Trust The Process

A designer is there to be your advocate and work alongside you to turn your home into an extension of who you are. We bring your vision to life, while overseeing the project from inception to completion.

What Does An Interior Designer Do?

Interior Designers combine artistic and technical solutions to create beautiful spaces. They work closely with clients to understand their needs, preferences, and budget, and then create design plans that transform spaces into functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing environments. Designers create spaces that reflect their client’s lifestyles, establish a mood, complement the home's architectural features, and ensure functional needs are met.

How Can An Interior Designer Help You?

• Realize your vision

• Solidify your ideas

• Create a comprehensive and well-planned project

• Addresses your functional needs

• Offers elegant and practical solutions

• Navigate complex building codes and city ordinances

• Coordinate with contractors

• Ensure the job is done right

• Help you stay on budget and on schedule

How Do Interior Designers Get Paid?

Interior designers are experts in their field. You are hiring a designer for their intellectual property, their experience and talents. It is these expertise that result in wonderful spaces for clients.

In-home Consultation Fee: The objective of this in-home consultation is to determine the scope of work, review any inspiration images and any details / requirements the client may have. At this point budget will be discussed and overall aesthetic. After the consultation, designers will submit a scope of work, with a list of services and fees that they will provide for your project. Once everyone is in agreement and you are ready to move forward. We will begin the design process.

Design Fee: The cost for these services vary based on project and scope of work. Expect to pay a design fee for at least 10% of the total budget for your entire project. Design Fees are required to be paid before concept presentation. Your designer already put in all the work to give you a cohesive concept. Usually a designer will give you two design options and include two revisions in the design concept process.

Product Sourcing Fee: Depending on the project, designers also charge a percentage of the cost to any products they source, this is a fee for all the backend work required to get samples, product information, coordinate with vendors and delivery/storage cost. Your time is valuable, so we do all the backend work so you won't have to spend your weekend hours visiting showrooms.

Project Coordination: Designers also charge a project coordination fee. That fee is based on the process of ensuring all aspects of your project are planned for and executed properly. This includes jobsite visits, trade communication and making sure the construction part of the project goes smoothly. Design projects can be complex long-term projects that require a high level of coordination.

Do You Give Clients Your ‘Discount’?

We don't give clients our trade discounts. We charge a percentage of the cost to any products we source, this is a fee for all the backend work required to visit showrooms, obtain samples, product information and specification sheets, coordinating with vendors and delivery/storage cost, A designers time and talents are valuable to people and they should be compensated for it.

Isn’t It Cheaper Buying It Online?

Yes, it might be cheaper to buy it online now, but what are you really buying? Do you know what you are supposed to be purchasing, what are the components? What if it is damaged? Who do you call for replacement parts 3 years from now? In the long run it is better to purchase from a reputable dealer who stands behind their products. The bottom line is that you can always find it cheaper, but at what cost?

Do You Price Match?

We do not price match. Our job is to bring forward the best design for your space, not the cheapest products. Designers are not personal shoppers, they spend a lot of time developing and sourcing product for your design. Trust them, they have your best interest at heart.

Can I Go Shopping With You?

Unfortunately, we do not shop with clients. It is not an efficient use of our time. We know exactly what we’re looking for and are really good at not getting distracted. It’s also not very fun for clients. We are in warehouses, granite yards, and supply houses. It’s not very glamours and time consuming running from place to place. You don’t want to look behind that curtain... enjoy the magic of the final product.

How Long Is It Going To Take?

Don't rush the design process. The last thing you want is... would’ve, could’ve, should’ve. Your home is an investment and you want to make sure all aspects have been taken into consideration.

What If I’m Not Sure About An Item That Was Already Approved?

Items are SPECIAL ORDER and can not be returned or exchanged. We ask you to see the whole project, not just the parts. Some elements arrive sooner than others. You approved that item because you loved it in the first place. Don't freak out if you not in love with the half finished project. It’s about how all the pieces come together that make the space great!

Do I Need To Clean Up Before My In-Home Consultation?

Please, show us how you and your family really live. Your home may be a bit messy, but it's ok, it's our job to figure out functional solutions to solve those issues. Not enough storage for coats, shoes in the hallway and toys piling up on the floor, we can help. But, we can’t solve these types of problems if we don't know they exist.

Do I Need To Clean Up Before Construction?

Unfortunately, you will need to clean up before we begin construction. The spaces we are working on must be free and clear of furniture and cabinets and closets must be empty. Also, a safe place for pets is always recommended.

What Value Do Interior Designers Bring To The Project?

Designers look out for the best interest of the client. We’re here to help you see a vision and execute it. We see solutions you might have never thought of. We look at the space and solve your problems, like a puzzle. We see the space differently and focus on the big picture, and all the details at the same time. We examine the current function of the space and figure out how to solve problems. Designers create a unique space, just for you

Still Have Questions?

Don’t worry, it’s impossible to answer everything about SDI and your custom, interior design project in this FAQ. If you still have questions click below to book a consultation and I can answer all of them for you.