FAQs

+ How long do Interior Design projects take?

Every project is different and the length of time it takes to complete a space from concept to completion varies depending on the scope of work. Our process below provides an indication of timing, but it’s best to get in touch to discuss your project directly.

Stage 1: Initial Consult: 1-2 weeks

Stage 2: Briefing, Concept & Schematic: 2-3 weeks

Stage 3: Trade Day: 2-3 weeks

Stage 4: Design Development: 4-6 weeks

Stage 5: Documentation Pack: 1-2 weeks

Stage 6: Tender & Estimation: 2-3 weeks

Stage 7: Design Management: Length of construction

Stage 8: Hand Over: 2-3 weeks

Stage 9: Follow Up: 1 month and 6 months

+ Why do you charge for the Initial Consultation?

When you first get in touch about your project we’ll have a no cost, no obligation discussion over the phone that examines the space you are working with and what you are hoping to achieve. From there, if you decide to go further, we’ll set up the Initial Consultation to deep dive into your project parameters, scope, aesthetic, budget, things you love, things you don’t, the people that occupy the space and how you use it. This is a two hour working meeting where we provide design advice and expert perspective on the spot. Following the consultation we provide a detailed proposal with a defined Scope of Work for the complete project.

+ Who needs to attend the Initial Consultation?

We understand that life is busy and it’s no easy feat getting you and your partner in the same place at the same time, but the best outcomes happen when you’re both involved in the Initial Consultation. This way we’re able to design a space that meets everyone’s needs and get the Scope of Work right from the outset.It also ensures that everyone is on the same page for the decision making and budget allocation discussions that follow.

+ How do you charge?

We are transparent with our estimates and provide both hourly rate proposals (Interior Design projects) and fixed price proposals (Property Styling projects). All proposals are based on our experience with past projects similar to yours, and the estimate of effort is outlined for each step in the Scope of Works.

We invoice in advance prior to the commencement of each step and have a seven day payment term. For any ad hoc hourly steps of the project, we invoice you at the beginning of the month for the work performed in the preceding month.

+ How much budget should I allocate to Interior Design?

That’s a tough one. It’s like saying, “how long is a piece of string?” Every project will differ in price depending on the Scope of Work. Once we’ve discussed your requirements, we then estimate the effort required for your specific project, but as a guide, we estimate design fees to be 8-15% on top of your renovation budget.

+ Do you provide working drawings and specifications?

Visualisations are a key part of the design journey and they help you envisage how the renovated space will look, which enables you to approve our designs with confidence. Depending on your Scope of Work we provide drawings to scale that include floor plans, elevations, sections, electrical, reflected ceiling plans, and 3D renders. It’s important to note,our drawings are not construction drawings. If you need detailed construction drawings, we discover this in our Initial Consultation and engage a certified Draftsperson or a registered Building Designer, Architect or Structural Engineer from the outset.

We also provide detailed specification documents for all the fittings, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) that you’ll need to bring the drawings to life.

+ Do you have a preferred builder or trades?

One of the biggest advantages of hiring an interior designer, especially if you’re working on a project remotely, is their knowledge of the most astute builders, finest craftsmen and most meticulous and reliable subcontractors. We work with a number of local builders and tradespeople on a regular basis and have found that the best outcomes happen when we are able to bring in a team we trust and have worked with in the past.

We’ll recommend a builder and tradespeople that we think are the best fit for the scope of your project, but if there’s someone you’ve had a great experience with and you know will deliver on your design intention, we’re happy to work with them too.

+ Do you provide project management services?

No, we are not a licensed project manager, that responsibility falls into the scope of your registered builder. They will manage the site, all the subcontractors and the project schedule for the duration of this phase.

During the construction period, we collaborate with the builder on an hourly rate when required to ensure the design intention is executed correctly. We also make regular visits to the site to check on progress and address any variations, should they arise.

+ How are subcontractors engaged?

We make recommendations on qualified and licensed local builders and subcontractors that best fit your Scope of Work. You engage them directly to perform the work and they invoice you directly for payment. As they are licensed subcontractors, this protects both parties for all insurances covering the work to your property. Nice and simple.

+ How do we communicate during the project as we don't live in town?

Throughout the process, we’ll hopefully meet in person, talk over the phone, hold virtual meetings and communicate via email. Some projects can be many months from start to finish, so we prefer and encourage email communication. That way we both have a record of any decisions made and always know what the next steps are.