How does it work?
Get in touch!
The first step is to get in touch via phone or email to discuss your project and establish a few details like:
- Size of the project – one room, an entire home, a new build or an existing structure?
- Approximate size in square meters
- Your timeline for the project
- An estimate of your budget or what you are comfortable with investing in your project
The next step is to set up a 45 minute consultation in your home or business in the Berlin or Potsdam area to assess the space and discuss your design goals and challenges. I will take some photographs and notes and then send a quote or estimate for the project within one week.
This initial consultation is free of charge.
Working out the details, budget and concept development
After we’ve agreed upon the quote or estimate and established your budget, the designing and concept development begins! Together we will work to create a beautiful design plan that reflects your style, needs and budget.
Design Concept presentation
This where we look at the design and make any changes.
Sourcing
Once all elements of the design have been agreed upon, the items and tradespeople are sourced and quotes are tendered for the work. Once this stage has been evaluated and agreed upon, the work begins and things start to take shape!.
Project Management
Throughout the process, the work will be checked and supervised to make sure the right items are being delivered and installed and everything is being done correctly and on time. Any changes during the process will be approved by the client before continuing.
Your new space
Once everything is finished I hope you will love your new space and enjoy it for years to come!
Why do I need an Interior Designer?
Having a well thought out and detailed plan is the best way to begin any project.
Interior design is a cost and time saving investment not only in aesthetics, but in your home, lifestyle or business. A designer can help you increase the value of your home or business, create beautiful and well thought out rooms and avoid costly design mistakes.
It’s not just about beautiful rooms! The right design can help improve function and well being through improved layout, lighting, furniture, acoustics and much more.
An experienced designer will work with you to create a beautiful design plan that reflects your style, needs and budget by showing you how to make the most of your space.
When do I need an Interior Designer?
The earlier, the better! An experienced designer can help during any stage of a project but the sooner you have a well thought out plan in place, the better the overall results in terms of design, time and cost saving.
One important example is the lighting and electrical plans which are greatly influenced by the furniture layout.
A designer can help you at the beginning of a project to develop a unique design concept and plan that you implement yourself or see the project through to completion.
How much will it cost?
Every project is different and unique and the design fee is based on the size and complexity of each project.
How do you charge?
Depending on the size and scope of the project, either a flat fee, an hourly fee of 80€ or a percentage based on the cost of the project. The best fee schedule for you and your project will be worked out with you and agreed upon at the beginning of the project.
Covered in the design fees are responsibilities such as:
- Concept development involving client consultation, space planning, lighting, selections of products, materials and colours
- Researching sources
- Preparation of estimates
- Coordination with trades, installers and other third party providers
- Continuing contact and consultation with the client
- Project management
- Documentation
- Site supervision
How should I prepare for our first meeting or design consultation?
The best way to prepare is to collect a few images that show styles, colours, layouts and designs that you like. It doesn’t have to be an interior design image, it could be inspiration taken from any source. Pinterest boards, houzz idea books or images in magazines are just a few examples.
Think about your design goals, challenges and needs – any technical issues such as acoustics or lighting that are particularly important?
What is your time frame?
It is also important to be realistic about and communicate your budget even if it is only an estimate. Without this knowledge, the designer doesn’t have a starting point and might spend time creating something that’s not within the budget, which could result in unnecessary fees.
An investment in your interior design can bring many benefits. Consider what amount of investment you are comfortable with.
How long will the project take?
Depending on the size and complexity of the project and how quickly all decisions are made and agreed upon, anywhere from three to four months up to one year.
A purely decorating project can take less time. When requiring only furniture, fixtures, equipment, painting and/or wall coverings, this can be done in as little as four to six weeks providing all decisions are made quickly and items are in stock or have short delivery times.
Do you design custom furniture?
Yes. When the right piece for a project cannot be found, I can offer custom designed furniture for the space, working with experienced craftspeople in Berlin and Brandenburg.
I am moving to Berlin for a new job and need my new home set up quickly. Can you help me?
Yes and welcome to Berlin!
At Christine White Design I can plan and help set up your new home so you can get the most out of your experience in Berlin.
Whether it’s a Two Hour Custom Design Consultation to help you reach your design goals yourself or planning and arranging delivery and setup of furniture all the way to a turnkey solution of a fully furnished and ready to go home, we can help with your project.
Please contact me to arrange a call to discuss your project.
Do we have to use the tradespeople you know or will you work with others that we recommend?
I have a network of trusted professionals that I’ve worked with over the years but I’m also happy to work with tradespeople you’ve recommended.
* Please note: Clients are responsible for engaging in additional contracts with each trade.
