Things people usually want to know.
Do I need to know what I want before reaching out?
1
Some clients come in ready for a full Concept or Blueprint — those start with a 1-hour site consultation. Others just need a focused session or flexible support as things evolve. Either way, you don't need to have it figured out before reaching out.
How do you charge?
2
Consultations are a fixed fee — $175 for one hour, $325 for two. Both fees credit toward a Design Concept or Blueprint if you book within 30 days. Room-level packages — Design Concept and Design Blueprint — are fixed fees starting at $1,250 and $2,000 per room respectively. Final pricing is determined at the consultation based on scope and complexity. Hourly Design Guidance is billed at $100 per hour with a $350 retainer to start. A full breakdown is on the services page.
Why do you require a consultation before a Concept or Blueprint?
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Because I need to see the space before I can write an accurate proposal. A consultation lets me understand what the project actually involves — the layout, the existing conditions, what's working and what isn't. It means the scope I recommend and the fee I quote reflect the real project, not a guess. And since the fee goes toward your package, it's not an added cost if you move forward.
What's the difference between the concept and the blueprint?
4
Both start in the same place — layout and direction. The Concept stops there: you get a scaled layout, a palette, and a general direction to guide your shopping. The Blueprint goes further: every specific piece selected, every finish specified, every detail documented in a package you can hand to a contractor or execute on your own. The Concept gives you a starting point. The Blueprint gives you a complete plan.
Is my project big enough for a designer?
5
Probably. Professional guidance is useful more often than people expect — if you're stuck on a decision, spending money on things that aren't working, or just not sure where to start, a trained eye tends to pay for itself. You don't need a full renovation to work with me. Sometimes you just need the right one decision.
Do you charge a markup?
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No. I charge for my time and expertise — there's no markup on anything I source. Procurement — the actual purchasing, order management, and follow-up — is billed at $100 per hour. When I handle procurement, I purchase through my trade accounts and pass those discounts directly to you. Even after my fee, you'll typically pay less than retail.
Can I just hire you for one thing?
7
Yes — that's the point. A la carte support means you're not committing to more than you need. If you have a single decision to make and don't need a full package, the 2-hour consultation is often the right fit. You'll leave with concrete direction and a clear path forward.
Do you work virtually?
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Yes. Most deliverables translate well to a virtual format, and many clients prefer it. For clients in the South Jersey area, in-person options are available when it makes sense for the project.
How long does a project take?
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The consultation happens in a single session. A room-level package — Concept or Blueprint — typically takes a few weeks from kickoff to final delivery. Hourly engagements move at your pace. If your project involves contractors or renovation work, that timeline is separate and depends on factors outside the design scope.
What do I need to have ready before we start?
10
Not much. It helps to have a general sense of what isn't working and any inspiration you've been collecting — a rough Pinterest board is plenty. Before the consultation, I'll send a short questionnaire so I can make the most of our time together. Measurements are useful but we can gather those on-site if needed.