FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My design fees are based on the project scope, what is needed from me (drawings or not), whether they want my help with getting bids from contractors and deciding which contactor to us, whether they want me to check the construction progress/quality or not, and how much time I will spend on the project. I quote exactly once I have met with a client and see the project and know what the client wants me to work on with them.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I read magazines and search the web for information on plants and all type of materials--including cabinetry, countertops, etc. I constantly critique projects I see....trying to see what is good about them and also what mistakes were made. I try to learn about new styles and trends as the arise, and I try to steer my clients away from trendy styles that will give a 'dated' look in a few years.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I started helping a friend who was desiging and building a home himself. I loved the design work and actually doing work myself--such as tile, sanding/staining doors, painting, landscape design and installation....etc. So I decided to shift my career and become a kitchen/bath and interior designer. Later, after I remodeled my own home, and clients saw what I created with the remodel of the exterior of my home and the landscaping, my clients begged me to design their landscaping and exterior remodels.....and my landscaping design work began.