What to Expect in Your First Interior Design Consultation
I like to start every project at Riegis Design Co. with a 90-minute in-person design consultation. It’s the first step and, in my opinion, the most important one. By the end of the meeting, both of us will know whether we’re a good fit to work together.
Here’s what actually happens in that 90 minutes.
When I arrive
We’ll meet at your home (the one you’re renovating or moving into)for the full 90-minutes. We’ll take a look around, walk through the space, and I’ll ask questions. Where does everyone hangout? Where do the kids do homework? What did the previous owners do wrong? Together, we’re learning how you use the house so we can make the most of it.
What we talk about
Scope - What are you trying to change? One room, one floor, the entire house? Is this furnishing or a construction job? Are you building an addition, or working with what’s already there?
Functionality - How does your family use the space, or how are you hoping they’ll use the space? Are there kids under 10? Do you cook often? If you WFH, where is your office going to be?
Budget - The big question. We’ll talk about this early and directly because the wrong budget and the wrong scope is the quickest way to make the whole process stressful.
Aesthetics - Let’s look at what you already love. What houses have you seen that you’ve enjoyed? What style feels wrong for you? What inspiration do you have?
By the end…
You and I will both know a lot more than we did when we first walked in. I’ll also tell you whether I think we’re the right fit. Not every project will be right for both of us, and I’m looking for clients and projects that we’ll both feel good about. If I don’t think we’re the right fit, I’ll always have recommendations ready. Related read: designer vs. decorator vs. stager - sometimes the honest answer is that you need a different kind of professional entirely.
What the consultation costs
I’m up front about my pricing for a consultation. I charge $375 for my 90-minute consult. This covers travel, follow-up notes, and initial recommendations for getting started.
I mention this because a lot of designers will offer “free” consultations. That’s valid! But, a paid consultation screens out browsers and ensures that we can actually work together in the meeting instead of me pitching you, and always makes for a better end product.
If you’re ready to talk, book a design consultation. Ninety minutes, no pressure, and by the end you’ll know if we’re a fit.
Ready to go?
If you’re ready to talk, book a design consultation. Ninety minutes, no pressure, and by the end you’ll know if we’re a fit.