COMMON
QUESTIONS
Considering hiring us for your project?
We answer some common questions asked about working with us.
When should I hire an interior designer?
To maximize the value and input we can offer, we recommend starting the conversation with us at the inception stage of your project. For renovations, we suggest hiring us once you have a clear idea of your desired outcome and budget. Similarly, for custom home builds, engaging our services after the first ideation of floor plans and elevations can help ensure a smooth and successful project.
To avoid the need for major changes, it is wise that we meet with you and your architect or contractor early in the planning phase. Our 'Project Kick off' meeting with your contractor will enable us to define all the necessary factors for a successful project and help us get started in the right direction.
01
How long does the design process take?
Good design takes time. The typical lifespan of the Design + Planning phase for a medium size renovation project is 3–9 months, depending on the size and scope of work. A new build custom home generally requires 12 months or more to create a full interior design package. If furnishings are included, anticipate extra time for delivery.
We find that the design phase is most efficient when we are working with homeowners and contractors who respond quickly to our queries and who make themselves available to us for meetings and presentations. The process runs the most smoothly when our clients trust the design process and are confident in our capabilities to execute their vision.
Please let us know at the very beginning of the process if you are on a tight timeline. If you are flexible about the products and materials used in your project, we can focus on local manufacturers and in-stock products. This can help to avoid the supply chain backlog that the industry is currently facing.
02
What if I don't want to hire a professional contractor or builder?
We recognize that a successful project outcome require a team effort. That's why we collaborate with qualified and insured general contractors and project management companies to bring a range of skills and expertise to the table. With their oversight of the construction process, and management of schedules, budgets, and trades, we can ensure that your vision is executed properly and efficiently while protecting your investment. This collaborative approach allows us to focus on our creative expertise while relying on the experience and knowledge of our industry partners to bring the project to life.
That being said, if you would prefer to manage the construction phase yourself, we recommend hiring us for one of our Specialty or A la Carte Design Services, which are ideal for those who have the tools to take on a design project but may need some professional advice to get started.
03
Do you accept projects outside of Victoria?
We will consider any project within 60km of Victoria Proper. Travel fees will apply to any project outside of Greater Victoria.
04
How do you charge for your full service interior design packages?
Our Boutique Design Studio Experience and Furniture + Decor are complete design packages that are tailored to your unique project. We provide a detailed estimate based on our in-depth understanding of your project’s specific requirements and scope of work. Your Design Project Proposal will outline the total Estimated Design Fees, our Scope of Work and the Design Deliverables to be included, plus our predicted timelines for each phase. Full service design packages include all phases of the Design Process, from Project Initiation to Project Completion.
We implement a project minimum fee to ensure that we can provide you with the best possible service and maintain the quality you expect. Even for smaller projects, there are essential resources and costs involved, such as administration, communication, and expertise. This minimum fee helps us cover these fundamental aspects and ensure that our work remains valuable and sustainable for both parties.
05
What if I want to be more involved in the design process?
We love it when our clients share a passion for interior design and encourage your engagement throughout the design process. In fact, having your input throughout the process actually helps us to know we're on the right track and keeps us moving your project forward.
It is important to keep in mind that Interior Design is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of design principles, products + materials, local building codes and construction practices. We use systems and processes to keep your project organized, on track and on budget. We have an array of industry resources at our fingertips that the general public doesn't have, so although you may think that you could do parts of it better/faster/cheaper, the reality is that we can almost always be the most efficient at doing all of the tasks that you've hired us to do. By allowing us to take the lead - with you by our side - you will reap the benefits of our expertise and receive a polished, well-executed design that is perfectly inspired by you. Trust in your designer is key. We promise you'll love it!
06
Do you have your own team of trade professionals that you will bring to my project?
We sure do! We have spent many years building and fostering relationships with Victoria's top contractors, sub-trades, craftsmen, makers, millworkers, suppliers and vendors. Part of the value of hiring a professional designer is that we bring only the most qualified and trustworthy team of experts to your project, giving you the peace of mind that you are in good hands. If you already have a contractor, sub-trades or suppliers in mind for your project, we are happy to chat with you about working with them.
07
Can I choose the design services I want?
Of Course! Our Specialty Design Packages are customized to your specific project requirements and our time together is yours to use however is most helpful to you and your project. These services are independent of our full-service design packages and perfect for those who simply need some expertise to get started.
Our Boutique Design Studio Experience Boutique Design Studio Experience and Furniture + Decor are complete design packages which are ideal for those who want the guidance of a professional designer through each step of the design process. Smaller projects may not be require every step in our design process. We evaluate every new project and base our Design Project Proposal on the size and scope of work. We are happy to discuss the individual services included in each phase if you have any concerns or questions.
08
Do you offer Procurement or Project Management services?
We currently offer Procurement Services and Design Management Services. We are not licensed or insured to perform Project Management or General Contracting Services.
Our Procurement Services include the management of purchasing, ordering, tracking, warehousing, shipping, delivery, assembly and installation of all to-the-trade furnishings and window coverings, as well as accessory styling services.
Through our Design Management Services, we will help to oversee the trades’ as it relates to our scope of work during construction, performing frequent site visits to ensure that the design is being executed to plan. We may agree to consult as a Project Coordinator for select projects. We would be happy to explain more about these services when we meet to discuss your project.
09
How do you charge for your Procurement Services?
Our Procurement Fees are broken into 2 fee structures: Flat Fee and Hourly Fee.
Flat Fee - Once the Design Phase is complete, final approvals have been made and payments have been received, our service fee for the majority of the Procurement Phase is compensated through the mark-up of product purchases. This mark up covers our time to effectively track, coordinate and manage your furniture orders, as well as keep you informed along the way.
Hourly Fee - Once products are ready to be delivered, we will oversee the delivery and installation of the furniture in your home. We bill for this service at our standard hourly design rate and an estimate for our time is included in your Design Proposal. This hourly fee also applies to follow up and coordination of any warranty claims and client after-care, as well as our time to manage any labour that is involved.
10
Do you pass on your industry discounts and if so, how much?
Industry discounts are passed on by some vendors and suppliers to design professionals due to the business relationships that they have built up with them over many years. We receive special trade pricing from our to-the-trade furniture, accessories and lighting vendors. This discounted pricing allows us the ability to offer a high level of service and incredible value to your project. We extend our trade pricing to our clients and apply industry-standard mark-ups on all purchases. Most often, our client’s price ends up being close to the manufacturer’s MAP - the minimum allowed price for which a product is permitted to be resold to the public.
Unlike Trade vendors, retail stores - such as those available to the general public - often have low margins without flexibility for trade discounts. That being said, you may be offered a discounts for large orders or floor models by one of our Preferred Retailers, at their discretion.
11
How do you estimate the cost of your design fees?
While every project is different, after over a decade in business we can give you an accurate estimate of what our design fees will be in order to achieve your desired outcome. Some things we consider when calculating our fees and projected timelines include the project's scope of work, the complexity of the design and any custom work required. Other factors that contribute to our total fees include how quickly you can make decisions and how involved in the design process you want to be. We take the time to research and thoughtfully consider every detail of your project. Therefore our billable hours will be highest at the beginning of the design phase and typically decrease as we get closer to the final design and construction. We generally. recommend that you allow 8 -12 % of your total project budget for our full service Interior Design fees.
12
Do you offer Procurement Services for your Preferred Retailers?
While we are happy to source from our Preferred Retailers, we are unable to offer Procurement Services or pass along trade pricing to our clients when purchasing from them. Therefore, items purchased from our Preferred Retailers will be purchased directly by the client. Your price will be the advertised price. Any sale pricing will be passed on directly to you.
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What payment methods do you accept?
We happily accept all major credit cards, VISA Debit and e-tranfsers. A 3rd party processing fee will be applicable with credit card payments. Please read our payment terms and conditions before making a payment through your credit card.
FEELING INSPIRED?
VIBRANT.
FUNCTIONAL.
LAYERED.
TAILORED.
CURATED.
COMFORTABLE.
TEXTURED.
DRAMATIC.
VIBRANT. FUNCTIONAL. LAYERED. TAILORED. CURATED. COMFORTABLE. TEXTURED. DRAMATIC.