Design Services and Fees
Every project, big or small, begins as a virtual consultation. Remote design services, ongoing "independent studies" and gift certificates are also available.
VIRTUAL CONSULTATION
A virtual consult with Clare launches all new projects or can be organized as a stand-alone service. Please send along any relevant photos, floor plans and wish lists ahead of time, including your building's Alteration Agreement.
The consultation helps me evaluate your space to bring out its full potential. I’ll ask lots of questions to nail down what you feel would make your home work better for you, and the photos will tell me a lot about what the space itself needs. Depending on how big a job it is, I can often advise on what to expect, such as how much time would be involved, the type of filing you may need, whether your construction budget and wish list are well matched, etc.
Further design services may be contracted for afterwards. The cost of the consultation is not deductible from future work and participating in a consultation does not commit either party to a larger project.
A 40-minute zoom is $200. Schedule a consult.
SMALLER RENOVATIONS
For single-room renovations, design services typically run $2-4K per month, with time frames of 2–6 months (that may be intermittent). A 5-hour minimum applies.
Kitchen or Bath Design A scaled-down version of the integrated design services provided at right.
Independent study Some clients have the confidence to manage their own renovations with minimal guidance. If you just need a little help getting started, consider a stand-alone consultation or an occasional check-in. Clients call on me for expert guidance, a second opinion, product recommendations.
DECORATING PROJECTS
Click to see past decorating projects.
For decorating projects, design services typically run $2-4K per month, with time frames of 2–6 months (that may be intermittent). A 5-hour minimum applies.
Paint Palettes Sometimes all you need is the right color. Typically requires 4 – 12 hours.
Readymade Decorating™ For rooms that just need a tweak, not major construction, we'll sort your existing belongings, advise what to keep or toss, suggest new furnishings, artwork, window treatments, and all the finishing touches.
Click for typical furnishings budgets.
LARGER RENOVATIONS
Typical gut renovations (1-2 BR/BA) usually require an average of 5 hours per week for the duration. Design services may average $5K per month, with time frames of 6-12 months.
Larger, more complicated renovations, or when combined with a complete furnishings redesign, may require 7-10 hours average per week. Design services may average $7–10K per month, with time frames of 10-18 months.
Design services include:
Integrated Design The entire space is considered, including lighting, traffic patterns, storage, paint color, furnishings, and materials.
Drafting Detailed floor plans and elevations are the basis for contractor bids and Board review.
Materials Selection An edited selection of tiles, fixtures, lighting, and other materials are suggested.
Integrated Decorating On a larger project, paint colors and furniture selection are integrated with the renovation plan.
Construction Alignment While a project manager is the key liaison with all parties during live construction, periodic design check-ins ensure the installation aligns with our original vision.
RATES
Design services are provided by the hour. Principal @ $235 PH / Design Assistant @ $175 PH /Non-design helper @ $80 PH. Hours are tracked on a time sheet and invoiced monthly. The designer does not believe in the old-fashioned mark-up system. Third parties are paid directly by the client without mark up. Trade discounts on purchases are extended to the client without markup.
“You rock, tip after amazing tip!” “The best money I’ve spent.” "Really takes 'one-to-one' to heart!"
“Practical and straightforward information.” “Fantastic pointers.” “Loved your ideas.”
“Pretty amazing to see the possibilities in just an hour.”
Schedule a consult with Clare