do you take projects in my area?

While our offices are based in Grand Rapids and Douglas, Michigan, we work all over the Midwest and beyond. Projects range from the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago, to Traverse City, Petoskey, Oakland County, and anywhere you are. We strive to be extremely efficient in how we conduct business. Even if we are not “local” to you, we have many digital tools and networks at our disposal to ensure the process is just as enjoyable and smooth as if we were right next door. We will always provide the on-site, hands-on attention you deserve, no matter the distance.

When should i hire you?

The simple answer is “as soon as possible”. As an integral part of any project (renovation, new construction, decorating, kitchens, baths, etc.), you should hire a designer at the very beginning. Design expertise is best leveraged to your advantage before any other commitments have been made (to an architect, builder or other contractor). Why? To use the film metaphor, designers really are the directors of the show; we need to begin the journey with you, to help aggregate the right team of professionals, and establish a narrative and concept for the entire project at its earliest stages. This way, we create our lens, through which we can clearly make every decision, and know it is right for you.

How much do you cost?

How much does an interior designer cost? This is a complex question, and has been answered all over the internet, in several different ways. The more relevant question is “How much will my specific project cost?” For that, we have to have a clearly-defined scope of work, for your unique project. The simple answer: we charge $200 / hour for professional design services. We also offer flat fee packages for clearly-defined projects starting at $5000.

How do you charge fees?

This is another very popular question. Our goal is to understand the nature of every individual residential or commercial project, and tailor a fair, comprehensive proposal for your entire scope of work. When we meet to review your budget in detail, we discern the actual costs associated with design, merchandise and other trades involved. We can then ascertain the best model for you: hourly or a flat fee, or a mix of both. We buy exclusive merchandise and resell those products to you, including a profit, at a discount off of retail. Generally, most full-service projects are a combination of all of these. Learn more about the design process from soup to nuts, as we say.

Do you work weekends? DO you text clients?

Normal business hours are Monday-Friday, 9-5. Exceptions are made for appointments after hours or on weekends. This should be arranged in advance.

Email is always the best way to communicate (expect a response within 48 hours, every time). Our team avoids using text as a means to convey anything important about a project. Trust us, it can become very messy, and we never want any valuable information lost in “the ether” of texting. We always follow-up phone discussions with an email summary of our conversation.