Question 1

Q: I have a remodeling project but I’m not sure if I need an interior designer or an architect?

Accepted Answer

A: This is a common question. Typically, an interior designer has the skills and professional education to design and draft new space plans — whether reconfiguring an existing interior space or adding square footage to a home — as well as develop lighting and electrical plans, select all interior finishes such as flooring, countertops, tile, paint colors, wall and window treatments, as well as specify plumbing, appliances, cabinetry and furnishings, to name a few. Note: If your project involves changing structural load-bearing walls, or adding square footage, an architect and/or structural engineer will need to be part of your team. They’ll provide the necessary drawings and structural calculations required by your local building department to ensure your safety and welfare, as well as pass building code inspections

Question 2

Q: My project only involves re-decorating my space, how does a professional interior designer’s skills differ from an in-store decorator at a local furniture, tile, or kitchen and bath showroom?"

Accepted Answer

A: Many times retail in-store decorators are primarily salespeople. They’ve had only a limited education in interior design and space planning, unlike professional interior designers who attend comprehensive, accredited 3-4 year interior design programs at colleges.
Typically, in-store decorators are not as well versed in scale, proportion, space planning, color theory and health and safety issues. Also, they’ll only offer you product selections from their featured lines. Professional interior designers have access to hundreds of trade-only vendors and manufacturer’s world wide. If you decide to use an in-store designer be sure to ask about their qualifications to determine if they’re the right match for your job.

Question 3

What Sets Studio A apart from other firms?

Accepted Answer

We are a full-service interior design firm committed to you. From the first meeting to the final execution, our team will always be on your side.

Our interior designers and project managers will answer your calls and messages immediately, so you feel supported and heard.

We’ll never compromise on the details needed for a smooth process and beautifully designed home.
When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a single designer trying to juggle it all—you get a full team of talented professionals, each bringing their own expertise and creativity to the table.

Transparency is so important to us that we don’t just tell you what you want to hear—we tell you what you need to hear. This honest approach helps set realistic expectations, which results in the best outcomes.

Question 4

Q: How do I prepare for my initial consultation with an interior designer?

Accepted Answer

A: In an effort to help us create a beautiful and functional space for you, we suggest developing a visual reference file of images or items that capture the feeling, colors, textures, and functionality of what you’re trying to achieve.
You can draw design inspiration from many sources such as fashion, art, sports, travel, books, music, stationary, etc. The images you show us don’t have to be pictures of interior spaces. Show us whatever tickles your fancy.
The more meaningful images you can show us the easier it will be for us to understand your preferences and design your unique environment. Have fun compiling your reference file knowing that it will be a valuable tool.
 
The second item that you must be prepared to discuss is your project budget.
Rather than approach your project from a standpoint of how much you think it will cost, we have found it more effective to give thoughtful consideration to what you’re comfortable investing in your project.
 
Once you have determined your project budget, we’ll work with you to determine how your money should be allocated as far as interior finishes, fixtures, furnishings, labor, etc., as well as offer suggestions on how to maximize your budget while producing an excellent result. Not disclosing your project budget from the beginning will only lead to an increase in delays in job completion, as well as create frustration as your designer may spend hours designing something beautiful, shopping for a unique piece of furniture, or bringing in qualified sub-contractors to bid work, only to be informed that it’s not within your budget and that re-selections need to be made which results in higher professional design fees. Solidify a budget you’re comfortable with before your initial consultation and you’ll feel in control of the process, save time and money and assist us in working more effectively.

Question 5

Q: What are the benefits of hiring an interior designer from Interior by Studio A, and how are their services billed?

Accepted Answer

A: Hiring an interior designer from Interior by Studio A is an investment in saving you time and ensuring that your project is executed professionally, cost-effectively, and to your satisfaction. Our award-winning firm in Florida offers an exclusive turn-key, one-stop shopping experience catering to all budgets. This comprehensive service streamlines the process, allowing for seamless interior design and remodeling tailored to your needs.

Regarding billing, there is no universal industry standard for how interior designers charge for their services. At Interior by Studio A, we utilize three common billing formats: Hourly, Flat Fee, or a combination of both, depending on the scope and specifics of your project. This flexible pricing ensures that you get the best possible service in a way that aligns with your budget and project requirements.

Question 6

Q: What is the sequence of phases that my design project will go thru?

Accepted Answer

A: If you have not worked with an interior designer previously the five phases your project will move through may be unfamiliar. As such, we have prepared a general outline of the Five Phases of Interior Design and what you can expect to happen during those periods.
Please note: not all of these activities will pertain to your job as defined by its scope of work. This will be reviewed at your first meeting.
Click here to read about the 5-Step Design Process.

Question 7

Q: What is Studio A Interior Design’s style?

Accepted Answer

A: We don’t subscribe to a just one particular design style such as modern, transitional or traditional. As creative professionals we enjoy working on a variety of project styles from elegant traditional kitchens, to soft-modern bathrooms, to mid-century family rooms, to name a few. This keeps business fresh and interesting. As such, we are always seeking out new artisans and vendors to help create new, custom pieces for you that complement your personalized style that we co-create with you.

Question 8

Q: I would like to re-design my home or office but I don’t have a lot of time to devote to the process, should I still hire a designer?"

Accepted Answer

A: Yes, most definitely, we’ll handle the shopping, ordering and delivery of finish materials, furnishings and fixtures, as well as coordinate and oversee the labor so you can spend more time enjoying family, friends, loved ones and outside activities.
We’ll bring selections to your home or office if you prefer not to go to design showrooms with us and try to make it as convenient as possible. All we ask in return is that you respect our professional time and communicate with us in a timely fashion so we can help you create your vision.

Question 9

Q: How does Interior by Studio A ensure that the design reflects my personal style and not just a cookie-cutter look?

Accepted Answer

A: At Interior by Studio A, we hear this concern frequently and take it very seriously. Rest assured, we have a unique assessment system designed to draw out what colors, textures, images, shapes, finishes, and feelings resonate with you. Your answers to our tailored assessment inform our design process every step of the way.

This personalized approach allows us to craft spaces completely unique to your personality, ensuring that your home or office is not a replica of any other.

Our favorite part of our job is helping you create a space that genuinely feels like yours, reflecting your distinct taste and lifestyle. This way, you receive a design that meets your aesthetic desires and feels like a true extension of yourself.

Question 10

Q: I am ready to start creating the home or office I’ve always envisioned. What’s my next step?"

Accepted Answer

A: We look forward to helping you achieve this goal. Please call or email our office to arrange your 20-minute Discovery call upon completion if we find that we are a good fit for each other.

We will then set up a time to visit your residence or office for a one-and-a-half-hour consultation to see your existing environment and review your aesthetic and functional needs.

We’ll ask you several detailed questions, photograph your current space, take measurements, and discuss your project budget and timeline. The fee for this consultation is $375.00, which will be credited back to you if you proceed to hire us to create your vision.

Question 11

Q: What if there is a labor problem or I am unhappy with an item delivered to my home or office?

Accepted Answer

A: Our business is based on referral so your complete satisfaction with the end result and the process getting there is our priority. If an issue arises, we’ll do everything in our professional capabilities to resolve it immediately and to your satisfaction. For further details, please see our Customer Service Policy.

Question 12

Q: What other services does Studio A Interior Design Group offer clients?

Accepted Answer

A: We want to save time you and give you peace of mind by acting as your “go to” resource for everything related to the design, as well as the care and maintenance of your home or private office. From rug cleaning to re-finishing floors and re-sealing countertops to removing junk, we will keep your home or office looking fabulous and functioning well.

Question 13

Q: Do you accept clients outside of the northern Florida area?

Accepted Answer

A: We offer a variety of ways to work with us if you live outside of the Northern Florida area. Our most popular are:
Instant Design Solutions Session  – an hour FaceTime or Skype call to support you and answer any questions you may have about your decorating or remodeling challenges. Whether you’re having trouble making decisions about paint colors, furniture styles, window treatments or tile, for example, we are just a phone call away to help you make the right decision, save time and avoid costly mistakes. Or, perhaps you need some remodeling or budgetary advice before hiring a contractor to start your project. We’re here to support you so you’ll feel informed and prepared before starting. Just upload your “Before” photos and give us a ring and you’ll be on your way to creating a fabulous space. Click here for more details. Last but not least is our On Location Design Solutions Session – My favorite! Send us a plane ticket and we’ll work with you on location to create a space you never want to leave. Just Click here to contact our office and let us know how we can help you take that next step in transforming your space.

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Residential & Commercial Turn-key Design Services | St. Augustine, FL

Have you considered bringing a designer onboard for your next project? Read below to see the advantages and why you should work with us!