Q: WHAT IS THE NATURE OF THE FIRM?
A: The Design Firm was founded with the goal of assisting clients in all aspects of the architectural, interior design and construction process from plans to furnishings. We strive to create a seamless process offering services that will help you complete your project from beginning to end.

Q: DO YOU ONLY WORK WITH CLIENTS WISHING TO REMODEL?
A: We do offer our services to those who wish to remodel, such as kitchens and baths, but that is not all. We provide a full array of design and consturction services . If you want to focus on anything from one room to an entire house, The Design Firm can accommodate your needs. Our Interior Design team can assist you in selecting finishes and materials such as flooring and faucets. Likewise, our Remodeling and Construction personnel can create new additions and rooms, such as 3 season porches and finished basements. We can also help you design and select window treatments, custom furniture, and cabinetry for your home or business. When our clients are looking to create a custom addition or renovation from the ground up, our architectural and general contracting services are there to execute the project successfully.

Q: DO YOU PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES?
A: Yes, we can complete residential projects up to 6000 s/f. and we have the ability to design and execute for offices, small restaurants, and retail spaces.

Q: ONCE I SIGN A CONTACT, HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO BEGIN WORK?
A: We can start the design process usually within a day or two after an agreement is finalized. The design process and material selection can take quite a bit of time depending on the scope of the project, so the sooner we start the better it is for you.

Q: WHO WILL TAKE CARE OF SECURING PERMITS FOR MORE INVOLVED STRUCTURAL PROJECTS?
A: We will assist you in the process. It is ultimately your responsibility to pay for the permits and all related fees, but we can help by preparing the paperwork required on our end and guide you through the rest. Building permits require an architect’s drawings, various plans, and other documentation. All of these items must be submitted by an expediter. We can do this on your behalf and oversee the process, or you may do it on your own if you prefer.

Q: HOW CAN I MAKE SURE THAT MY COLOR SCHEME WILL BE CURRENT?
A: Ask our designer team about the Color Marketing Group. Every year an international group of furniture, automotive, appliance and clothing designers meet to choose the colors for the year. They predict which colors will be gaining in long-term popularity and which will be declining. This is based on such diverse factors as the political situations, popular movies, the environment and exotic locations. They are not well known outside of the design world, but they do play an important part in the color choices that are available to you.

Q: I LIKE TO MAKE MY OWN FURNITURE CHOICES, BUT I AM TOO BUSY TO SHOP AROUND AND FIND UNIQUE THINGS. WHO WILL HELP ME?
A: The Design Firm likes to work as a partner with their clients. Every one of the firm's designs reflects the lifestyle of the people that live and work there. The firm listens to your design needs, helps you determine what you want and does the preliminary scouting for you. We then show you the choice selections that will complete the perfect space for your home. This will allow you to make furniture and accessory choices at your convenience.

Q: DO I HAVE TO PURCHASE MY FURNISHINGS, MATERIALS, AND FINISHES THROUGH THE DESIGN FIRM?
A: It is not required that you purchase through us, however we do receive trade discounts from many sources and are happy to pass on the savings to you. Structural materials such as lumber, windows, doors, and items such as faucets, tile, and lighting are can be purchased through The Design Firm. The Firm has established working relationships with various local sources, and we can suggest which of our resources best fit your project. However, you are not required in any way to work with our sources.

Q: HOW ARE FEE DETERMINED?
A: The Design Firm charges an hourly rate for design services, and offers packages for larger more involved construction projects. We try and customize our services to fit our individual clients’ needs. Please contact us for an appointment.

Q: WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO REQUEST A CHANGE DURING CONSTRUCTION?
A: The greatest benefit of The Design Firm is the ability for an customer to make a change without slowing down the schedule. If a change is needed, the client meets with the project manager to discuss the best options for the change. The request for change is logged as a contemplated change. The project manager notifies the architect for additional drawings if needed and prepares cost estimates. A change order is submitted to the customer. If accepted by signature, the change is logged and added to the contract.

Q: WHAT IS THE PROCESS AT THE COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT?
A: We will get the project "substantially complete" and then will conduct our own punch list process to correct any defects or incomplete items. Then, we will have the client walk through the building to identify any other areas of the building that need changing or correction. These items are logged, and corrected. Upon final completion, The Design Firm offers a standard industry one-year warranty from the date of final completion.