Frequently Asked Questions
Design Fee
How do you charge for small projects?
All initial appointments are at the clients home, billed hourly, at a 1 hour minimum. If the project requires more than an than an hour, the client is billed every quarter hour. Payment is due at the end of the visit. One visit may be sufficient for smaller more targeted consultations.
How do you charge for midsize projects and larger projects?
The hourly rate still applies. For larger projects, this initial visit will most likely be more of a fact finding mission. The designer seeks to fully understand your expectations, the project goals, budget perimeters, style preference, functionality of the space. Housekeeping task may also be done such as taking measurements, photos etc.
How can I as a client feel confident that your project fee will fall within my budget perimeter?
It is peramount for the designer to verify the full project scope, before the hands on work begins. Once we know what the project entails, we can then give you an estimated anticipated range of time that it will take to complete your project. For smaller projects this can be done before the initial visit, for midsize projects it can be identified during the visit. Larger or full house design requires more detailed analysis before providing an estimate.
Are there other revenue streams for PCL Interiors in additon to the hourly rate?
Yes, there can be. One stream is if we purchase wholesale products to sell at retail.
Do you charge an additional fee for appointments outside your standard business hours?
Yes, we do charge an additional 10%. Fee applies to appointments that run past 6:00PM M-F and for all Saturday appointments.
What form of payment do you accept?
Cash
Do you require any payments in advance?
Advanced payment is required for purchases made on your behalf. There may be instances where the client can make payments directly to the retail merchant. A retainer for future hours may also be required for larger projects.
What is the hourly rate based on?
*All face-to-face meetings with clients and subcontractors
How often do you bill?
The designer will come up with an agreed upon cycle. Typically it's every 5-10 hours.
GIve me an idea of what the process would be like if I ONLY wanted initial ideas but plan to execute myself?
-Initial ideas and one time visits could cover a lot of ground. We could select colors for the interior or exterior. Colors for the trim, doors, molding, painted cabinetry including the finish. Decorative and custom designs require more time and the input of an artist.
Design Process
How should I prepare for our first meeting?
We encourage clients to do there homework by finding inspiration wherevener they can. It could be actual magazine tearouts for rooms, items and colors that appeal to them. It may also be a list or pictures of what you don't like. There are several on-line directories with loads of completed room designs that you can use for inspiration. It may also be a favorite pillow, piece of art of bedding that you own and would like to incorporate into the design.
Do clients shop with the designer?
They can and at times they have. Especially if they enjoy the process. If you are more visiual and have to touch and sit on say the sofa you purchase then you can either shop with the designer or let the designer select their top 1-3 picks and then you visit the store on your own at a later time for input.
What is the process if I only wanted custom window treatments designed and fabricated?
Again, and initial consutation is required. Time will be spent taking measurements, photos, determining how they should function, what style is appealing to the existing house design and your personal taste.
Service Area
Will I need to come to your office or will you come to my home?
The decorator will visit your home for all design consultations and presentations. Working on site with material samples, swatches and your existing furnishings and materials will allows the decorator the opportunity to visually orient themselves with your space, make better decisions in the actual lighting you live in and clearly see how the proposed design will harmonize from room to room.
General Info
What do you enjoy about design?
I love designing beautiful interiors that are unique and personal for each client. To achieve "the look" it's vital to partner closely with the family to understand their goals, how they live within the home and what"s important to them. It's pure joy to see my client's delight when I've created "surprise vignettes" within the home as a result of reusing or repurposing itmes for either sentimental or budget reasons. The magic happens when extraordinary designs are created using ordinary materials. Designing is serious work, meant to be fun!
Should I interview other decorators before making a decision?
Absolutely! I encourage you to do so. It's important to make a good fit and that you just click with your decorator. Of course they need to be capable, talented and trustworthy. But this person will be in your home, working closely with your family and it should be an enjoyable process throughout.
What education and/or training do you have?
My design capabilities stem from a love and desire to learn how beautiful spaces come to be. I studied design at CPCC learning the fine art of applying proper scale, balance, harmony and color to a space. There I also learned drafting skills that I apply when laying out a space plan and creating custom builds. I have a B.A. in Psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill which has provided a foundation in understanding human behavior. It comes in handy whena 3rd party intervention is necessary to resolve the blending of styles and desires of dual homeowners. Over the years I've been a member and sitting board member of a local professional Interior Design Organization, attend many seminars and Furniture Markets keeping my self abreast of current and trend setting styles.