Frequently
Asked
Questions

We work hard to have the design process be educational, fun, and as seamless as possible. The amount of decisions to make and logistics to manage can be overwhelming, so we break down each step into phases and work with you closely to create and implement your design concept. Sharing a similar design style as ours will enhance the experience, as will understanding that the design process has many layers, requires a collaborative effort, and takes time.

This truly depends on your design project scope, style, and taste. For residential interior architecture and design with mid-range products, estimate about 3% - 7% of your home's value per room. When budgeting for construction, costs ​should be estimated between $300 - $450 per square foot. Commercial costs for both interior architecture and design can average 15% to 20% higher than residential costs. To achieve the L. Ramsey Designs look, the cost per space excluding design fees can range anywhere from $2,000 to $25,000+.

Increasing the scope is not a problem. You will be sent an amended Agreement outlining the additional work and estimated cost for review and approval prior to us beginning the newly requested work.

These professionals all operate within interior spaces, each with a distinct focus:

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Interior Decorators concentrate on aesthetic aspects, choosing color schemes, furnishings, accessories, and other visual details.

Interior Designers extend their services to space planning and selecting finishes, fixtures, equipment, lighting, and cabinetry. They also collaborate with architects, general contractors, and trade experts to manage every facet of a design project - including budgeting, scheduling, and drafting user-friendly construction drawings.

Interior Architects and Designers offer the same services as interior decorators and designers, but have advanced technical training in material applications, site planning and drafting construction drawings, and mechanical (HVAC) and structural (non-load bearing) systems - specifically as they relate to efficiency, layout, and adherence to building and safety codes.

​We’re happy to help you get your project back on track. Please reach out so we can discuss your current needs, including any adjustments to timelines, budgets, or scope. We’ll also help you assess whether bringing in a dedicated project manager is the right step to move forward smoothly and bring your vision to completion.

Residential design prioritizes the individual’s comfort and personal style, while commercial design caters to the needs of businesses, organizations, and public areas, aligning with specific goals and the customer experience.

Commercial projects must comply with more stringent building codes and regulations, often leading to the use of costlier materials and methods. These projects tend to be larger in scale and broader in scope, featuring complex design elements and infrastructure to support heavy usage and multifunctionality. Incorporating advanced technology and specialized equipment is typically necessary, along with branding that reflects the company’s image. The complexity of commercial design processes also demands the skills of specialized designers and consultants, further contributing to the higher costs involved.

While we don't employ contractors, we have several we work with and are happy to recommend for your project.

The project timeline depends on the scope of the project, expediency of communication, and the type of products. Typically, interior architecture and design projects can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 2 months. For construction, the timeline can range anywhere from 2 to 12 months.

For fixed-rate packages, your cost will typically not change unless you decide to add additional services. For all other pricing, we provide an estimated cost for each step in the design process. Additional costs such as change orders, storage, shipping, installation, or unexpected labor can occur. You will be notified in advance of any such additional costs and asked to approve them prior to moving forward. We recommend allocating a 10%–15% contingency within your budget to account for unexpected expenses.

Yes, all our design packages include a shopping list based on the items featured in your design concept. We take care of all the purchasing for Hybrid and Full-Service packages, and for eDesign packages you get to shop independently from your list containing links directly to vendor sites.

We suggest purchasing merchandise from all types of vendors, from retail to exclusive to-the-trade only. Each item in your design concept is carefully chosen to align with your budget, vision, and aesthetic preferences.

Please bring any merchandise purchasing issues to our attention immediately. If we are handling purchasing on your behalf, we will take care of the issue. If you purchased the item from your list independently, we will be happy to discuss your concerns and work with you toward finding the right solution with the vendor.

Some vendors offer exclusive pricing of merchandise when purchased directly through design professionals.

Discount amounts vary per vendor and can range from 10% to 50% or more off the retail price. When these discounts are available you will be notified prior to purchases being made.

Construction documents are conceptual working drawings of a design concept that you, in conjunction with your architect, builder or engineer, may use as the basis for building plans (they are not suitable for use as direct building plans). They may include any of the following:

2-D floor plans showing furniture, equipment, partition(s), window and door locations, dimensions

Elevation Drawings showing wall width, length and height

Sectional Drawings showing the interior features of items as if sliced along an imaginary plane

Limited Lighting Plans that, layered with a 2-D floor plan, show light fixture specifications and suggested locations of fixtures, switches, and outlets

Door and Window Schedules listing material specifications and dimensions

Finish Schedules listing the material specifications for interior ceilings, walls, and floors.

Your first payment is due immediately upon signing your Agreement.

Additional payments are due within 5 days of receiving your invoice. ​​​​​