Straight answers to the questions I hear most
Cost, process, contractors and where I work, answered plainly. If yours isn’t here, ask me on a free 15-minute call.
Where do I start?
The first questions, usually asked right before someone books a call.
Do I need to know which service I want?
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No. That’s what the free discovery call is for. Most people start by describing what isn’t working, and we work out the right fit together.
Is my project too small?
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No. There’s no minimum project size. Some clients start with one room or a tricky corner, others with a whole-home renovation or new build.
Should I hire a designer or a contractor first?
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Designer first. A finished design gives your contractor something exact to price and build, which keeps quotes comparable and surprises rare.
When is the right time to bring in a designer?
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As early as you can, ideally before you collect quotes or order anything. The earlier the design is set, the more options you have and the less you pay to change course later.
What happens on the discovery call?
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We spend 15 minutes on your space, your goals and the right next step. It’s free, there’s no pitch, and if I’m not the right fit, I’ll tell you. Book a call →
What will it cost?
Every project is quoted in writing before any work starts. Here’s how that works.
How much does an interior designer cost in Vancouver?
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It depends on the scope, so every project is quoted in writing before we start. The biggest factors are how many rooms are involved, how much is custom (kitchens, millwork, built-ins) and how much support you want during the build. For a full breakdown, read How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost in Vancouver?
How is the fee set?
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The discovery call is free and the Home Consultation is a flat fee. About two working days after your consultation, you get a written proposal covering the scope, the timeline and the fee, so you know exactly what you’re getting before anything is confirmed.
Can I work with a designer on a smaller budget?
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Yes. A Home Consultation or E-Design gives you a clear direction without full-service fees, and a good plan often saves more than it costs by avoiding the wrong layout, the wrong order or a redo.
Will there be surprise costs?
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No. The fee, the scope and any travel beyond 10 km are all set out in writing before work starts. Support during construction is billed hourly, and you’ll know that up front too.
How pricing actually works
No prices on a website can fit every home. What you can count on is knowing exactly what you’ll pay before you commit.
How does it work?
What working together actually looks like, from first visit to build.
What does working with you look like?
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It starts with a Home Consultation. From there, I design the space with drawings and 3D renderings, you review and refine it, and you get a complete design package your contractor can price and build from.
Will I see the design before it’s built?
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Yes. You see your space in 3D renderings first, so changes happen on screen, not on site, where they cost the most.
How long does the design take?
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Roughly: one room takes about 4 weeks, a kitchen or bathroom 8 to 12 weeks, and a whole-home renovation or new build about 12 weeks to a finished design package. E-Design runs about 2 to 3 weeks per room. Your proposal confirms the timeline for your project.
How involved do I need to be?
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As involved as you want to be. Some clients want to weigh in on every finish; others want a clear recommendation and a yes or no. We set the pace together.
Why are most of your images renderings?
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Because the design is what I deliver. Many clients build on their own timeline, so I show the plan itself. Each project is marked Concept while it’s a plan, and Lived in once it’s finished.
Do you use AI in your designs?
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Only for one step, at the very end. Every layout, finish and piece of millwork is designed by me in SketchUp. Once the design is done, I use an AI rendering tool to turn my SketchUp model into a more photorealistic concept image, so you can picture the room in real light. It doesn’t make design decisions, pick finishes or add anything I didn’t design. What you see is my work, just rendered.
Do you come to me?
In person across Vancouver and the Island. Everywhere else, E-Design.
Do you work outside Vancouver?
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Yes. Vancouver, the North Shore, Burnaby and Vancouver Island are in person. Richmond, the Fraser Valley, the Sea-to-Sky and the rest of Canada are E-Design: the same process and design package, delivered remotely.
Do you charge for travel?
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Not within 10 km of my Vancouver studio or my mid-Island base. Beyond that, travel is quoted up front, so it’s never a surprise.
Can I visit the studio?
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Yes, by appointment. The Kitsilano Studio is at 1734 W 3rd Ave, Vancouver. More about the Vancouver studio →
What is E-Design?
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Remote interior design. We meet over video, you send photos and measurements, and you get the same drawings, renderings and sourcing list, ready for your local trades. How E-Design works →
Who builds it?
Your contractor builds it. I make sure they have everything they need.
Can I use my own contractor?
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Yes. The drawings and design package are made for your trades to price and build from, and I talk directly with your contractor or cabinetmaker when it helps.
Do you manage construction?
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No. Your contractor runs the build. I stay available throughout, with support billed hourly, for site questions, changes and the decisions that come up along the way.
Who handles permits?
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Your contractor. Once your design is final, I work with your contractor as they take it through pricing, permits and the build.
Do I start from scratch?
Short answer: no. Good design works with what you already love.
Do I have to replace all my furniture?
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No. We keep the pieces that matter to you and design around them. A home should feel lived-in, not like a showroom.
Can you just furnish a room?
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Yes. Furnishing Packages cover a whole home (The Full Hous), one room (The Solo) or a small space like an entry or office (The Mini). See Furnishing Packages →
Can I start small and add more later?
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Yes. Many clients start with a consultation or one room, then come back for the next space when they’re ready.
Didn’t see your question?
Send a few details about your home and the days that suit you. I’ll reply with times within one business day.