FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My Interior Designer Services time is billed at the rate of $50/hour and in one half hour increments. For the Tidewater area region, this is a very reasonable rate. Other Interior Designers in this region charge up to $225/hour. I offer a free one hour initial consultation , after the free consultation and if you wish to hire me, my billable time includes creating Design Development Plans, specifying, ordering and procuring elements needed for the project (including time spent researching, inspecting and purchasing such elements), hiring, scheduling and coordinating contractor(s) and deliveries, managing the flow of the project design, performing the actual design project, product, furniture and accessory orders or time spent shopping, and implementation and correspondence via email, phone, and other forms of communication. I create labor services invoices every other week, and they are due within 5 business days. If we shop together at a local store, I will advise my client of what to purchase and they will pay for the items themselves. If I source items through a trade vendor, I will pay upfront and invoice the client for the deliverables. Once the items are at the clients' home or business and are inspected, payment for tangible merchandise is are due within 5 business days. If the nature of the work requires engagement of any contractors to perform the work, Client shall enter into contracts directly with the concerned contractor. Payment will be between the contractor(s) and Client directly. Designer may suggest contractor(s) for the project. Designer shall not have liability for the work or actions of the contractor(s). Designer shall not be responsible or liable for required permits, HOA approvals, governmental approvals, engineering, manufacturing defects, acts of God, or delays or actions of third parties. Designer does not warrant or guarantee any goods or services provided by third parties. Designer will oversee the installation of all materials agreed upon for the design project, unless prior arrangements are made with Client. Designer will make periodic visits to the project site to ensure that the work is conforming to the design plans and specifications of the design project. Client is expected to grant reasonable access to the premises of the design project for Designer and/or Designer’s agents, as well as the contractor(s) required to perform the agreed upon work
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When I work with a new client, it's my goal to interpret as much information about them as possible including their family, hobbies, special interests, color preferences and design wishes. I've created a customer profile/questionnaire document which I use with each new client to gather and record pertenant information. Noted below are some of the questions I ask: Name Address Home Phone Cell Phone Email Address Lifestyle Overview Family Hobbies Interests Pets Special Needs Notes Project Overview 1. What is the Project, its purpose and use of space? 2. Who will utilize it? 3. What spaces will be involved? 4. What is the style preference (Traditional, Transitional, Casual, Modern, Contemporary, Urban, Rustic, Formal, French County, Cottage, Coastal, Vintage, or an Eclectic Mix)? 5. What mood are you trying to create? 6. What are the color preferences? 7. What items will stay/go/be re-purposed? (Measure items to stay or be re-purposed) 8. What is the estimated Budget? ________ 9. Are any of the following required, or need to be taken into consideration for the project? What “Grade of materials do you wish to use: High, Mid, Low? (This will be determined by the budget estimate) • Painting • Wall Paper • Upholstery • Furniture • Art & Decorative Accessories • Window Treatments • Bedding • Table Dressing • Rugs • Lighting • Flooring • Cabinets • Countertops • Fixtures • Faucets • Appliances • Molding/Trim Work/Casing • Do you require extra durable materials? (Children/Pets) • Are the spaces being enhanced a High Use/Traffic Areas? Are any of the following Service Providers or Craftsmen Required? • Painter • Plumber • Electrician • Carpenter • Structural/Contractor Project TIMELINE, etc. 1. When will the project take place? 2. When does the project need to complete? 3. Who will it impact? 4. What are the restrictions, if any?
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
At Averett University I studied Business Administration and also attended Interior Design School where I earned my International Design and Decorating (IDDP) certification. During my studies in Design School, I received four Merit Awards for the submission of assignments demonstrating excellent technical skill and high level of creative ability. I was an honors student and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. My areas of study in Design School included the following: -Focal Points, Color Theory & Room Styles -Floor Plans, Sketches, Architectural Symbols & Scaled Drawings -Basic Design Materials -Modern Design Materials -Accessorizing -Lighting -Working with Color & Patterns -Bedroom Design -Kitchen Design -Bathroom Design -Designing with Textiles -Window Treatments -Classic Design Styles -20th Century Design Styles -Early American & International Styles -Contemporary Design Styles -Green Design Prior to becoming an Interior Designer, I worked as a Project Manager & Account Manager for 15 years at an Information Technology Company. My interpersonal skills, in addition to my attention to detail, project management and organization skills have helped me to become a skilled and articulate interior designer.