RESIDENTIAL REMODELS
I’m thinking of renovating my (kitchen, bath, laundry, etc). At what stage in the process should I hire you for the design?
While we can add value at any point in the process, ideally we like to be involved as early as possible. Our creative process involves thinking though solutions and possibilities you may not have considered, which in the long run will yield a better outcome and save you time and money. Our comprehensive drawing set and material selections mean all of the details are thought through and documented up front, leaving less room for error, miscommunication or unplanned expenses once your project is underway.
What kinds of projects do you work on?
All kinds! We are highly experienced in designing both new construction and remodeling projects, including kitchens, baths, mudrooms, closets, laundry rooms, and home offices. Our deep technical knowledge of carpentry, cabinets, millwork, and interior architecture allows us to create highly customized and unique designs. Small spaces and tricky room layouts are our specialty!
Will you work with my General Contractor?
Absolutely! We typically develop a very strong and collaborative relationship with the general contractors hired for our projects. Communication is key, and we like to stay in close touch with GCs throughout project implementation Most GC’s love that we provide extremely detailed plans that answer most of their questions up front.
How do you charge for design?
We charge a flat fee for remodeling projects based on the size and scope of work. We invite you to schedule a call with us to discuss your project. We’ll walk you through the process, answer any questions you have, and provide an estimate for design fees.
FURNITURE & DECOR
What interior design styles do you work with?
Your style! We believe that a successful design is one that reflects your personality and is a living showcase of all the things that bring you joy. Your unique style is one that may draw from many different influences and lifetime experiences. Our starting point in any project is to help you define your Signature Style.
I’ve worked with a designer in a furniture showroom in the past. How will working with Tamara Heather Interior Design be different?
We take a comprehensive approach to design, getting to know you and your space on a much more personal level. That means we can deliver a custom-fitted solution personally tailored to you. Our deep library of trusted vendors for art, furnishings and fixtures enable us to source just the right thing for your space. We can also design wholly unique elements including built-in cabinetry, trim, lighting, and wall coverings, resulting in a solution unlike any other.
Can you work with furnishings that I already own?
Absolutely. We relish the chance to mix old and new – to give cherished possessions a place of honor in your home alongside new and special finds that bring freshness and character to your space.
I’m moving (or just moved). Can you help me decide which of my furnishings work in the new space?
Yes, our design process includes an assessment of current furniture to help you determine what pieces are a great fit for your new space. Our measured floor plans will note any existing pieces to remain, in addition to new furniture to be purchased to create a beautiful and well-functioning space.
How do we decide on a budget for furnishings?
Once we complete your conceptual room designs, we’ll develop an itemized list of suggested new furnishings to create your dream space, along with a realistic budget range for each. From there, we will project a total estimated project budget which you can then approve or adjust as needed. All of this happens BEFORE any shopping occurs. How much you decide to spend is always at your discretion, and we will always honor and refer back to your budget when selecting furnishings.
What is your fee structure?
We charge a flat design fee for Room Designs, which may range depending on room size and complexity. Furniture & furniture selection is billed hourly. We invite you to schedule a call with us to discuss your project. We’ll walk you through the process, answer any questions you have, and provide an estimate for design fees.
Can I hire you for a consultation?
Not quite ready to take the plunge on a project, but have a bunch of burning design questions? We offer a 2-hour consultation package for $395. We’ll come to your home, assess your space, provide paint color selections, and answer any design questions you may have.
NEW HOME BUILDS
I’m planning on building a new home from the ground up. At what stage in the process should I hire you for the interior design?
While we can add value at any point in the process, we like to be involved as early as possible, ideally before the architectural drawings are finalized and certainly before the final construction contract is signed. Our creative process involves thinking though solutions and possibilities you may not have considered, which in the long run will yield a better outcome and save you time and money. Our comprehensive drawing set and material selections mean all of the details are thought through and documented up front, leaving less room for error, miscommunication or unplanned expenses once your project is underway.
I have a really hard time visualizing what my space will look like. Can you help?
Absolutely. Our process starts with getting to know you, your style, and your wish list for your new home. We then develop Mood Boards (collages of images) for the interior and exterior of the home that will envision the look, feel, materials and colors used throughout. For the home’s main spaces such as the kitchen and great room, we create a 3-D model to help you visualize the layout and proportions of the design. Once we are all in agreement on the design concepts, we draw everything up IN DETAIL in the interior architectural drawing set, which is provided to your builder for construction.
There are so many decisions and selections to make – how do you help us pull it all together?
There definitely are a lot of decisions, but don’t worry, we are here to take the burden off your shoulders and make it easy. In collaboration with your builder, we’ll develop a selections list and schedule a series of meetings at trusted local vendor showrooms. We’ll narrow down the field of options to fit your style and budget, and guide you through the choices step-by-step. Every design detail and selection is carefully documented, to ensure you, your GC and installers are on the same page when it comes time for ordering and installation.
Can you work with my architect and/or builder?
*OR*
Can you recommend an architect or builder?
Yes to both! We’ve worked with many fantastic local builders, GCs and architects over the years. If you have not already decided who you are working with, we’ll be glad to offer some referrals. Great communication and creative collaboration are essential to a successful project.
COMMERCIAL DESIGN
I am planning to open a new business and need help with the interior design. What services do you offer?
We offer full-service interior design for retail and hospitality projects, e.g. boutiques, cafes. restaurants and more. We can help you think through the customer experience in your space, and ensure your branding is carried through in all of the interior details.
I have a really hard time visualizing what the space will look like. Can you help?
Absolutely. Our process starts with getting to know you, your business brand, and taking note of the functional requirements for the space. Then, we get to work developing an overall Design Concept for your space. This includes a Mood Board (collage of images) for the interior that will envision the look, feel, materials and colors used throughout. For the customer facing spaces, we create a 3-D model to help you visualize the layout and proportions of the design.
I am not sure how much to budget for the project. How can you help with that?
Once we’ve reached agreement on the design concepts, we create a set of drawings we call the Pricing Set. This is a preliminary drawing set that documents the main aspects of the design, including layout, cabinetry, fixture locations, and finish materials. You will be able to use the Pricing Set to solicit bids from General Contractors. Once a GC is retained, we will work with you to finalize details and make adjustments as needed to the design to bring it in line with your requirements and budget. A final drawing set called the Construction Set is provided to you and your GC for the construction and installation phase of your project.
How do you charge for design?
We charge a flat fee for Commercial Design projects based on the size and scope of work. We invite you to schedule a call with us to discuss your project. We’ll walk you through the process, answer any questions you have, and provide an estimate for design fees.