What is Remote Design?

E-Design is the modern world's answer to Interior Design. We can accomplish so much in a virtual realm. Why not add home decorating and design too? An e-Designer never comes to your home. She won't ever pick up your furniture and rearrange your books. Rather, e-Designers are Interior Designers, Decorators, and Stylists who present a design without ever shaking your hand. They work from the information you give them to create a digital copy of a room design. Typically, these are flat-fee services but can be provided on demand too. 

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How can we re-design A property without seeing it or meeting you personally?

The advances of technology over the last decade have made it so much easier for interior designers to work with clients remotely. Times are changing and so is the way interior design services are carried out.  To allow me to accurately understand your budget, space, needs and the look you want to achieve, I will ask that you to answer a few questions, provide a rough sketch of the room measurements and photos.  I welcome inspiration photos you’ve found online as well - (it helps me to get to know you and your style preferences faster).  The more information you send the better.

 

What are the benefits of working with a remote designer?

It might feel like you're missing a big chunk of the design process if you opt for an remote designer over a standard Interior Designer. No one is coming to your house to show you exactly how to place things just so. I can see how this could make a client feel like they're not going to get the full-service they require for a beautiful space. As an e-Designer, I actually love working with eDesign clients because I am not just providing the design service, I'm actually TEACHING THEM how to do these things for themselves. It requires practice to get good at something and designers get plenty of that! You are learning how to design a room so next time, you won’t have to turn to someone else to help you make decorating decisions. The most glaring benefit is COST - remote design is considerably cheaper than a face to face consultation.

This doesn't mean you're getting a lesser quality design. It simply means that you're not paying for all of the foot work.

Think about it - the most time-consuming part of the full service design process is driving around, picking up materials, liaising with contractors  and unpacking products. The actual design process is about 1/3 of the time spent "on the job" for the majority of full service designers. Why pay for something you can do yourself? 
Considering that you're not paying for all that footwork, you're paying less. Sometimes, substantially less.

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So how much does remote design cost?

From my own benchmarking research, I have learned that the majority of e-Designers charge around $1,000 - $1,200 per room for their designs. Compared to a traditional designer, who might spend a year or more on your project (therefore requiring a lot more money to sustain their business), you're saving a lot of money.

This is amazing to me because it means the average family can now afford professional Interior Design services!  If you contact me, I am happy to discuss my design fees with you in detail and present the options in my design on demand menu.

Location, location, location...

I can work with clients who live literally anywhere! Got a townhouse in Timbuktu? As long as you have an internet connection and access to a few basic apps we're good to do business. The best benefit of this feature? I get to work with clients who share a similar aesthetic and my clients get a formally qualified, award winning designer who isn't just dedicated to the local decor and who has well over 20 years in the industry. It's a win win!

 

What about 'bargain' design services?

What about those design services for $69? Those aren’t DESIGN services. Those are affiliate link mills. They exist to sell you products from specific brands and they make money off the commission from those sales. You get what you pay for. If you only have $69 to spend on a designer, you’re going to get $69 worth of a designer’s time.

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I really need help with my kitchen or bathroom. Can we do this remotely?

Is e-Design only for living rooms and bedrooms? No.....any room can be given the e-designer treatment. I've done bathrooms, kitchens, offices, laundry's, playrooms...whole houses.  Exteriors are all included as a part of the services too. 

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Can you tell me more about the process?

You have to be willing to put a little effort into the project yourself. I'm not asking you to know your style but I can help to identify what works for you and get to know you to the point that I can work closely with you on the design. 

I don't expect you to have a full range of knowledge of Interior Design to work with me. That's my job, after all. But there are items I need from you to move forward with the design. Remote design services are prepaid and invoices are sent once your scope is established and all work carried out must remain in advance as we progress.

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Can some of my existing furniture & decor be incorporated into the design?

Absolutely! I understand and expect that most projects require me to incorporate my clients own purchases and special finds. This is the hallmark of providing personalized and affordable interior makeovers. Experienced designers can make appropriate suggestions for your existing furniture and decor.

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Do you work within my budget?

Absolutely! I can work within just about any budget. That said, my ability to create a dramatic transformation will be determined by what you’ve set aside for the project.  Of course, if you want items from designer vendors only, expect to spend a little more, and alternatively, if you want items from retail vendors only, expect to spend a little less. No matter your budget, your plan may include items such as a new rug, piece(s) of upholstery, occasional tables, lighting, window treatments and wall décor.....be realistic.

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Will you make changes to my plan if I don’t like something you’ve selected?

If we’ve missed the mark on an item or two, of course you can send us your thoughts and we will provide  

re-selections at no charge.

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Once I have my plan, how am I able to ask follow-up questions?

After the receipt of your final design presentation and included re-selection (limit three items per plan), our obligations to one another for that phase of your project are fulfilled.  However, if you do have additional questions we offer on tap consultation if you need ongoing help - this allows you to tap into the designers knowledge any time, for any reason and is charged in addition to your original package at an hourly rate.

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What happens if I wait to purchase an item, and then it’s no longer available?

If something becomes discontinued you can always shop for a similar item but we recommend that before purchasing our service, you wait until you are financially ready to implement the design. The world of manufactured goods is a rapidly changing one, and there are no guarantees that the item specified today will be available six months from now so a speedy implementation is recommended and encouraged.

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Can I purchase a “Remote Interior design package” as a gift?

Definitely!  Our remote design packages are fabulous housewarming, newlywed gifts, and much more. Just get in touch and we'll get the ball rolling. The voucher can be emailed to you within 24 hours.