Frequently Asked
Questions

What is your hourly rate?

As a Senior Interior Designer, Lydia Underwood’s rate is $150 per hour, rounded to the nearest quarter hour.

Are your contracts based on the hourly rate or a fixed fee?

We offer both options! Contracts based on the hourly rate have the advantage of an unlimited scope, and they are billed in advance (drawn from a retainer). Fixed fee contracts have a clearly defined scope and payment schedule.

What if I only need some design services and not others?

No problem! Our services are fully customizable to fit the needs of your project and your budget. As we go through the custom quote process, the applicable contract(s) will be customized to fit your individual needs. Since our services fall into two categories, we have two types of contracts:

1. Agreement for Construction Design Services which includes architectural drawings and finish specifications (as well as consulting). It can be either hourly or a fixed fee.

2. Agreement for FF&A Design Services which includes furniture and accessories selections and procurement (as well as consulting). The selections can either be hourly or a fixed fee, but our procurement fee is a fixed fee based on the industry standard of 20% of the total budget.

What is the difference between an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator?

It is so common to confuse designers and decorators that most people don’t even realize there is a difference. There are Interior Designers, Interior Decorators, Interior Architects, Interior Stylists, and Stagers. What do they do and how do you know which one you need? You will find helpful descriptions here.

Do you provide styling, decorating, or staging services?

We do not, but we can send you recommendations for those who do!