Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
"Do I have to know what I want before we start?"
(Spoiler: Nope. That's part of our job.)
"What if I'm not a 'design person'?"
You don't have to be. That's why we're here.
"Do I need to bring vision, or just vibes?"
Vibes are valid. We'll shape the vision together.
Money Talk
"What if my budget and my dreams are not on speaking terms?"
Let's introduce them properly. We're excellent matchmakers.
"Will I regret not adding that secret bookcase door?"
Yes. (But we'll help you figure out what's worth the splurge.)
The Design Process
"Can't you just read my mind?"
Only a little bit. The rest, we figure out together.
"How much Pinterest is too much Pinterest?"
Bring it all. We're fluent in mood board speak.
"What if my favorite space is at the beach at golden hour?"
We get it. Let's bottle that feeling and build around it.
Decision Making
"Can I keep changing my mind until we pour the concrete?"
You can… but concrete tends to be very stubborn and resistant to change.
"Is it okay if I change direction halfway through?"
Direction is part of discovery. We plan for it.
"Is it normal to fall in love with a floor plan?"
We won't judge. We might even encourage it.
Making It Yours
"How do I make it feel like me and not a design showroom?"
That's what we're here for. Showrooms are for showing off, homes are for living.
"Can you help me design around the way I actually live?"
Absolutely. Even the messy parts. Especially the messy parts.
"What if I care more about how it makes me feel than what it looks like?"
That's where the good stuff starts.
The Fun Stuff
"Can I bring my dog to meetings?"
Yes. Especially if they have opinions about treat storage.
"Can my house have a vibe?"
It must. Vibe-less houses are just expensive storage units.
"Can we design something that doesn't look like everything else on the block?"
Yes, but only if you're ready to become the neighbor everyone wants to visit.
The Deep Questions
"What if I want Brutalism… but cozy?"
Say less. (But also, say more. We love a good contradiction to solve.)
"Can architecture solve my existential dread?"
No—but a perfectly placed skylight might help.
"Can we leave room for unexpected joy?"
Always. The best homes have space for surprises.
The Practical Stuff
How do we start? Every project begins with a conversation. Whether you're considering a Design Day consultation or planning a ground-up build, we want to understand what you're hoping to create, what you value, and what your space needs to hold. From there, we'll propose a process tailored to your goals, timeline, and budget.
What kinds of projects do you take on? Everything from single-room refreshes to new construction. We work across interiors and architecture—bathroom remodels, whole-home renovations, new builds, adaptive reuse, and cultural spaces. If the project asks for care, clarity, and intention, we're interested.
How do you structure your fees? It depends on what you need:
Design Day: $1,250 for focused, same-day solutions
Design Strategy: Starting at $3,500 for comprehensive plans you implement yourself
Full Service: Varies by scope—sometimes percentage of construction cost, sometimes hourly, sometimes per square foot for interior-focused work
We'll always explain our approach and provide clarity before moving forward.
How long do projects typically take? It depends on scope:
Design Day: Same day consultation, then you move at your pace
Design Strategy: 4-6 weeks for complete plans, then your timeline
Full Service projects: 3-6 months for major remodels, 12-24 months for new construction (including city approvals)
We'll give you a tailored timeline early so there are no surprises.
Learn More About Our Services
What's your design process like? Collaborative, whether we're spending a day together or two years. For smaller projects, it might be focused sketches and curated selections. For larger ones, it's iterative exploration through models, site studies, and ongoing dialogue. We don't believe in single "big reveals"—we prefer working through ideas together, testing and refining as we go.
Do you handle permits and city approvals? For larger projects, absolutely. We've worked extensively with city agencies and see regulatory navigation as part of the process. For smaller projects, we'll guide you on what's needed and connect you with resources.
What's your role during construction? It depends on your service level. For Design Day and Strategy clients, you manage implementation (though we're available for consultation). For Full Service clients, we stay deeply involved—collaborating with contractors, clarifying drawings, responding to site conditions, ensuring the built result matches design intent.
Do you work on just interiors, or architecture too? Both, and we prefer it that way. Architecture and interiors are deeply connected. We take on interior-only projects and full architectural projects. Our goal is always coherence—between space, material, function, and feeling.
How do you work with different budget levels? By being honest early and designing with real numbers in mind. For Design Day clients, we focus solutions within your stated budget. For larger projects, we track costs as we go and flag trade-offs before they become problems. Good design doesn't require overspending—it requires clarity about what matters most.
What makes you different? We listen differently and meet you where you are. Whether you need a quick expert opinion or want to design your dream home, we bring the same care to understanding how you actually live. We move fluidly between big picture and fine detail, and we don't disappear once our part is "done."
How do I know which service is right for me? Start with a complimentary discovery call. We'll walk through your project, discuss your goals and timeline, and recommend the approach that makes the most sense for your situation.
Still Not Sure?
Every relationship starts with a complimentary discovery call where we walk through your project, discuss your needs, and figure out which approach makes the most sense.
We are happy to walk you through our process, as well as send you an investment guide.