FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I rarely charge an hourly rate, as I offer a complimentary 30 minute site visit, and then propose a plan of action, and fee. The more work/time that is involved, the lower the hourly fee. I feel that this is a benefit for both you, your project/s and my time and services.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I meet with you, I listen to your goals, a observe your home/project. At this time, I am already coming up with ideas, but reserve these for later. I ask questions about your long term goals, what you like and don't like about your home/project, your budget, who will be involved in the project decisions. If you have plans or images, we share and discuss these. If you have any questions for me about my experience, skills, references, we discuss these. I follow this meeting up with a written proposal, including areas of work, tasks required, timeline, fee, and Deliverables (what you get from me). We start with PRE-DESIGN: I work with tradespeople of all types. So if engineers are involved, I get these fees and services for you. I consider City & County regulations, and if research is required, I conduct this work, or request information from engineers, and communicate these to you, and we discuss the issues, solutions, if there are any. If there are architectural or site plans available, I utilize these to draw a Base Plan, to begin our designs. If not, I coordinate the measurement of your home/project area/s as needed. We then move to Concept Design: With your images (magazines, Pinterest) I develop a proposed design concept, including additional images, materials, finishes, fixtures, furnishings, sketches, drawings, that illustrate my thoughts and ideas. I usually propose ALTERNATES, showing choices with may effect style or budget. I present this to you, we share ideas, thoughts, concerns. If some modifications are appropriate, I work on these, and incorporate them for a final approval of the DESIGN CONCEPT, which is used as the DESIGN INTENT. BUDGET- I like to get cost estimates at this point, as the budget can influence the design prior to the next phases.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BFA in Interior Architectural Design from California State University at Long Beach, which is an CIDA accredited school with the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. I passed the NCIDQ exam in 2000, with is a National exam to qualify Interior Designers in a multitude of knowledge and skills. In 2016, I took and passed the California Interior Design Exam, the CCIDC, which include additional skills and experience for energy efficiency, seismic requirements, and sustainable materials and finish selection and installation methods. During all this time, I have been a practicing Interior Architectural Designer, and developed a deep understanding and skill with working with clients on their homes and projects. My experience is in Quality Residential ( quality does not need to be 'luxury'=$...), Resorts, Spa, Commercial in both Interiors, Architecture and Landscape design. Most recently, I have certification in WELLness design.