Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which service is right for me: Full-Service or a Quick Action Session?

Full-Service Residential Interior Design is for homeowners undertaking a custom new build, a major renovation, or a kitchen or bath remodel who want a dedicated design partner from first concept through the final reveal.

A Quick Action Session is one focused hour, in person, to tackle whatever is on your list: paint colors, layout questions, material choices, final styling, and more. Come with your to-do list and let me know in advance what you'd like to cover so I can prepare. If we need more time, additional sessions are available in five-hour blocks.

2. At what stage should I bring you in?

For full-service projects, as early as possible, ideally alongside your architect and builder and before floor plans are finalized. Early input shapes layout, key dimensions, and lighting decisions that are expensive to change later. A Quick Action Session works at any stage, whether you're planning, mid-project, or finishing.

3. How do you structure your fees?

Full-service design begins with a flat design fee, generally 10-15% of your construction budget depending on scope. Construction-phase support is billed hourly, and I add a modest markup on anything I purchase on your behalf. You'll receive a tailored proposal with clear deliverables once I understand your project. Quick Action Sessions are billed at $350 for the first 90-minutes, with additional time booked in five-hour blocks at my hourly rate, which is $150.

4. What's included, and how do you work with our architect and builder?

Full-service includes a complete design: floor plans, elevations, 3D renderings, and detailed specification packages your contractor can build from with confidence. I work as a collaborator, not a project manager. Your architect leads structure, your builder leads schedule and construction, and I own the interiors: layout, finishes, cabinetry, lighting, and furnishings. You hold the contracts with your builder and vendors, and I make sure the design is fully resolved before it reaches the job site.

5. How available are you once construction starts, and what happens after it wraps?

I stay reachable for design questions as they arise and available for periodic site visits, billed hourly. I'm not on-site managing day-to-day construction; my job is to make the plans thorough enough that you and your builder rarely need me. When construction wraps, I return for final styling and installation, then coordinate professional photography. That last layer of detail is where a well-executed plan truly comes together.

6. What's a typical timeline?

Design typically runs three to four months from kickoff to permit- and bid-ready drawings. Construction timing depends on your builder and scope, with several months for a remodel and longer for a custom home. A Quick Action Session is a single hour, so you can move forward with clarity in a matter of days rather than months.

7. How much do you source, and how many decisions will we need to make?

I handle sourcing and selections during the design phase, including finishes, fixtures, lighting, and key furnishings, and I can purchase items on your behalf if that's easier for you. It's a service, not a requirement, and many clients handle some purchasing themselves. I get clear on your priorities early, then bring you a curated set of options for each decision, enough to feel personal without becoming overwhelming. You make every key call, and I do the editing and legwork beforehand.

8. Do you take on every project that comes your way?

No. I keep my project list intentionally small so every client receives real attention during the design phase. If it isn't the right fit, I'll say so and can often point you toward someone who is. If full-service design isn't what you need right now, a Quick Action Session is a wonderful place to begin, and from there we can talk through whether ongoing hourly consulting makes sense for you.