Frequently Asked Questions
We’re happy to cover any questions during your consultation call -
How do I get started?
First, please complete our online project inquiry form so we may get to know you and your project. Next, we schedule an introductory phone call at no cost to ensure our services align with your needs.
-
1. After reviewing your submitted Project Inquiry Form, we connect with a free phone call to discuss your goals and budget.
2. If you like what you hear, we set up an initial consultation, either on site or virtually for a fee.
3. After this initial consultation, we create a detailed scope of work tailored to your specific project at no additional charge. This scope of work will include our full service design cost estimate. You may request alterations to this scope of work.
4. After finalizing the tailored scope of work and design cost estimate, we then send you a contract detailing the next steps. A signed contract and 50% deposit is required to move forward. The remaining balance is not due until you receive a final ‘builder ready’ design proposal with all the necessary details. A signed contract and deposit are required to reserve your start date and to begin your project.
5- Next up, an on-site or virtual Deep Dive into your design goals and desired vibe. If on site, we measure your space at this time. If virtual, we will explain the measurements we need to retrieve from you.
6- Draft 1 presentation. Virtually, we walk you through the proposed space via our 3D program. We also provide visual aids and moodboards to convey our ideas.
7- Revision time! We revise our presentation based on your feedback. Typically, we provide one round of edits to your spatial design, design details and proposed finishes. If you require more edits or would like to see alternate options we will provide a reasonable amount of revisions. If these revisions exceed our allocated time, we will let you know in advance and provide you with an estimated amount of billable hours required. The extensions are provided at a discounted rate.
8- Final presentation. We repeat step 6 until you are satisfied with the overall design.
9- Final balance due.
10- We provide the final design proposal with all details needed to complete the job. Including but not limited to, measurements, sizing, lists of items needed, contractor ready plans, 2d plans and 3d renderings, etc.
What is your pricing?
Moving beyond the free introductory phone call, we charge $250 for a one hour on site consultation within 15 miles of Annapolis or $200 for virtual. A charge will be applied for distances beyond 15 miles. Our standard hourly rate used in calculating your design cost is $200.
Learn more about our services here.
What areas do you serve?
Virtually; anywhere. Locally; Annapolis, Severna Park, Arnold, Edgewater, and other neighboring areas.
What is your minimum?
$3,000 beyond the initial consultation for any and all services.
Can my contractor work off of your plans?
Yes and they may contact us with any questions. We will also work with them to revise the plans if a problem arises in the field.
Can you help me draft ideas? Can you confirm if my ideas will work or not?
Yes.
Can I just use you for floor plans?
Yes. We provide floor plan reviews, floor plan edits, and entirely new floor plan options.
Can I just use you for finishes?
Yes. We provide a finish only service that includes everything from hardware to entire home finishing details.
I know what I want but I need your help finalizing decisions. What would this cost me?
Yes. Pricing details above. Minimums apply.
Do you provide exterior plans?
For elaborate exterior plans, we work with a preferred architect. We are able to reduce your architectural fees by providing the architect with drafts, goals, and ideas in advance. This dramatically decreases their workload and thus reduces your costs.
Can you help with exterior design items?
Yes. We advise on color schemes, doors, windows, and other miscellaneous items.
Do you order materials? Does the contractor order materials? Or Do I?
It depends on the services we are providing you. We will discuss this in advance to see what works best for you. If you are working with a contractor, we will provide them with the material list so that they may order on their schedule based on when items need to arrive on site. If you are completing the project yourself, we can order items for you for a small fee or we can provide you with the material list with links so you can order at your convenience.
Do you extend your designer discounts?
Yes, all of our clients receive our designer discounts. If we do not have an account with a particular desired vendor, we can apply for the discount and are usually quickly approved. In this sense, we find that our services end up paying for themselves and it really helps our clients out.
Do you mark up items?
No. Never. This differentiates us from many other design firms.
What if I am unhappy with the design? Will I get a refund?
No refunds will be given. We believe our education, experience and skill set allow us to provide the best of services. We can guarantee that actionable advice will be provided, but cannot guarantee that you will be satisfied with the advice received, nor can we take responsibility for how you proceed with that information. It is up to you whether or not to follow through with implementing any suggestions.
Do you have tradespeople you can recommend?
This varies per project. If local to Annapolis, we have a preferred list of builders, contractors and architects that we can refer you to. Some clients have brought in their own contractors, and others have completed renovations on their own. It is important to note that we are not General Contractors and will not assume that role at any time during your project but we will manage the design side of things.