Jolley Frank Interiors, Llc

I start by meeting the client/s to discuss the project and starting building a scope of work.  I like to have clients show me images in magazines that they like and dislike.  We discuss a budget and go over my contract.  Once we are all in agreement, we start the project. Next comes the fun part of choosing lighting, window tratments, furniture, fabric etc.

I have a degree from the New York School of Interior Design and trained with an interior designer in NYC for 6 years while building my own practice.  I also have a degree in fashion design, besides my Bachelor's degree from Pomona College in California.

I charge by the hour for my services and pass along my full trade discount on anything my clients would like to purchase.  I ask for a retainer in advance that is applied to the final invoices.  Clients love seeing theit final invoices with small balances due because the retainer has been applied. 

I have always been in the design field since college, and actually before that in high school where I sold a number of paintings and prints.  I have worked in advertising, fashion design, interior design and even landscape design.  A project of mine is in the Archive of American Gardens at the Smithsonian Institution.  When you have design in your DNA, it applies to every facet of life. 

I have worked with clients at every level - from people in their early 20's who are starting out in a tiny studio apartment where space planning is key, to people in their 80's who are looking to downsize into an apartment or condo.  I have worked on one room projects that took a month or less, to full renovations of large homes (working with architects, builders and sub contractors) that took two years.

I am working with some clients right now on fixing some issues that have always bothered them in their relatively new home.  We added some electrical upgrades and lighting, vastly improved their audio visual system and reworked some rooms that they wanted to feel more comfortable.  They are great clients and very happy to have their home finally meet their needs.  I'm even sprucing up the interior of their boat!  

Ask a lot of questions and give any designer that you interview an idea of what you want in the finished project.  Tell them about you and/or your family members.  It's important to let them know any special needs or priorities and time constraints.  I always have clients sign a contract because everyone is clear on how we will be working together.  Communication is key!

What do they want - sometimes a couple disagrees on the final goal and that makes it very difficult for a designer to succeed.  

How much can they afford - I have met with clients who want their entire house renovated, but their budget is unrealistic.  Do some research first to get an idea of what things cost.

How closely do you want to work with a designer - I have had clients who show me what they like, but then don't want to be involved until the project is completed.  I have other clients who want to be very involved and want to do some of the purchasing themselves.  Be clear about your expectations up front.