DO ASK, WE'RE HERE FOR YOU

Every question answered (F.A.Qs)

Attempting something for the first time can be daunting and hiring an Interior Designer is no exception. Knowing if your visions will align, if they are qualified professionals, how long a project takes to complete and most importantly; what is billable - are all are common questions to ask yourself.

We’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions with detailed answers to provide you with reassurance and clarity of what to expect when working with our experienced design studio. For further insight into our interior design processes follow the links to our journal posts listed below.

Hiring an Interior Designer; 10 Key Questions to ask a designer and yourself
Considered choices rather than expensive mistakes; why you should appoint an Interior Designer

What experience do you have?

Our carefully crafted residential interior design services have provided us with the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients over the years. We mindfully balance our time between projects of various sizes, scopes, and locations with varying deliverables, providing a high-end, luxury service we’re extremely proud of.

In some instances, we have worked with clients on initial concepts only whilst with others we have provided full turn-key service. Managing entire projects from initial concepts right through to a white-glove service upon completion is our specialty.

How qualified are your interior designers?

Nisah Karim leads our studios’ design team, a diverse group of designers from various backgrounds and levels with over 30 years experience combined within the industry - All of our designers are qualified to degree level in Interior Design and Interior Architecture.

What is your style?

To us, a memorable interior experience is achieved by solving interior design conundrums with an emotionally considered approach. Our style is defined by the individual sensory reactions, things such as scent, tactility, light, and color are all elements which we consistently consider within each space we design. This is a personal approach which allows for designs to be created with you at the center, providing spaces which are intellectually considered whilst reflective of you as an individual.

Can I see more samples of your work?

Yes. Due to the personal nature of our work not all clients wish for their spaces to be shown digitally via our website. Upon request, we’re able to share a design presentation PDF which includes examples of further finished projects we’ve completed as well as demonstrating the technical work behind the luxury interiors we produce.

Will I be working one-to-one with a designer?

This will depend on the scale and scope within your individual project. All clients are appointed a lead designer who will be your direct contact throughout the design process, projects which require bespoke designs will usually be supported by an additional design team member to ensure schemes are completed on time.

When should I hire an interior designer?

As soon as possible. Our projects generally require a few months to complete and because of this studio time is allocated per client well in advance; to ensure spaces are completed on time. As a reputable interior design practice, we see it as our responsibility to be transparent and honest, we may be able to arrange an initial consultation at short notice but it’s important to appreciate the time required to design, source and schedule installation for any scheme designed by us; regardless of scale. Our studio diary and timings will always be openly discussed within your initial consultation.

What is the sequence of phases that my design project will go through?

Most of our projects are approached in three stages; concept, scheme and detailed design - a carefully crafted structure which allows you the freedom to choose when and where you require our studios’ expertise. You can learn more about our design service structure here.

How involved in the process will I need to be?

The purpose of paying for an Interior Design is to outsource the time, knowledge and skills required to create a truly considered, beautiful and functional space so it’s important to make the most of the opportunity. We’re happy to do everything for you whilst encouraging any feedback and thoughts at key stages during the design process - to ensure our vision aligns with your own. We request that clients make time for meetings and try to eliminate any distractions where possible so that you are in a position to engage with the design, providing valuable and honest feedback.

How do we get started?

We kindly ask all prospective clients to initially provide an overview of their project and in most cases we will send a brief email with guided questions, allowing us to gain a better understanding of your project and individual requirements. Experience has taught us that generally, email is the best way to communicate initially as it allows you time to think about certain points - a call tends to put clients on the spot. We’ll then assess your needs and our studio diary, next inviting you in for a free one-hour initial consultation. At this stage, you’ll be able to discuss your project with our design directors in much more detail but most importantly you’ll be able to get to know us and see how we work.

What happens in the initial consultation?

You’ll meet with our Creative Director and Design Director to discuss your project in detail at our studio. We provide a free, one-hour consultation for the purpose of gaining an understanding of your project; this isn’t for us to talk about our design ideas, the aim is to understand your initial thoughts. We’ll go through any existing drawings or plans you may have and will discuss budgets and time frames in more detail. If you wish to proceed with our services following the initial consultation we will prepare a fee proposal which outlines the projects brief and details the exact costs for our services - split into the individual stages from our service structure.

How will you communicate the final design scheme with me?

At each stage of the interior design process, we plan presentation dates around you at our Studio, not just at the final design scheme stage. We will talk through our ideas, showcase samples and will explain costs in a collaborative relaxed environment; we’re happy to hear your ideas and thoughts and will act accordingly. Working with clients in this way ensures that you are involved and understand the individual elements we have considered for you - through a fully transparent process. If your brief changes and you decide to follow a different direction to that which was specified originally additional design fees may incur.

What if I am unhappy with your designs?

In the unlikely event that the designs presented aren’t suitable we will take feedback from you to understand why and where you think further work is required - if this was indicated within your initial project brief and we have overlooked points you have made in error we will be happy to make changes without additional fees incurring. If you have changed your mind and wish to progress the design in a new direction this isn’t a problem however additional design fees may be applied.

I live outside of the South Yorkshire area, can you still work with me?

Yes, whilst we’re based within northern region we work with clients across Malaysia - including Kuala Lumpur. Depending on the specific location of the property and the scale of the project travel expenses may be included within your initial fee proposal.

Can you work with me if I’m based in another country?

Yes, we’re experienced in working with international clients and are happy to conduct consultations and presentations either via Skype or in person. Depending on the specific location of the property and the scale of the project travel expenses may be included within your initial fee proposal.

What type of projects can you do?

The studio works on luxury residential interior design projects and commercial design projects - of various sizes, scopes, and locations and with varying deliverable.

Do we need to use your contractor or architect?

We’re happy to work with your own contractors and architects or we can suggest contacts who we have worked with previously and have established trust in their work. We would always advise appointing contractors, architects and interior designers around the same time so that the vital communication needed is in place right from the start of your projects development stages. Without this in place from the start works may need to be repeated and project deadlines are often extended dramatically.

Can you manage the entire project?

Yes, our service structure is crafted to allow you to decide when and where you require our assistance but in most cases, we manage projects from concept right through to the final installation - with a with glove service upon completion. You can learn more about our service structure here.

How are purchases for the project handled?

This will depend on how you engage with our services and how many individual stages you opt for from our service structure. If we produce concepts and schemes only you will source and purchase products directly if you choose all three stages we will handle purchasing for you. Planning orders and deliveries can be stressful and if not timed correctly can mean that storage costs are involved. It’s also extremely important that items are checked upon receipt if damages during transit occur - which does happen occasionally - these must be reported to the manufacturer’s in a timely manner; otherwise, you may find yourself stuck with an item which isn’t fit for purpose. If we purchase items on your behalf all of the above is looked after for you with all the individual elements which make up your space arriving according to your project deadline, checked and unpacked safely.

How do you charge?

Our design fees are calculated based upon the estimated hours required to fulfill your brief. We outline all of our design fees within your fee proposal and invoice each stage prior to the commencement of works. Invoices for products and tradesmen are invoiced and require prompt payment before orders are submitted with our trusted suppliers.

Do you charge for your first meeting?

Our initial consultations are free of charge and last for around one hour. Before initial consultations are booked we require an overview of your project, information relating to your individual space - in most cases we will request this via email. Initial consultations are then utilized to gain an in-depth understanding of your project and to discuss any existing drawings or plans. We’re also able to talk you through our previous projects and answer any initial questions you may have.

How much will you charge to come to visit my project?

Charges for site visits vary depending on the location of your project, we’ll always communicate these costs in advance, in most cases these will form part of your individual design fee proposal.

Do you offer discounts for multiples rooms?

As our design fees are calculated based upon the amount of time required to produce the work necessary for realising a space which fulfills your brief and because of this we were not able to provide discounts for multiple rooms.

Is there a contract?

Yes, once you have received your feel proposal and you are happy to proceed with our services we will send a standard service agreement to you, digitally, where you will be required to E-sign the document.

DO ASK, WE'RE HERE FOR YOU

Every question answered

I’ve never worked with an interior designer - how does this work?

Not a problem! This is easier than you may think. We schedule a phone call to discuss your project – what you want to accomplish, intentions you are trying to achieve, the function of the rooms, your style preferences, timetables, etc. If we agree that Amanda can help, we will put you on the schedule for an appointment to visit your location. At the conclusion of that meeting we both have a clear idea how we will implement a plan.

What exactly is full service interior design?

Traditionally, full service Interior Design is a true turn key experience. Our goal is to complete an entire room, groups of rooms or an entire home in a single installation. Although many of our clients do their projects in phases, our full service design does not lend itself to selling individual furnishings or accessories. Full service design is about letting our team and I handle all the details from research, selection, purchasing and other logistics. The investment for this service is a flat design fee in conjunction with a furnishings budget.

Do you offer custom options?

Yes! Many of the services we offer, from upholstery to bedding to drapery, is custom to give your home the uniqueness it deserves.

What if I decide I don’t want everything custom?

That is absolutely okay! We work with many clients who prefer to use retail items from stores. Just a little insider’s tip: custom doesn’t necessarily mean more expensive. Don’t forget, the beautiful high-end stores mark up their items too! Regardless of what route you go, we will help you accomplish the look and feel you want.

Do you have a particular style?

Our style is about making your space functional, healthy and comfortable to suit your lifestyle – whether casual or formal, we design rooms that reflect your individual style and are as low maintenance as possible. But, we love to design spaces infused with color and encourage all of our clients to add color into their lives as it uplifts our mood.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR PROJECT?

Project related questions

How long does it take?

Each project is different – from a simple consultation to a whole house renovation – so obviously the time it takes varies. We can give you an estimated completion time when you begin your project and adjust along the way as circumstances dictate. If you have an event or deadline, we address that at the very beginning.

Can I use my existing furnishings?

Of course! We encourage you to hold on to treasured pieces and will work with you to incorporate these items within your new decor. We have a flexible approach to design that honors and respects our clients’ existing pieces and encourage all our clients to repurpose as much as possible as it is a more sustainable approach to design.

Will I recover the investment I put into redesigning my interior?

Your home is likely the biggest investment you will ever make. A well decorated home enhances that investment. If at some point you choose to sell your home, statistics show that a well decorated home will sell faster and command a higher price, especially one that practices Feng Shui principles. We frequently receive calls from clients saying their home sold in record time despite others in their area sitting on the market!

What do your services cost?

After we assess your needs together, we will provide you options that best suit your individual project requirements in all phases of service that we offer. Since each quote is custom it is difficult to tell you without meeting, however, you can start with our services page to get an idea.

Do you offer free consultations?

As much as we wish every service could be complimentary (free mani/pedi anyone?!) we have to charge a fee for initial consultations due to the amount of time and energy put into the site visit and proposals we put forth. Even if you don’t continue to work with us after the consultation, most clients have thanked us regardless. The ideas presented during our initial consultation save you in terms of your time going forward, and help you by avoiding costly mistakes had you gone without seeking advice from a professional. (Please note if you cancel your consultation without a 24 hour notice, a cancellation fee will apply)

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