FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I have always been passionate about both art and science. Interior design is the perfect blend of design and problem solving. It's the perfect way to do what I love, solve problems, be creative and help people love the space they live or work in. I find my work incredibly rewarding. I'm always learning more, and love to be an expert in my field.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am NCIDQ certified, which is the mark of a professional Interior Designer. I'm also a LEED AP, and know the details of "Green Building." I have over 10 years of professional experience in the field, and hold a Bachelors of Science in Interior Design from CIDR accredited Michigan State University. I also studied Historic Preservation and Architecture in Trento, Italy.
What types of customers have you worked with?
Busy professionals who desire to have a beautiful home, but lack either the time to do it, or the ability to visualize their space. (or both!) I also work with Small Business Owners building incredible spaces their customers will love!
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
My goal is your to exceed your expectations. I build my business on referrals, and I want you to be thrilled with the outcome and rave about your beautiful home or commercial space! First I take some time to discuss your project needs, wishes and concerns on the phone. Next, if we mutually decide to work together we will make an appointment for an in-home consultation which is $500. After that I will provide a quote for services, based on my hourly rate.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
I recently completed a full house make-over, including exterior and interior full furnishings. The entire project took about 6 months from start to finish. (ps: There is a blog post about this project if you would like to check it out and see more photos!) It turned out beautifully, the home owners were thrilled and it was such a rewarding project to be a part of because it truly was such an "uplevel" to their entire lifestyle! The home owner, gave me a call 6 months after the project ended and he said, "There is not a day that goes by, that I don't think to myself, 'I am so happy we did this.' It is truly the best money we have ever spent. We are so grateful, you gave us a whole new life."
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Hire based on qualifications and experience, not just based on price of services. For something as important as interior design, you need to ensure that you get a high quality service and results. Make sure you clearly understand the project deliverables and feel comfortable communicating with the designer.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
1. TIME
Have you left time to complete the design? Good design takes time. It's a fact. It takes time to plan the perfect space. Please allow 2 months of planning for the design phase of your project. If you are ordering furnishings, this typically takes around 3 months, although due to supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic, it often takes between 6-12 months currently.
The earlier you can get a designer involved with your project, the better!
2. INVESTMENT
Have you factored in the cost of design services? Design services typically cost 20-25% of the overall project investment. For example, if your living room project is $50,000, expect to pay $10,000 - $12,500 for your design services.
If the total project cost is out of a bounds for completion this year, perhaps you could consider completing the project in phases. I recommend thinking about prioritizing which areas to re-design first, if this is the case.
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Phone consultations are complimentary, it's just a casual way to learn more about each other. In Home Consultations are a flat rate of $500. After that I will provide an estimate for services based.
Will I be able to shop on my own?
In short - no. You have hired an interior designer to design and complete a vision for your space. I ask that you do not select items because the items you select may not be a fit for the design.
Will you work with my contractor?
We do work with the contractors hired by the client. We love working with other design professionals to create your custom space. DTSH Interiors does have a list of preferred tradespeople, and we do prefer to work with other professionals whom I have worked with on previous projects. D
TSH Interiors does not provide contractor services; therefore independent architects and contractors hired by the client are an integral part of the process.
How long do projects normally last?
This depends on the scope of the project, and which type of materials are ordered.
Typically most design projects are a minimum of 6 months. Larger scale / in depth projects may take 6 months to 1 year to complete.
Occasionally there are delays caused by weather, factory errors and other unpredictable influences which are out of my control. Everyone involved: designer, client, vendors and contractors are expected to not cause unreasonable delays in the project.
How do you charge?
DTSH Interiors charges based on a flat project fee. All payments are made in advance of the service provided. Your flat project fee will be clearly defined in your Design Proposal. Our Flat Fee model includes a clearly a defined scope of work and a one round of revisions. If additional work is added to the project outside of the previously defined scope, this will impact the design fee.
How do I place an order?
Once you receive your furnishings proposal, you will have 7 days to accept the proposal or request and item changes. Once you are ready to accept your proposal, a signed copy of the proposal along with full payment is required to place an order.
What if I change my mind after an order is placed?
Most often, orders cannot be cancelled or refunded. In the event that a full refund can be attained, you may cancel the order and receive a refund for the cost of the item, minus the purchasing fee and any other app and any other applicable fees. Custom orders are nonreturnable.
When are payments due?
Proposals are due with payment within 7 days. Invoices for time billing and reimbursable expenses are due within 14 days. Invoices more than 30 days past due will be charged a 10% late fee and all work will cease until the invoice is paid.
What if I decide mid-project that I want to add more rooms?
This happens all the time and it is not a problem!
A separate flat design fee and Design Proposal will be created for these areas, since this will be an addition to your previously defined scope of work in the original Design Proposal. We will then refer to these projects as Phase 1 and Phase 2.
What if I have concerns about an item? Please bring these to my attention immediately and we will discuss your concerns and if necessary, find a more desirable solution. The decision about what is purchased and installed in your home is ultimately yours.
How will I determine my investment plan for my home project?
Having an investment plan in mind is very important for the project to run smoothly and for your expectations to be met. Many homeowners may not be familiar with the costs of home design or renovation projects. We will do our best to educate and inform you every step of the way, so that you can feel confident about the quality of the items you are investing in for your home.
How are items delivered?
One of the great advantages of working with our firm, is that we deliver all items in one delivery.
This means we organize your entire project in a way that we deliver and install the entire room at once. This means all furniture items, artwork, accessories and decor purchased are delivered together. We deliver a full and complete room. You get to come home to your HGTV style "Big Reveal" moment!
All items purchased by DTSH Interiors go to our White Glove Delivery Agent, which is a licensed, bonded, insured and climate controlled warehouse. Each item is inspected for quality at the time it arrives. It is our policy to not deliver items to client's homes directly or in multiple trips. This allows for the "big reveal," and helps minimize issues.