Our Process

Thank you for visiting our website. We understand that Interior design is a personal process and we appreciate the opportunity to create a space that is uniquely your own.

As a full design service organization, we can handle any aspect of the design process from specification to the total construction of a new home, renovation or partial build-out.

You can work with us on an hourly basis for all of our services, and/or we offer design packages and renovation packages for a set fee.

Hourly Fees

Time is charged in minimum one-quarter hour increments at $95.00 per hour. We have a minimum of a two hour consult for the first initial consult. Out of the office consults will be a minimum of one hour.

Renovation Package

For clients who are decorating and also have building needs, Defining Spaces has years of experience in renovation plans and project coordination. We offer partial or complete Renovation Coordination services. We are available for any degree of involvement from home additions to the total construction of a new home. Please see our renovation package information for pricing and what the package entails.

Interior Design Package

Here is how our design package works: Our Interior design package process has three stages of development:

• Phase One: Consultation and Presentation.
• Phase Two: Ordering and Production
• Phase Three: Installation

Phase One

1. Consultation: The first step is Phase One, which takes place in the client's home or office and consists of a question and answer session. We inquire about preferences such as color, fabric and furniture style. We will take notes, discuss your thoughts and ideas, and take photographs to collect information to provide a complete design scheme.

   In order to create continuity, we may ask to see the major areas of your home. We want to take all areas of your surroundings into consideration. In the end, you will be happier with the final design scheme if everything is studied as a whole. The initial meeting takes about two hours and no design advice is given at this time.

2. Presentation: The second step in Phase One, the designer begins the creative process of developing a scheme and plan. Colors and fabrics are selected, furniture styles determined and floor plans are developed. After a few weeks, we will have a presentation of your design scheme at our office, in which we will display plans, furniture, fabrics, window treatments and finish samples to depict your transformed space. The presentations are interactive, and your questions are welcomed. If you do not like something, we a revision session that is part of the package where changes may be made before the design is finalized. We will adjust the plans to suit your preferences. Achieving the look you desire is our goal and priority.

Phase Two

Ordering: Phase two begins when we have the clients permission to proceed with Ordering and Production. When the client approves the design plan and initiates ordering, 50% of the contract price is due. The remaining approved contract balance is due prior to delivery. If additional funds are needed to meet the 50% down payment requirement on the client’s approved “Contract” invoices, they are submitted at this time.

Phase Three

Installation: This is the final step in the design process. This step will take place over a scheduled time frame and it will include paint, carpet, wallpaper, furniture deliveries, window treatments, art work and accessories. Once all the ordered items have been delivered and installed, we will then begin to accessorize your space. We will bring the accessory items that will make the room look complete and beautiful! You then have two days to look over the accessory items to decide what, if anything, to return. This could be a lamp, an end table, a coffee table, an accent chair or whatever is needed.

Prior to delivery/installation, the remaining balance from the approved “Contract” invoices and the balance on any authorized changes are due. We will notify the client of this amount in advance, so these amounts can be reconciled. The client submits the payment at least one week before the delivery or installation.

Once the space has been completed we will take final photographs. These photographs may be added to our website or used for portfolio/marketing purposes.

Interior Design Package Fee

$5000 fee for Consultation, Plan Development, Presentation, and Final Session.

Our Interior Design Package is perfect for client's decorating their whole house. A non-refundable fee of $5000 covers the initial meeting with the client (the Consultation) and the complete development of the interior design scheme including the interior finishes (floors, walls. ceilings, etc.), fabric and furniture selections, window treatment designs, wall treatment selections and plans for the integrations of the client’s existing furniture into the new design scheme. The various design components are proposed during the client’s Presentation. There is a purchase minimum of $25,000.

Hourly Fees for Design Package

Hourly fees are at the rate of $95 per hour and are charged for time investments resulting from the following types of activities:

Definitions of Billable Charges

Clients can request additional services with the design package. These are billable and include out-of-office appointments, architectural concept design drawings, and refinements after final sign off. These amounts are charged against the deposit/retainer fee.

Out-of-office appointments

Requested out-of-office appointments by the client to help in the selection of interior or exterior construction/ renovation elements (i.e., lighting and plumbing fixtures) or if visits to showrooms or factories are necessary, the time invested is billable. Note that hourly rates do not apply to the initial consultation or to associated trips orchestrated by Defining Spaces Inc. for the Production and Installation of the project.

Architectural design concept drawings

Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings or hand sketches can be requested by the client. This includes but is not limited to construction design concept drawings, lighting plans, bookcase/fireplace plans and elevations, wall treatment elevations and ceiling details. The time invested is billable using the hourly fee schedule.

Client changes or alterations

Any change made after the final sign off of the design.

Break Down Clients receive a breakdown for their project if billable charges are incurred. Clients are informed about the charges upon their request.

Expenses and Reimbursables

1. Transportation of Defining Spaces Inc. (airline flights, rental vehicle, etc.)
2. Lodging
3. Food
4. Transportation of costs for delivering furnishings
5. Architectural drawing prints and specialty prints

Our Contracts

(Please click on the link below that is appropriate for your situation.)