​What is an interior designer?
 
I get this question a lot. I am not just a decorator, who is someone who only focuses on the cosmetic finishes and decorations. I correlate an interior designer with an interior architect. We are well versed in the actual construction within the space. We understand plumbing, HVAC, electrical systems, and building codes. With that knowledge we are able to consider the spatial requirements and possibilities beyond the existing four walls. On top of that knowledge an interior designer understands furniture, lighting, finishes and most importantly design theory to create a space that pulls the whole picture together. ​

Why does my space need a designer?
 
The question I would ask you, do you want a 90-day fix or a lasting, thoughtful solution to your problem? An interior designer caters to a different area of the construction world often missing during the building process. * We consider not only how the space is built but why it is built. What is the end use of the space? Where will you store your particular items? How many people need to sit comfortably in here? Etc. Questions like those will affect the spatial layout, the location of equipment and electrical hookups, and even the finishes and color tones that affect mood. An interior designer addresses all those needs early on process before they create costly changes in the later part of the building process. If you are going to invest in a new space, make sure it is the space you will be happy with ten years down the road. 
(*Not to knock the contractors. I couldn’t do this without them. Their strength is coordinating the subs and making sure everything goes off without a hitch. They just don’t have the time to go through all the nitty gritty with each of their clients.)

Why does it cost so much to hire a designer?
 
I have met many a nervous client that believes a designer not only adds to the cost of the building due to design fees but pushes the construction to be more expensive. In some instances, that can be the case but that is mainly due to the designer educating the client on a more valuable product or solution. Good design does not come cheap. If you are investing in a new car, would you put old tires on it? Of course not. Don’t skimp where it matters in an even larger investment, your home or office. You would want the best solution even if it came to a higher initial cost. And a good designer looks at the long-term use of the material or layout. You also want to consider your time; it has a value. You can spend your time figuring it out, or hire a professional that can take the stress off your plate and allow you to enjoy the building process with the confidence that it will be right in the end. So before weighing the cost of a designer, consider the value added to your design if you hire one.  

What if I am nervous about building or remodeling? 
 
I am all about empowering you as the client while relieving stress. I want you to join me on this design journey as we design your space and make thoughtful decisions. From the beginning, you should know what deliverables I will be providing your project. You may get a quick design concept or a whole design book with drawings and specifications for your project. These documents will allow you to confidently follow your project, double check that everything is coming together as intended, and keep you well organized. The building or remodeling process is stressful enough. Let me take the stress off your plate and allow you to enjoy the journey. 

How does SBD approach a Design Project? 
 
SBD embodies a friendly hands-on approach to create a space that reflects you! I view myself as a guide, not a dictator. I want you to feel empowered as we travel the design journey together. After getting to know you and your needs, I will create a visual concept board (because we all describe things differently, a picture is what really tells the story). While we are refining the concept, I will also work on a layout: selecting our focal points and functional requirements using CAD drawings and 3D sketches. Then we move into furniture, accessory and finish selections where I explain your options to help you make educated selections. ​

What is expected of me, as the client, to start the design process?
 
Not much, I promise! First and foremost, just be open and honest. As your designer, I will ask you a multitude of questions. The more willing you are to share the better I can design to your needs. I will ask you about your needs vs wants, your design style preferences or dislikes, and your daily routines. It may seem like a lot of personal information but hiring a designer means you are opening a door into your personal or professional life. Don’t worry, your personal life will remain confidential. 
Next, have the hard money conversation with yourself and the other decision makers in your life. By knowing your investment level from the beginning, I will be better able to cater the design and time frame. If you are unsure, I can also help you develop a typical investment level for your type of project. 

How long will the design process take?
 
That all depends on how big the project is. I would love to say I could meet you once, wave my magic wand, and, poof, a perfect design is complete. Unfortunately, design takes thought and consideration. Furniture selection takes time to research. Finish samples need to hunted down. But what I can promise, as a designer who has spent many years working on projects and developing relationships with companies, I have a lot of solutions in my head and I know where to look for answers. The research time will be greatly reduced if you task it to me. Your time has value. So, let me help you make the most of one of your valuable resources. ​

How does SBD charge design fees? 
 
We can go with hourly or package pricing. Hourly is for projects with unknown scopes or limited consultation time. Packages are great for people wanting a deal and ready to move forward in a set focused plan. When it comes to furniture and accessories, you will be invoiced separately for those items if you choose to purchase through SBD. ​

What is a Design Package? 
 
On my pricing page you can see some of my typical pricing packages. They are broken up into tiers of service: Consultation Only, Design Only, Full-Service Design, and Styling Add-Ons. Like a restaurant menu, you can add whatever you want to your project to get an initial estimate of design fees. And like any good restaurant you can ask the chef for something off menu. If you project is a little different, I will create a custom design package perfectly fit for you. Check out the examples to see typical deliverables I will provide within those scopes such as drawings, specifications, shopping trips, revision numbers, etc.

Is SBD a General Contractor? 
 
No, SBD is not a licensed contractor. On certain, smaller cosmetic projects you can hire me to act as a facilitator to hire sub-contractors, maintain a project calendar, and ensure quality control. But in those instances, you will be contracting separately with each tradesperson. For larger projects, I can help you find the right general contractor to lead the building or remodeling process. Again, you will contract separately with them and I will act as a third member of the team delivering the project drawings, specifications, and explaining design intent. ​

Can I bring my own contractor? 
 
Of course, you can. I am happy to work with anyone qualified, licensed, and insured. In fact, if you have a great relationship with someone already, it will only make the process easier to move forward and complete. ​

Can I share the designs with my family or online? 
 
Once we are under contract and you have paid for the design, you can show the concepts to anyone you want. If you have friends or know individuals who do want to use those designs for their home, I would highly recommend you refer them to me. The design we create for you is unique to you. Not only is it unfair that they got a design you paid for, but now your space isn’t as special. So, in the end, be choosy who you share the concept boards with. 

Can I bring my friend/family member to our design meetings? 
 
Spouse/partner? Yes, of course! 
Kids? Yup, life happens and sometimes we need to bring our kids. 
Friends or others that don’t have any financial involvement? I will leave that up to you. But I would caution against it. The more cooks in the kitchen the messier it gets. You are paying me to assist you. Get your full money’s worth and trust in the process. When we take in well-intentioned outside advice it can add confusion and can derail our design goals. ​