FAQ's

What are the benefits of hiring a designer?

A professional designer has a "whole system" approach to interior design. The ability to visualize, a designer can harmoniously bring together the elements of architecture and decoration.

An established designer has a history of working and developing his or her taste and skill through education, exposure and collaboration with other talented artisans.

The ability to purchase from "To-The-Trade-Only" enables a designer to select from well-established manufacturer's that create their fabrics, furniture and lighting with the highest level of quality and talent available. Trade only sources meet professional standards for materials and labor.

Hiring a professional designer for simply two hours of advice can have an extremely positive impact on your design decisions. See www.ncidq.com or www.asid.org.

Does your company have a minimum fee?

Yes, we have a two-hour minimum. This provides us with the opportunity to visit your space and define the project while offering advice or sources. We also provide "design advice on line" and guide you through a DIY project.

How do you charge for services and products?

Design Services: Our fees are either hourly or fixed / flat fee. We may also charge by the square foot for space planning and furniture layouts.

Purchasing Services: A percentage of the wholesale or "net" is the fee for creating detail specifications, purchase orders, invoices, correspondence and coordinating with manufacturers, showrooms, representatives, dealers, warehouses, freight companies, installers and workrooms.

NOTE: We do not charge retail pricing and once design decisions are made the design fee ends and the purchasing phase begins.

How do you charge for commercial clients?

Design: Contract Clients i.e. offices, hospitals, hotels, etc. are usually a flat fee. The scope of services must be clearly defined and an hourly rate for contingencies.

Purchasing: Our "flat" fee can encompass all the specifications and sources required for purchasing and therefore, the owner can purchase directly from a dealer or manufacturer.

Can I purchase "To-The-Trade-Only" products from your company if I do not need design services?

Yes, you may purchase fabric by the yard, wall covering, furniture and window treatments i.e. Hunter Douglas and/or draperies. If we are required to make any selections or design decisions for custom products, an hourly design rate applies. We also require a minimum purchase amount.

Will your firm select from other sources that the client can purchase directly?

Yes, we may search for sources from antique or consignment shops, retail stores or the internet i.e. Ikea, Target, William Sonoma Home, Crate and Barrel.

Does your company accept other forms of compensation that a client may not be aware of?

We never accept any form of compensation that is not disclosed to the client. A licensed interior designer, by the Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design, is "responsible for disclosing to the client the manner in which all compensation is to be paid". And, "unless the client knows and agrees, the interior designer shall not accept any form of compensation from a supplier of goods and services in cash or in kind". www.myflorida.com