How We Work
A client consultation begins the design process. It’s where we discuss the functional and aesthetic goals of your project, your budget, and your timeline.
The initial client consultation is followed by:
- Photos and measurements of your project, so that the necessary furniture plans and/or elevations can be drawn.
- A projected estimate of design hours for your project will be presented to you.
- A design scheme(s) are formed and furniture, fixtures, fabrics, and flooring, etc. are selected. Custom items are also designed at this time, such as curtains, upholstery, pillows, etc.
- Pictures and measurements are sent to all applicable subcontractors (i.e. seamstress, upholsterer, trim carpenter, etc.) for pricing estimates.
- Merchandise costs and subcontractor labor costs are quoted and sent to you with pictures of the proposed merchandise in an emailed proposal for your approval.
- Once each item is approved by you via email, and a 100% deposit is received within two weeks of the date on your proposal, all approved items will be ordered immediately. We will then notify our subcontractors so that we may get your project on their work schedule.
- Updates on the progress of your project will be periodically given via email, and additional client consultations scheduled if necessary.
- As items are completed, date(s) will be selected for installation of furniture, accessories, flooring, curtains, etc.
Discounts & Design Fees
Discounts: We work hard to provide you with the best possible pricing on all proposed items. We compare pricing across different websites & vendors to provide the best price available.
Design Fees: J. Lawrence Design LLC charges per hour for client consultations, project management and design work. “Design Work” and “Project Management” includes any time spent on your project such as: – Floor plans, elevations, furniture plans – Designing custom upholstery, window treatments, pillows, etc. – Meeting preparation – Proposals and ordering – Shopping for furnishings and accessories – Scheduling and communication with you and vendors – Deliveries – Receiving merchandise – Site visits – Installation of items - Out of town projects will be charged a trip charge.
Please know that we make every effort to spend our time as wisely as possible on your project. The better you communicate your wants & needs, the less time we need to spend making changes and alterations, thus the less design hours you are billed.
Billing
Billing for design and consultation hours plus any merchandise or subcontractor charges will be emailed or mailed usually once a month, and payment terms are “within two weeks of the date of invoice”. Additional invoices may be sent for any necessary deposits on merchandise or subcontractor’s work.
Cash, check, bank transfer or credit cards are accepted for payment. Please note that a 3.1% transaction fee will be added for credit card payments and a 1.2% transaction fee will be added for bank transfers. All invoices not paid in 30 days from the date of invoice are subject to a service charge of 2% on the balance due.
Be assured, we will always keep your budget, our time estimations on your project, and your ultimate satisfaction in mind. We love what we do and we hope you do, too.