A:In most cases, I have been working with second homeowners.Because you can't be here 100% of the time, you benefit from hiring me to take care of everything for you in your absence.With my turnkey services, I can offer you time to enjoy your home.Let me do the work so you don't have to.In addition, by hiring me, you are guaranteed creativity, versatility, integrity, punctuality and happiness.Guaranteed. Q:How involved do I have to be? A:Typically, we meet in-person at your home or my design studio during the very beginning of the job process.I am available to meet you at your home to see your project and conduct a complimentary walk-thru.After the initial meeting, it really depends on how much time you can want to devote.Some clients are more involved than others.If you don't have the time, and many of my clients don't or don't want to spend the time, I will keep you informed of all design decisions that I make.If you have the time and interest to stay involved, I will use many resources to include you in the decision-making processes by, for example, emailing you swatches of fabric options or faxing you different dining room chair designs.My policy is that I will work with you as much - or as little - as you prefer. Q: How will we communicate throughout the process? A:Phone, e-mail, fax, express mail, overnight mail, in person - whatever it takes to let you know how the job is progressing. Q:How do you charge for a residential interior design job? A:If I shop for you, I will charge you retail with no design fee or hourly charges.I will require a signed contract and a retainer to start working on a project.I will prepare a detailed budget proposal for your approval.A deposit on the approved budget proposal is required before I begin ordering for your new home. Q:What if remodeling is involved?Or, what if it is new construction and we need to choose fixed finishes and need interior drawings created? A:If it is minor remodeling, then I will charge an hourly fee.If it is new construction, or a project very detailed and needing additional technical expertise, then I will prepare a separate proposal.It can be priced a variety of ways including hours, a fixed fee, or a not-to-exceed fee. Q:I have been hearing a lot about "green design."What does this mean and do you offer that service? A:Green design touches all aspects of design, from selecting fabrics, carpeting and furniture made from renewable resources, to selecting low VOC finishes and healthy building materials.I will enjoy partnering with architects and builders who are also experts in green design.I will be developing a computer database of vendors and companies who offer sustainable products.I will be working with other community members whose goals are to facilitate the process of sustainable building codes and those dedicated to educating the local design and building community to the advantages of creating sustainable projects. Q:Can you design the whole house, including exteriors? A:I will focus on the interiors... to include space planning, kitchen and bathroom designs, fixed finish selections and construction documents.I will also enjoy working with your architect and making sure the overall floor plan will work with my proposed furniture layout, which is why it is important to assemble your design team at the beginning of the process, just in case minor adjustments need to be made. Q:Tell me why a "one woman show" is of benefit to me? A:I will be your hands-on contact available to you at all times.In the selection process of items for your home… I will personally touch and feel every imaginable fabric, hardware, fixture and trim piece imaginable in making just the right selections for your project.There will not be the confusion of working with many different faces and personalities.I will be your professional design partner that will guide you to your ultimate retreat. Q:What if I don't know what look or style I want? A:This is not uncommon.I am experienced to assess your needs and desires right from the first meeting.You will spend a lot of time with me looking at photos and talking to me about your interests and lifestyle.Afterward, it will be apparent what your likes and dislikes are.I ask that you look through major and regional magazines like House and Garden, House Beautiful, Elle De'cor, Traditional Home, Veranda, Southern Accents, Architectural Digest, Mountain Living, Mountain Homes, and LUXE.