Why do I need an Interior Designer if I already have an architect?

Nicole is trained as an architect. In a perfect world, all projects have a qualified architect and general contractor as well as an interior designer. The perfect trifecta. To answer the question, an architect is a master coordinator. They are making sure pipes don't crash into ducts, that everything meets code and your home doesn't fall down. While most are fully capable of doing a furniture layout and specifying materials and finishes, this is not their forte. An interior designer taps into the needs and desires of a client in a way that's completely different from an architect.

Do you work with subcontractors or do I need to find my own?

We have plenty of resources. No need to find your own. We also offer a design/build service. This means that you will get a price for the design and construction in one proposal. The benefit to design/build service is to home in on costs at the outset of a project. We also provide a very high level of construction management for your project.

What should I know before contacting an Interior Designer?

Most importantly, you should know what it is you need help with. You should also have a good idea of your budget and timeline. A great tip is to have your priorities in order. What is most important to you? Quality of furniture, turn-a-round time, or budget?

Do I have to use a designer's services for everything, or just as needed?

While we have worked with clients who wanted to run their own jobs and work with us in a different capacity, we don't recommend it. There is a higher level of control and a better outcome that comes from having our team of professionals overseeing everything.

Why Hire an Interior Designer?

To get it right and to eliminate stress. Designers bring your vision for your home to life. Additionally, we manage and oversee the many details that only a trained professional can foresee. We also manage mishaps. Yes, mishaps. Every project has them, both on site and off-in the production of custom furniture. At Burlock, It is our duty to our clients to fix things as expeditiously as possible.

How do you charge for your services?

We primarily work on a flat fee based on a clearly outlined project scope. This allows our clients to be clear on what they are spending right from the get-go.

How do you work?

All designers work differently. First, and foremost, we want to make sure we are the right firm for you. Our services are highly custom and we will be spending a lot of time together. It is important to know that our personalities mesh as well as our styles. We recommend looking at our portfolio and reading through our About page. If this all sounds good, give us a call. We would love to hear from you! We will ask you for some basic information about yourself and your project. We will explain our process and follow up with a document that prepares you for our first meeting and walks you through our process.

What size projects does Burlock accept? Can I start with one room?

Yes, one room is a great place to start! Depending on room size, we generally work with clients who have budgets that start at $15k. If you're looking to spend less, we recommend our E-Decorating service. This will allow you to tap our brain while you do the legwork.

Do you charge for your first meeting and what can I expect from it?

Yes, our first meeting is $100 plus tax. It generally lasts an hour to an hour and a half. This is mostly a chance for us to get to know each other. We will also share information and any initial ideas we have for your project. We will go over process and answer any questions you may have.

I have been hearing a lot about "green design". What does that mean and do you offer that service?

We absolutely offer this service. Green design, in short, is about making better choices for yourself and the environment. How far you want to go to protect these two things, is up to you. It can range from infrastructure, the systems installed behind the walls of your home, all the way over to the finishes, fixtures and furniture we choose.

We are thinking of remodeling our house. When should we call an Interior Designer?

As soon as possible. We want to make sure that everything is perfect, from selecting the right finishes down to the location of your outlets. We want to team up with your contractor and jump on furniture layout immediately. We know it sounds a little backwards, but we've run into more than one occasion where the space can't accommodate the client's needs or they have no where to put their flat screen TV. This makes us sad. We also address budget right away. Having this information immediately, will allow you to plan better.