Our Services
We believe in a process... in which we collaborate with craftsmen, artists, AND our clients to create beautiful environments that are as unique as they are.
We offer a variety of services to our clients:
A. Conceptual Design & Budgeting including but not limited to the following tasks:
1. Preliminary space planning
2. Concepts for any architectural changes
3. Conceptual color palette
4. Operational considerations & special needs
5. Estimated budget for proposed work
B. Design Development including but not limited to the following tasks:
1. Consultation with contractors
2. Selection of materials, furnishings, art & accessories
3. Lighting needs
4. Drawing details
C. Design Implementation including but not limited to the following tasks:
1. Prepare documents & plans for construction
2. Prepare finish schedule for contractor
3. Prepare & expedite purchase orders for agreed-upon materials, furnishings, art, etc.
4. Supervise any work to insure the proper execution of proposed designs
How may we serve you?...
Here are some frequently asked questions:
>> How Do We Get Started?
We believe that interior design is a service; and as such, it is our responsibility to listen to your ideas and concerns and to help you communicate and implement the design we will collaborate on together. We encourage all of our clients to find some way to communicate their goals to us. You may want to collect and reference visual images (photos and magazine clippings) and any other environments that reflect your aesthetic and functional criteria. You might also have items and/or furnishings that you would like to incorporate into the new space. Being made aware of all the elements will help us to create a space as personal and unique as you are.
>> What’s Your Process?
We usually travel to see you at the site of your project and spend some time investigating your requirements, discussing your personal situation and answering questions about our services. The first meeting will involve gaining understanding and direction in regards to the design project. Meetings in and around Houston are usually possible within a few days of inquiry and at no cost to the client. Meetings outside the Houston area may take longer to arrange and will be subject to reimbursement charges for travel expenses.
Typically, all successive meetings will be scheduled in order for you, as the client, to review designs in regards to the overall concept including (but not limited to) color scheme, materials, & preliminary estimates. During these meetings, pencil sketches, plans, & elevations will be provided in order to best illustrate the design concepts. Meetings will be held regularly until all aspects of the design are agreed upon. When necessary, a sample board and a notebook of specifications will then be produced and delivered, indicating all agreed-upon fabrics, wall finishes, materials, and floor coverings.
At this point, a client may wish to finish the project on their own or retain our services to insure the work is being carried out according to the specifications provided. In the event that you would like us to oversee any aspect of the construction/implementation, we would be more than happy to visit the site at regular and appropriate intervals throughout this process.
>> Are Design Agreements/Contracts Important?
Design Agreements or contracts are very important because they allow both parties to define the scope of the project. They outline the rights and responsibilities of both parties; and therefore, it is in your best interest to have a signed contract before any work begins or money is exchanged.
>> How Much Is This Going to Cost?
It all depends on what you want. There are many variables including the size of the project (one room or the entire building?), quality of products selected (high-end or lower-end finishes? custom or prefabricated millwork?), and the timeframe in which the project needs to be completed (two months or two years?). Developing the budget is a partnership between you (the Client) and us (your Designer). As the client, you must have an active role in developing the budget. If you're unsure about costs, that’s one of the reasons we are here to aid you, so please be honest about what you are willing to spend. As a professional designer, we assess your needs and help you
determine where to spend and where to save, prioritizing expenses while creating an interior that is within your budget. Also, remember that not everything has to be completed at once. We can develop a long-range plan, consult with you to establish a list of priorities and determine a time line for accomplishing your project.
We charge an hourly designer fee for our services. Compensation is based on actual time expended on a project or specific service. As design consultants, we are able to purchase many items at below the retail cost. When possible, we pass along these cost savings to our clients. When its our responsibility to purchase the product, the price for each item shall be the our net cost plus 35%, plus shipping, handling and installation fees at actual cost, plus applicable taxes.
In addition to our design fee, there are other costs to consider. For instance, how you choose to furnish your interior and how you work with us will have tremendous impact on the final cost of the project. Items such as antiques or custom-made furniture, and modifications that involve altering or moving load-bearing walls or beams will significantly increase the cost of your project, as will requesting changes after having approved the proposal and the plan is being implemented.
And finally, only you can decide what is a reasonable budget for your project. If you have concerns about price, please discuss them with us at any point during the process. Don’t be reserved about asking us to help you optimize your resources.
>> How Do We Pay?
Depending upon our clients' preference, invoices will be sent via email or the U.S. Postal Service. Cash, Checks, and all major Credit Cards are accepted. Please make all checks payable to “Avondale Design Studio LLC” and send via mail to: Avondale Design Studio / 18222 Point Lookout Drive / Houston, Texas 77058
Please contact us via phone or email if you have any more questions regarding our process, fee structure, and availability.
