Q: Why should I hire an Interior Designer?

A: Interior designers know how to create a beautiful space that reflects your needs, style and interests. Our resources, experience and knowledge will help you save time and money as well as alleviate the stresses that often accompany remodeling and renovation.

Q: When should I contact a designer?

A: From the very beginning of the planning stage through to the completion of construction and decoration stage – we’re here to help. When involving us, you’ll have more specific information to take to a contractor or product suppliers which will help them provide you a more accurate cost-estimate or bid.

Q: What is your process?

A: Every project is different and we explore every possibility for your space to help you love it and live in it in the best possible way. We begin with getting to know your goals and vision. We’ll take on-site measurements and photographs, and follow up with design concepts and drawings. Once we’ve finalized every consideration and detail, we will prepare and present a comprehensive proposal that will bring your vision to life!

Q: Can an interior designer provide plans if I want to remove walls or add on to your house?

A: Yes, and developing the design direction is the only the first step, but from there we can recommend if other professionals will be needed to provide consultation. If you’d like to remove interior walls, we would seek advice from a structural engineer; if you are adding onto the house, an engineer or architect may be brought in for a portion of the plans. Either way, we’re here to help you choose which option is best for you and your goals will work seamlessly alongside all consultants.

Q: What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

A: Great question. By definition: “An interior designer is a professional that has had a formal education, and is concerned with designing functional and aesthetic interior spaces which address the flow of the space and serve the health, safety and welfare of the public” – NCIDQ.org.

An interior decorator specializes in only the decorative elements of a space. A formal education is not required and decorators do not undergo the technical training that required of a designer.

What’s the bottom line? A technically trained and certified designer provides a more comprehensive service, including detailed plans and specifications which may be required for permits, and can be utilized for bid comparison. Addressing the decorative elements is naturally inclusive in the designer’s ability.

Q: Do you charge for our first meeting?

A: Yes, because our first meeting is to review your project and where you’ll receive valuable initial first thoughts and feedback. We look at this as an opportunity to meet each other, and evaluate the scope of work required. You’ll also be able to inquire about our experience of past projects, as well as discuss our services and compensation.

Q: How do you charge for your services?

A: Our design fees are based on the unique project that you bring to us. We charge an hourly designer rate. In some specific cases, we can charge a value-based flat fee for a fixed scope of work.

Q: Do I have to use a designer’s services for everything, or just as needed?

A: Every designer works differently. We are happy to work with you as a consultant and you can either use By Design for the entire process or simply for consulting and advice, allowing you to make your own purchases.

Q: Why do I need an interior designer if I already have an Architect?

A: Architects and interior designer’s area of expertise are different. Architects work with structure and building design, and do not focus on details of interiors. Kitchen and bath design, custom cabinetry and built-ins, color schemes, flooring specifications, and wall and window treatments fall within the interior designer’s realm. Designers can create a master plan for the interior of your entire home or office, which can be implemented all at once or in stages, as your budget allows.

Q: Can you do my space over the weekend like I see on the television shows?

A: Design-related television shows are for entertainment purposes only and do not portray the real-time world of interior design. There is a considerable amount of time and energy that goes into each project that is unseen, from researching products and materials, to developing resources, to find-tuning the design itself, with you, the client.