The first step for any design project is the initial consultation when I meet with you in your home to discuss your needs and establish the scope of work. The initial consultation is a good opportunity to get to know each other and talk about your goals, your creative vision and any specific requirements for your space. We will discuss your style and the way you live, your budget and project timeline. I will have a look at your space and discuss with you what works and what doesn’t and what changes you wish to make. I will explain to you the way I work, what to expect from the design process and the next steps to get the project started. I will also answer any questions you have.
While I may offer some ideas and tips for the best space layout, interior finishes or furniture and lighting choices, no design work, materials or furniture selections or re-arrangement of existing furniture will take place during the initial consultation. Good design takes time and effort, and an actual design is impossible to achieve in a 2 hours consultation. The initial consultation is an opportunity for me to understand your design needs, so I can create a custom design plan tailored to your requirements. And it is an opportunity for you to gain knowledge and guidance as to how to move forward with your plan.
Yes, my initial consultation is a 2 hours working meeting with you at your home. I provide design advice and inspiration with invaluable insight into your project. After the meeting, I prepare a detailed scope of works and a fee estimate.
It’s your space, so it should reflect your taste and the way you live. During the initial consultation, I’ll take time to find out about you as well as your style needs, aspirations and preferences.
While I’ll always respect your vision, I’ll also make suggestions to inform your choices. The design relationship is built on mutual trust and respect, and you should trust your designer’s vision to bring your décor dreams to life!
I charge for my time at an hourly rate. I estimate my hours required to complete each stage of your project based on your specific scope of works. Estimates are based on the time taken to complete similar tasks to yours.
Fees for my initial consultation, site review and each stage of concept, design and documentation are invoiced in advance.
Some tasks like client meetings, showroom visits and styling services are hard to estimate in advance. These services are charged at an hourly rate, invoiced in advance in 10 to 20 hour blocks depending on the size of the project.
All invoices for design fees are payable within 7 days. Payment for each design stage is required prior the commencement of that stage. Subsequent work may be suspended if the payment has not been received.
When ordering fixtures, fittings, furniture, etc. payment terms are set by the suppliers. Often, all stock orders require 50% deposit prior to order with the balance due prior to deliveries being scheduled. These terms can vary depending on the supplier.
Every project is different, and every project is quoted based on the specific scope of works. I’ll be able to provide an estimate design fee once I know your design needs and what works are required.
As a guide, I estimate the design fees to be 10-15% on top of the estimated renovation budget.
Yes, I can help you manage the financial aspects of your project from the initial budgeting to the final invoicing and order placements.
I’ll discuss your expectations at the start of your project and set a realistic timeline to best accommodate your needs. Every project is different, and how long it takes to complete depends on a few things such as your scope of works, budget, product availability and design and delivery process. If there are any custom made pieces involved or you are installing new flooring or made to order window treatments, you should expect the project to take longer.
For large design projects, allow 6-8 weeks from the initial consultation until the design concepts are presented, once your invoice for the design development stage is paid. This stage is labour intensive, since we get into the detail of your design scheme to bring your project to life. We refine the internal layouts, select the colours and specify key fixtures and finishes.
If your project involves both renovation and decoration, we often divide the project into 2 stages: one for the colours, fittings and finishes, and the other for furniture and decorative objects.
I can prepare floor plans, joinery designs, elevations and furniture placement. If required, 3D renders can be provided to show how the finished space will look. I can also produce electrical plans in consultation with the lighting designer.
All our designs are conceptual in nature, and it’s a responsibility of a builder or a relevant trade to check all the measurements and materials to ensure it’s built to code.
If you require construction drawings, we’ll need to engage an architect, a building designer or a structural engineer to complete them.
Yes, I have trusted tradespeople who I can recommend to work on your project. However, these trades are contracted directly by you, and not via Domi Interiors. This ensures that their insurance directly covers your property. As a result, all the payments would be invoiced directly to you by the relevant tradespeople.
Yes, I have access to trade and wholesale suppliers that are closed to the public. I can also take care of the ordering process and keep you informed about lead times and delivery. If I can’t find an item that fits the brief, I can arrange made-to-order, custom pieces and oversee the entire process.
Domi Interiors is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
I prefer email as my primary form of contact in addition to scheduled phone calls and face to face meetings. It means that all design related discussions are recorded and ready to be implemented.
I’m based in Burwood, Sydney’s inner west but can travel anywhere in Sydney. Please keep in mind that travel fees may apply for any jobs outside of 15km radius from Burwood.
Just leave your contact details and some information about your project and budget in the enquiry form and I’ll be in touch to discuss how I can help you with your design needs.