how far in advance should i reach out to start my interior design project?

I recommend securing a designer 6-8 months in advance of any upcoming deadlines. A typical furnishing project takes about 20-36 weeks from start to finish, and a renovation or build project can take a year or more.

how long does the interior design process take?

Every project is unique and I’ll provide an estimated timeline in your proposal. The design phase takes approximately 2-4 months. From there, ordering, furniture production, shipping, and project management can take anywhere from 12-24 weeks or more. A typical furnishing project takes about 6-12 months from start to finish, and a renovation or build project can take a year or more.

who should i hire first? interior designer, builder, or architect?

If you are building a new home or doing major remodeling you'll need to hire an architect for the plans. Whether it's a custom designed home or a seamless addition to your existing home the builder can't begin to determine pricing until there is a plan to review. Once you have a plan, the builder will also need to know what type of finishes are going into the project. The architect may have a vision for their design and will specify all of the interior finishes, but this is a good time to bring in an interior designer and start discussing how you want the rooms to look and feel. The interior designer will want to collaborate with the architect in bringing the built finishes and the furnishings together for a cohesive look. The interior designer will also create a furniture layout and show you how the traffic can move through the space. While still working in plan, the interior designer can point out some situations that may need to be adjusted (before they are built!) to avoid awkward layouts. With the furniture layout completed, a lighting plan can be designed to work with how you are going to live in the house. Tile design, wall finishes, plumbing requirements, and more are all refined based on the architecture and interior design decisions. So ultimately I would say architect, interior designer, and then builder, but in the real world choosing your team players is often done around the same time. If you are going to use an interior designer, the worst case scenario is asking one to come on board after most building selections are finalized and you can't find a tile you like and the builder is breathing down your neck for paint colors. If you work with a designer early on, all the furnishings can be selected with fabrics and finishes and rug samples, etc and you can then have a paint schedule customized for each room. This is the same for tile selections and design, plumbing fixtures and cabinetry hardware, lighting fixtures and window treatments, etc. When you are custom building a home, plan ahead and allow time for design to happen.

how should i budget for a project?

I work with clients in a few different ways so I can accommodate different budgets. For my full service design, my clients typically have furnishing and project budgets beginning at $50,000. I charge a flat fee for my design services and you’ll know the design fee once you receive your proposal after the Initial Meeting. Design fees begin at $6,500.

what if i’m out of state?

Vacation homes are my favorite because I get to create a space that is intended for rest, relaxation, and family time: something we often feel too rushed to enjoy during the busy day-to-day life. I work with many clients who are building or designing their second or third homes but are living elsewhere. As a local designer with 25 years of experience and many connections throughout the area, I’ll be your advocate and will work with your builder to review the details of the design on site. I’ll coordinate with a local receiving warehouse to store furnishings until your home is ready, and will be on site to receive deliveries and oversee installations. Most of my clients don’t even see the final product until their next trip to the Cape.

what is the First step?

If you’re ready to move forward, the first step is to submit a Project Inquiry Form. Once I’ve reviewed your details, I’ll reach out to schedule a complimentary Discovery Call to make sure we’re a good fit for your project.