What can an Interior Designer do for you?

The expertise of a professional interior designer extends far beyond aesthetics. In addition to space planning, lighting design, color coordination, and the selection of materials, furnishings, fixtures and finishes, interior designers have a working knowledge of interior construction, fire and building codes, as well as, safety, energy and environmental issues.

How do you hire an Interior Designer?

The best way to begin the process is to interview several interior designers and to review their portfolios. When you meet with the designers, they will explain the design process, how they work with a client and how they charge for their services and for products they might sell you. The designer will also be interviewing you to see what your needs are and to determine the scope of work that will be required. This interviewing process is important for both the client and the designer because both parties want to be assured of a comfortable working relationship. As with any professional service, a clearly written contract is essential.

What should I expect to pay for interior design services?

Please know that you are not only paying for the design professional’s time and talent, you are also purchasing her extensive product knowledge which will prevent you from making costly mistakes and the relationships she has developed with craftsmen, vendors and workrooms which will optimize your budget. Although these are intangible, they are extremely valuable.

• Complimentary initial meeting: Interior designer/client interview, presentation of portfolio
• Design phase: Can be billed as a flat fee or at an hourly rate
• Implementation phase: If client wishes to go beyond the design phase and implement choices made during the design phase, purchases are billed at retail price. No hourly rate is billed, in addition to retail price, once implementation phase begins, unless changes are being made to the design phase.

What personal design strengths will Lisa bring to my project?

• She will take your likes, ideas, needs and filter them through her experience, knowledge and talent.
• She is willing and eager to incorporate your existing treasures, as much as possible… we don’t have to start from scratch.
• She is an acute listener and will discern solutions quickly.
• She prides herself on creating a comfortable, inviting, functional, beautiful living environment which reflects your taste and your family’s needs.