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. I have years of experience and am able to estimate 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 the 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 I deduct hours as I go. I will provide you with a running balance of hours and retained funds and alert you of any overages from the original estimated design fee.

Yes. My design business model relies on two sources of revenue - design service fees and a margin on all resold goods. My procurement fee aligns with the industry standard and applies to all goods specified, sourced, and purchased by me. 

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, I 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. 

Typically 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 me. 

In short, yes. Please remember that the value to you is not in my discount but is truly in my 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 me.

Whenever possible, I 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. 

My business hours are Monday through Friday 9am - 5pm. It is within these daily hours that I will communicate with you, our vendors, and conduct our creative business. It is preferred that all communication is conducted via phone or email. My goal is to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours or sooner, schedule permitting.

I reserve texting for family communication and emergencies only. I respectfully ask that you please direct all business communications to email or phone. 

Yes. Drive time is included in our hourly billing calculations