East Coast Design Inc./Living Swell
About
East Coast Design is a full service interior design firm offering professional design consultation, project management and product supply services for residential and commercial clients.
My skill is in mixing interesting elements together into cohesive living spaces that are both stunning and comfortable.
Additionally, I own a retail showroom in Marblehead, Living Swell. Living Swell is a showroom that encompasses and celebrates the breezy, elegant lifestyle of the sea. A journey where the sun warms your face, the wind blows through your hair and silky sand runs between your toes. I design a line of wall coverings, linens, handbags and lighting which are all available to the public. My work is being featured this month in North Shore Magazine.
Beautiful places, thoughtful design and passionate, talented artisans inspire me. I love to initiate the design, manage the process and see my vision become reality for my clients.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianajames/
https://www.houzz.com/pro/diana-james/east-coast-design-inc
https://www.facebook.com/Eastcoastdesigninc/
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I start with a phone call to discuss initial scope of project, explain how I work as well as asking a lot of questions to understand what and how the client wants to achieve the end result. If we both feel good about the conversation I suggest a meeting in the client's home.
When we meet on site I encourage the client to talk about what they want to change and why, as well as getting a sense of their aesthetic so that I can start to visualize how the space can change. Again, I ask a lot of questions, especially those that give me an idea of what they want to use the space for. I find it helpful to know why it is isn't currently working for them and ultimately what is driving them to invest the time, money and effort into hiring a professional. We also talk about budget in the very beginning, as setting realistic expectations from the get-go is the best way to start a business relationship. I provide initial feedback and suggestions with regard to style, space planning, and/or answer questions that the client has. Sometimes people just want to know of their design choices are good ones, and if not what would I suggest.
If we both decide that we are all a good fit, I put together a welcome package which includes an FAQ sheet, letter of agreement and scope of work. At that time I ask for a retainer to start work and we begin!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Adminstration with a Minor in Law, neither of which relates to my interior design career. After graduating I went into business where I ran sales organizations in the telecom industry and was responsible for sales teams targeting Fortune 500 companies. After 9/11 I made the decision to open my own business in an area that I have loved all my life: Interior Design. I started my business in 2001, which has been incredibly rewarding, difficult at times and the best thing I could ever hope to do. Rather then just having a "job", I am my job.
Two years ago I expanded my firm to include a retail showroom, from which I run my interior design business, which enables me to have a extensive selection of furniture, lighting, finishes, fabrics, accessories, art...anything at my fingertips.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
Typically my hourly rate is $130 - $150 an hour depending on geography and scope of project. I make all purchases through my trade accounts and charge a mark up on my net costs.
I take a retainer to start work and all of my purchases, time entries, etc are clearly noted and billed out through my management systems.