FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
The first consultation is always free - I think it's important for us to chat and get to know each other before any work actually starts. My design fee is made up of an hourly design rate along with a small commission on purchases made through my firm. I send a monthly (or bi-weekly) invoice showing the itemized hours spent on a project so that my clients can see exactly what their money is being spent on. I don't want there to be any surprises, so I try to keep everything transparent and easily understandable. I currently have a $2000 minimum design fee.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I set up a time for us to get together to talk (at no charge, of course) about what they want and/or need, and I try to learn a little bit about their lifestyle and aspirations for their home. I also explain my services and the general design process and answer any questions they may have. Then, if they decide to work with me, I put together a 2 page design "agreement" outlining all my fees and the scope of the work as discussed. This agreement is a flexible document and can be adjusted to meet the client's expectations or particular concerns. As I said before, transparency is key to me.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied interior design at the Harrington Institute in Chicago back when it was just 5 rooms in a 19th century building on Chicago's famed Michigan Avenue. The elevator was terrifying, but the experience was excellent. Especially the architecture professor who got me excited about understanding the way houses are built. I was lucky enough to land jobs at some of the best design firms in Chicago and LA, where I soaked up as much experience as possible before starting out on my own in 2005.