Hiring an interior designer: How does it work?
All designers work differently. At BGDB Interior Design, first a phone conversation will help us evaluate your project, and if we may be of help. We then offer a no-charge initial design consultation. In this meeting Breeze will walk through your home or business with you, and speak with you about the specific needs of your interior design or construction project. No actual design is done in this meeting, just an evaluation of the project. You can review her portfolio, and learn more about specific projects in the portfolio. After this meeting, a design fee proposal will be sent over for your review.
How do you charge?
We maintain competitive design fees. There are a few ways that we charge. Our design fee will typically have a combination of a fixed fee, and hourly estimates. Breezes hourly rate is $100/hr. In addition to the design fee, we offer options when it comes to purchasing product and furnishings. In most cases we offer a discount off of the retail price of product with a commission on product sold. Ultimately you will save money by purchasing your product through BGDB.
What will our project cost?
It depends on the level you wish to take your project. If you have a specific design fee budget in mind, we are more than happy to prepare a proposal, stating what we can offer, keeping within your budget. Our minimum design fee is $2,500.
How do we get started, and what is next?
Before beginning work, we take a design fee retainer, that is applied to your design fee. We then engage in a visioning session and work with you on any fact finding (preferred design styles, requirements for each room, how you live and work in your home etc.) we photograph the residence, and take formal measurements. From there we prepare a schematic design presentation, showing you our initial drawings, proposed material selections, palette options, and concepts. After design approval of that stage, we work with you on narrowing down the final selections, pricing, and implementing the design.
What cities do you work in?
BGDB Interior Design works throughout the eastern seaboard. We are based in Washington DC, and work primarily within the beltway, though we have had taken clients in New York, Boston and Maine as well.
Where do you get your furniture?
We purchase product from a variety of sources. The Washington Design Center is a great resource to designers. We also use local stores, showrooms, and retail locations, as well as online and catalogue retailers. If our clients have sources that they prefer to work with, we are more than happy to do so. We also work with local custom upholstery and drapery workrooms.
Do we need to use your contractor or architect?
No. BGDB will work with your builder, or tradespeople. We are more than happy to refer you to those who can help as well. You will not pay us for construction related labor, that is between you and your contractor.
Do I have to make purchases through you?
No. You are welcome to make any purchases on your own. Most clients do purchase through us, because of the discount we pass along.
What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?
Interior decorators typically focus on the decorative elements of a home, such as: paint color, furniture, décor, window treatments, bedding etc. Interior designers do this, and more. Designers typically have formal program training. An interior designer should have knowledge of interior architecture principals, drafting skills, general building code guidelines and more.
What experience do you have?
Breeze Giannasio holds a Masters in Interior Design. She has also studied fine art domestically and internationally. Her law degree from Harvard Law and years of practice as a corporate attorney permeate her business in subtle ways as well. Breeze has worked on a host of residential and commercial interior design projects throughout DC, Maryland and Virginia.
How long will our project take?
This will vary per project. A typical kitchen remodel may take approximately 3 months to design and build. A living room remodel may take a month to design, and 2 months to receive and install all product and furniture. If you are remodeling your bathroom, the process may take only a month from start to finish. A custom home design from start to finish may take 3 months to layout, and plan the details.
Can I see samples of your work?
The Interiors page on this site has a good sampling of our home design work. Feel free to contact Breeze to see more images of other projects. And please consider following us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!
What is your style?
We dont have a style that we stick to. Our clients preferences, the architecture of the home or building and its natural surroundings, and also the budget will dictate the interiors style direction. BGDB avoids overdone styles, and finds ways to bring out his clients personality in each space.
