will present proposals including an itemized breakdown of costs along with items’ photos for the client’s review and approval.  All purchases made on behalf of the client will required a deposit, either 50% or 100%, depending on suppliers’ requirements.  We prepare purchase orders for manufacturers or vendors, place orders, and follow-up regarding orders’ status.

A goods procurement fee is added to the Flat Fee or Hourly Fee.  The percentage varies from 10% to 35% above designer cost, depending on trade price and discounts determined by suppliers.

Typically, 35% commission applies to items purchased from available to the trade-only sources of furniture, fabrics, trims, and wallpapers.

The 20% commission over designer cost typically applies to plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, flooring, and tile.

Purchases made in retail establishments will be billed at 10-20% above cost, depending on trade discounts.

Freight, shipping, receiving, warehousing, and deliveries are billed at cost.  

We oversee the delivery and installation of furnishings, art, and accessories.

Clients have the assurance of the Designer that the Designer’s services shall be rendered in good faith and in a professional manner.