FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
If all you need is 1 hour lets say to pick paint colors for a room, then I charge $150.00. I send a written description of what we discussed along with large paint samples . If they need a painter or contractor I will include referrals. When they are ready and want to expand on the project I will prepare a contract with a design fee or a retainer to bill time against. Once they are a contracted client I have discounts that are applied to the purchase of furnishings and products that are based on the manufacturer. I require a 50% deposit on all purchases. We design, order, receive, deliver and accessorize the project. We also do kitchen and bath renovations, decks, concrete, re finish floors, install wood and tile, paint, and apply faux finishes.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When I meet a client for the first time in their home I want to view the space they are concerned with. There are a lot of variables that effect the design. For instance the way the light comes into the room can effect placement of TV's and furnishings. Height of ceilings, shape of room, I like to ask" what are you are unhappy with in the existing space.. Then we want to hear their thoughts or vision for the space. Seeing the spacet helps us to envision a new design. Next we begin sketching and expand on the ideas. We now have a better understanding to create a budget , and determine the design fee. I prefer a fee or a retainer because it is the most transparent for the client. They see how much is involved and the time it takes to complete a project. Since they are not writing a check every time they see me it makes them more comfortable so they take the time we need to discover what they really want in the space. There are so many choices and new technology coming out every day. We . narrow the choices down and pull the look together to create the finished look.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My first week of Interior Design school my professor said something to me I have never forgotten. How do you know if it's made well if you don't know how it's made? That is why over 30 years my education has never stopped. I have visited over a factories, studied, upholstery, drapery making, weaving and construction to improve my knowledge base. As a professional member of ASID ( American Society of Interior Designers) I had to pass the required 2 day drafting and written exam. The exam test your abilities to draft, knowledge of codes, construction , electrical, cabinetry and scale. It is a grueling exam that has requirements of education and years of experience to even sit for. I am also required to take 10 hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain my ASID status. C J. Knapp ASID Senior designer.