Where are you located and what areas do you serve?

I live and work in Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. In-person execution of the design packages listed is typically only available in the Arlington area due to the location of my trusted contractors, but Maryland and DC can be considered for full-scale, hands-on projects on a case-by-case basis. While I can’t do the in-person execution from afar, if you live in another state (or country!) I can do all of the design conceptualization for your space remotely and turn the specs over to you to DIY or hire your own contractor where you are.

What if I don’t like what you design?

It’s super normal for a designer to not clench your style on the first try. The design process includes multiple revisions based on your original scope (i.e. not a “back to the drawing board,” completely new concept each time) until we get it just right.

Can I get a refund?

Well, first: I’ve never had anyone ask for a refund because I always make sure my clients are satisfied before the project is finished. Second, designers do not give refunds because the “product” is our ideas and expertise, and those can’t be returned or put back in the box. As I said above, however, it’s normal for there to be elements of the design you don’t like on the first go-round - we will tweak things until it’s just right.

What is your markup?

I don’t mark up prices on furniture, decor, or construction materials purchased for your design; you pay exactly what the items cost. I am not in the business of upselling furniture to you - I bill you for time (or a flat fee, depending on what package you choose) spent coming up with the perfect plan for your room(s) and then, if applicable, executing that plan. You’ll pay 80% of my fee upfront before the process begins. If you elect to have me do your ordering, that is an additional labor fee, not a markup on each item; you’ll pay 80% of that fee up front, as well, plus 100% of the cost (including shipping) of the items ordered (or I give you the shopping list/links and you order them yourself). I try to be as transparent as possible, so there are no hidden “gotcha” factors in the pricing.

Where do you shop?

That depends on what your price point is, and what your tastes are. It’s not about MY style, it’s about what YOU like (and can afford). If you’re looking for high-end, luxury furniture (CB2, Crate+Barrel, Pottery Barn, Macy’s, Ethan Allen, Design Within Reach), that’s the type of furniture and decor I will use in my designs. But if you want a quick and simple makeover for a kids’ room, say, and you want it to cost as little as possible, I can source things from Wayfair, Amazon, even IKEA. I have found that almost every household item under the sun—every velvet chair, every table lamp, every tchotchke—has an expensive version, a ‘knockoff’ version that’s way more affordable, and several price points in between. What you choose will be dictated not only by your style and your budget, but by your expectations regarding the timelessness of the design and the durability of the pieces: do you want something to simply get you through the next couple of years before you move, or do you want a bedroom set that you can hand down to your grandkids? You dictate what level of “luxe” you want to have; I have no desire to outspend your comfort level!

Do you have a degree in Interior Design?

Nope! I don’t have any formal training in this (fun fact: most of the people on HGTV don’t, either). I’m self-taught, other than the training and experience I got building stage sets during college (hat tip to the amazing Simon Reynolds). It’s simply a passion of mine and one that I’m very good at and have been doing informally (without a website and an LLC) for over twenty years. After helping numerous friends with their home reno projects over the years and having them rave and recommend me to others, I decided to turn this into an actual business. I should mention, too, that this is a side hustle I do on the evenings and weekends - I have a very busy and demanding day job as a nonprofit CEO so I compartmentalize when I am available for each part of my life.