Frequently asked questions
Design Scope Questions
Q: I want to renovate one room – can I hire you?
A: Though we wish we could work with everyone who wants our help, our current focus is larger projects, including whole home renovations and partial-home/multi-room renovations featuring kitchens and/or bathrooms. If you’re unsure, best to reach out to discuss.
Q: How much of the project do you design?
A: We are involved in all aspects of the design process. This includes space planning, interior partition plans, detailed elevations, electrical lighting plans, millwork design, trade drawings and finish schedules. In conjunction with the contractor, we also project manage the quoting, ordering and delivery of various products and materials.
Q: Can I hire you for design only
A: No – for a variety of reasons, we exclusively accept ‘start to finish’ projects that include product specifying and renovation oversight.
Q: Do you provide design services for Condos?
A: Yes we can! Living in downtown Toronto, it’s almost a guarantee that a large majority of homeowners will be living in condominiums and townhouses. With many older condos in need of renovations, we cater to many clients in this demographic.
Q: Will I be assigned one designer?
A: One of the advantages of working with us is that you get the benefit of two principal designers for the hourly price of one! We – Martin and Linnea – collaborate on all projects (and are better designers because of it). You may coordinate more closely with one of us but we are both very much on your design team.
Q: Do you provide commercial design?
A: Though residential design is our specific area of focus (and passion!) we do have experience in commercial design and are open to commercial design inquires.
Time, Travel and Location
Q: How much time should I allocate for design/planning for a renovation?
Its tough to know the exact amount of time needed to design your project since each project is dependent on the size, complexity and the client. However based on past projects and feedback from our clients, 2 to 3 months for smaller renovations and 4 to 6 months for larger projects. This gives us enough time to understand the scope of work, provide design concepts, select finishes, quote material and finalize drawings.
Q: What if I need more revisions?
Although the design process can involve many decisions, it is our job to help you narrow down your choices. Revisions generally mean big design changes that takes the project in a different direction. There are many small changes that occur over the course of the projects but these are general refinements which are normal.
Q: Are your services only available in Toronto?
A: We are happy to consider projects and work with clients across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. If your project is outside of Toronto, travel fees may apply. Please contact us if you would like to discuss.
Payment Questions
Do you offer a free consultations?
We offer a 20 min discovery call by phone. We can help answer questions regarding your project and can discuss how our services may benefit you.
Can you visit our home before committing to your design service?
We offer a 2hr consultation service
(See Consultation Services)
Do you offer discounts on your services?
Each design proposal takes into consideration the time and effort to create a quality design. Therefore we do not discount our design services.
What are your payment options?
We provide billing and invoices through electronic form. Payment options include cheques and email transfers. We offer various payment schedules depending on the scale and complexity of the project. Hourly Rates are billed on a monthly basis.
Why Choose Designstrom?
Why do I need a designer if I have a contractor, builder or architect?
When it comes to building a new home or adding an extension on a house, the kitchen, bathrooms and interior finishes are often the priority. In most cases contractors, builders and architects are not experts in that domain, therefore it’s recommended you meet with a designer who specializes in interior design.|
Do you provide a sample package of your work?
Yes we provide an example of both a project from initial conversation through to final presentation.
(See our Project Example)
What type of design software do you use?
Using AutoCAD as our main drafting tool, we use a combination of 2D and 3D as a way to explore space and form. We also use 3D models and add lighting and textures to create photorealistic renderings. For moodboards, we create coloured elevations to convey real products and materials.
Things that we don’t do
Site Surveys and BCIN Drawings
Although we measure and draft homes on a regular basis, we are not permitted to provide site surveys or BCIN drawings. These are specialized trades, which we would be happy to refer you to.
Exterior Landscape Design
Our expertise is primarily interors only. When exploring exterior options, we’d be happy to work with landscape architects when appropriate.