During this call we will explore:
Scope of Work
We will define the size, complexity, and goals of your project so I can fully understand what support you need and how I can best serve you.
Budget
Every project needs a budget to succeed. If you already have one in mind, we will discuss it openly to ensure alignment and transparency. If not, we will work together to establish a budget that reflects your scope, timeline, expectations, and location. A clear budget allows me to guide you with confidence, helping you make informed choices and ensuring that your design vision can be achieved without surprises.
Timeline Expectations
Together we will discuss your desired project completion timeline and assess what is realistic based on availability and the overall size of the work.
Location Review
I will confirm the job site location, whether this is your primary residence, vacation home, investment property, or a home to be staged for sale. Travel charges may apply based on distance or ease of access. If your location is in the mountains, it is also important to know about the approach to your home, such as gravel driveways, steep terrain, or if all-wheel or four-wheel drive is recommended. This helps me plan safely and arrive prepared for our visit.
Style and Vision Exploration
We will discuss design preferences, color palettes, and the style you hope to evoke in your space. If you have inspiration images or personal references, this is a great time to share them or I will ask that you follow up with an email. (Pinterest boards or Ideaboards are welcome)
Guidance Level Assessment
By the end of the call, we will determine the level of design support you are seeking: from one-time consulting, ongoing guidance with and product sourcing, or full-service interior design.
This session also includes:
- A review of any photos, documents, or notes you have to share
- A preliminary discussion about floorplans or layout concerns
- Real-time feedback and your inspiration ideas
- Struggles that you have encountered, or may be anticipating
Retainer Fee
We will discuss my retainer fee should you choose to move forward. This non-refundable retainer secures your place on my calendar and allows me to begin the foundational work your project requires.
Your first discovery call is non-billable time, a chance to establish trust, clarity, and direction. If we move forward, I require a $1,500 retainer, which is credited toward your total project cost and covers the first ten hours of design work.
This retainer includes:
- Review of jobsite photos, inspiration images, and supporting notes
- A customized Client Questionnaire tailored to your project
- A Client Agreement outlining scope, goals, and next steps
- One site visit with you (and builder/contractors if applicable)
- Development of an actionable project plan
This foundational work ensures your project begins from a well-informed, thoughtful place. The retainer is not an extra fee, it simply applies to your design hours. My hourly design rate is $150, billed in 15-minute increments, and covers services such as space planning, sourcing, styling, site visits, and communication.
For larger or more involved projects (such as full homes or multi-home designs), a higher retainer may be necessary, which we will discuss if applicable. The retainer must be paid in full before work begins beyond the discovery call.
Whether you continue with full design services or prefer occasional consulting support, you will leave this process with clarity, direction, and the confidence to move forward.
Traveling & Billing
Travel is complimentary for clients located within 20 minutes of my Clyde, NC office. Projects beyond that distance incur a travel fee of $75 per hour, with a one-hour minimum.
Design Time is billed at $150 per hour, design time covers creative development, space planning, product sourcing and procurement, and client appointments.
Administrative time is billed at $75 per hour, administrative time includes essential project support tasks that do not require direct design expertise.
A detailed fee schedule outlining rates and billing practices is provided to every client at the start of their project. This ensures complete transparency and helps establish clear expectations from the beginning.
