Simple-Habitat

We talk on the phone first.  I need to get a feel for what the client is looking to achieve.  If it's in my wheelhouse, we usually make an appointment for me to come see the proposed project - no charge.  I generally spend about 45 minutes talking with the homeowner, getting a visual of the space and then discuss their budget and vision if they have one.  If the client feels comfortable with me taking photos I'll take a handful to refresh my memory later.  Once at home, I go over the photos and try to give the client a general idea of how much of my time they'd need to hire me for, and an idea of the scope of work to be done to achieve their goals.  I email this to the potential client and if both we agree to work together, I have them write it in an email and send it back to me.  I believe both the homeowner and the designer need to make sure they are on the same page design-wise, otherwise it's a waste of time for both parties.  It should be a solid collaboration.

I'm actually a retired RN but I've spent many years doing interior design work, first for myself, friends and family, (I've had several homes on Home & Garden Tours) then I was hired to join the design team that built the Loma Linda University Medical Center in Murrieta.  Once that project was completed, it lead to me being asked to run the remodel department for Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda.  I was living in San Diego and commuting to the Inland Empire which wasn't optimal.  I decided to start my own design company - Simple-Habitat emerged!  

My hourly rate is $100.  I work quickly and always keep my clients up to date on the hours I've spent working on their projects.  Plus, I try to estimate how many hours of my time will be required up front.