We arrange an appointment at your home (or office if you have a commercial project in mind). Then, prior to the consult, I suggest you take a sheet of paper and begin writing down all your questions -- this way, you won't forget anything you want to discuss during our time together. DO round up any magazine photos, catalogues, etc. of rooms/items you like to assist me in identifying your taste. I also suggest you take notes during the consult to refer back to later as needed.
As we discuss your needs/desires/questions during the consult, I'll not only provide you with an array of ideas and feedback, but I will also explain the underlying design principles involved so you'll understand why I'm making specific suggestions -- this way, the process of designing a room becomes "demystified" for you. I'll also be providing technical product information (as needed) that will aid you in any upcoming purchasing you're planning to do -- i.e. aspects you may not be aware of such as R-value ratings, fiber content, UV protection issues, tensile strength, various manufacturing norms and specifications...and, of course, you'll also come to know why these sorts of considerations can be key in making informed buying decisions.
By the way, I selected this domain name, www.RDesignConsultations.com as no one but a few clever spelling bee winners (or history majors!) can spell "Renaissance." But, you know, I like the fact that it also helps convey the idea of "our" ("R") design consultations as you and I will have a very collaborative exchange indeed during our time together.
What do you charge? And what will the consultation consist of?
I charge by the hour with a 1-hour minimum and my fee for the vicinity within 20 miles of downtown Grass Valley is $100/hr. Consults for Nevada County outside this radius as well as most areas of Placer County are $125/hr. (other regions by arrangement). And, beginning January 1, 2008, I'm holding off raising hourly rates but have to instead institute a $10 per visit gas surcharge because, as you're aware, gas prices spiked 30% this past year.
During the consult, we can concentrate on one room, or each room in your house if you choose -- whatever your decorating questions, I'll work quickly and thoroughly to provide you with the information, advice, and ideas you're in need of.
The majority of consults are 1 hour in length.
To better facilitate our discussion, I travel with:
- an architectural pack of paint colors i.e. over 1600 oversized swatches (Benjamin Moore - a quality brand I strongly recommend and NOT to be confused with the bargain brand, Kelly Moore). These are invaluable for accurately isolating color choices vs. the small strips of color samples supplied by the paint stores. The reality is that your eye makes a value judgment about a given hue when perceived adjacent to the pure white strips separating the various values -- very inaccurate! The large swatches avoid this trap. Any color I suggest from the Benjamin Moore deck can, however, readily be tinted in any major paint brand.
- I also utilize a sketch pad and oversized tape measure
- ....and can
calculate quantities necessary
for paint and wallpaper as well as provide fabric calculations and design/hardware/fabrication specs for use by you, your seamstress, or a professional drapery workroom for window treatments and/or upholstery projects (which I can also help source if needed).
I maintain (and am in the process of expanding regional) purchasing resources for all sorts of products -- including many unique specialty items (often available online). When suggesting stores/vendors, it is my policy to try and recommend several -- again, I have no professional affiliation and receive no compensation from retailers but, instead, want to facilitate helping you reach your decorating goals.
Occasionally, a client will have a couple of questions arise following a consult -- often once they've been shopping. I'm happy to accommodate a phone consult of this sort and the minimum charge is for fifteen minutes at the standard hourly rate.
Lastly, as desired, computer generated scale renderings are also available (one room...or a whole house) to aid in space planning/remodeling/building decision-making -- including 3-D views of individual walls, etc. Hand-drawn scale drawings and wall elevations also available. Standard hourly charges apply.
What if I need more than one hour?
I'll be happy to oblige although usually it's helpful for scheduling purposes if you indicate this possibility at the time of booking your appointment. Practically speaking, it's my policy to wear a watch to my consults and advise you as the hour is nearing conclusion. This way, if you feel you need more time, I can stay for a while longer (I bill in 15-minute increments)....or....go ahead and just wrap things up -- the choice will be yours. This is my way of demonstrating respect for your time as well as your budget.
Question: Will you shop for me....or with me?
While it's my goal to equip you to shop on your own, I'm nevertheless delighted to shop for you (this is often a time management issue for many of my clients -- they're simply too busy). I'm also happy to accompany you to stores directly. The advantage for you is a savings of time and usually $$ too as it's my policy to pass along any "trade discounts" directly to you (if available) -- often resulting in my services being "no charge" to you. My expertise will also prevent you from making costly mistakes. LEARN MORE about this unique benefit of working with me....
My charge for purchasing assistance is DISCOUNTED to 50% of my normal rate (see stated fees, above) which is to offset time involving driving/parking, waiting on sales personnel, etc. For purchasing assistance, time is charged round trip from downtown Grass Valley.
Will you serve as either a Project Manager or design consultant for an entire remodeling project? Or help me with my new custom home?
It is particularly satisfying for me to work on an entire project from concept thru to completion so, yes, I'm available to work with you as much (or as little) as you choose on any given purchase, room(s), remodel, or new construction project. You'll find that working with a seasoned design professional eliminates the guesswork, streamlines the decision-making process and timeline, and results in a well-conceived and harmonious final look that fully takes into account "form as well as function" -- the hallmark of successful and liveable interior design.
Additionally, your budget will be enhanced vs. taxed by the use of my services as again, you'll be the beneficiary of my 15+ yrs. of design expertise along with access to professional trade discounts when available.
Will you help me with the exterior of my home?
Of course, be delighted. And, in actuality, the same design principles I utilize to guide my recommendations for your interior space will be just as effective for livening up the outside of your home as well -- whether that be the all-important look from the street, or perhaps the design of a new backyard landscape. Here's a recent "before" and "after" of a nearly 100 yr. old farmhouse in downtown Santa Rosa that I designed in full including the new cottage garden.
