FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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How should I budget for my interior design project?
My full service design is reserved for projects with three rooms or more and is billed at an hourly rate. You’ll receive a proposal with estimated design fees and a project timeline before becoming a client. A typical full service project has a furnishing budget beginning at $20,000/room.
My capsule design service is billed at a flat fee of $1,500 and is great for clients with a small project or a few loose ends to tie up.
When should I reach out for help?
Because my full service design process is very comprehensive at every stage, I recommend reaching out as soon you know you want professional guidance with your project. Once we officially start, the design phase can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks, with furniture orders taking 16 weeks or more. Renovations can last up to a year, or longer.
Who should I hire first? A designer, architect, or builder?
I love helping clients at all stages of their design project, and really love when I’m involved from the very beginning. If I’m your first hire, I can match you with architects and builders who I think would be a great fit for your project, style, and budget. If you already have an architect or builder in mind, I’m happy to collaborate with them to review blueprints, attend site visits, and handle communication to streamline the process.
Will you incorporate my existing furniture into the design?
I do all I can to incorporate the existing pieces you love into your new design. While I can’t guarantee the inclusion of every existing furniture item, I consider and evaluate each piece to ensure it will achieve the overall aesthetic and that it will also function well within the new furniture plan. Extra special consideration will be given to heirloom items and antiques, so long as they do not compromise your design.
What’s the difference between your Full Service Design and your Capsule Design?
My Full Service Design is my most utilized service and is great for clients who need help from idea to installation. It provides the client with ongoing design support throughout the life of the project, as well as project management, collaboration, coordination, and styling. Full Service Design is for clients who need complete design assistance on three rooms or more, or who are tackling a large renovation project and don’t want to do it alone.
My Capsule Design service was created for clients who don’t need full service help (think: a one-room furniture plan or a paint schedule or an accessories package or a one-room styling plan, etc) and are happy to implement the design plan on their own. This limited service is capped at six hours of design time plus a limited window of design support and is great if you want help tackling a very specific task or two.
What if I’m not in New Orleans?
Although based in New Orleans, work is possible anywhere. Depending on the scope of your project, I can provide design services virtually or am available for travel. I have worked with clients from Florida all the way to Hawaii, and many places in between!
Do I buy furniture through you, or do I do the shopping?
For the most part, furniture is purchased directly through me. This ensures that purchasing, tracking, and delivery runs smoothly, and that if a problem should arise, I can work quickly to resolve it with my trusted vendors. I source from a combination of to-the-trade vendors, antique dealers, and retail vendors to create a layered and curated look. For my Capsule Design, clients may be instructed to purchase directly from retail vendors.
Will you photograph my project?
I love photographing my full service projects on installation day or as close to it as possible. I use these photos for business purposes but never disclose the project location or client’s name (unless it’s getting published and the client agrees to have their name included).
Will there be an installation day for my project?
For my full service clients, the goal is to always do a complete installation so you can experience a “big reveal”. Depending on the size of your project, this may be a 1-3 day installation where I coordinate all the deliveries and vendors, and bring additional hand selected accessories to style and complete your space.
How would you describe your dream client?
My dream client is some who wants to participate, but also trusts me to do my job. And it's always an added bonus to have someone who isn't afraid to take some risks.
What advice might you give a homeowner?
The best advice I ever received was to invest in things I love, even if I'm not sure where they might fit. After putting this advice to practice time and time again - for myself and clients - I would impart this same advice to everyone. By surrounding yourself with things you love, it is quite the task not to feel happy when you look around.
Do you offer Commercial Design Services?
I love collaborating with architects and business owners to create commercial spaces that are welcoming, warm, and functional. Designing venues, theaters, and restaurants that will be the backdrop for a lifetime of celebratory events is an incredible honor. You can find my commercial design service process here.