+ How long is the design phase?

Concepts and colour palette selection usually take 3-4 weeks. Depending on the scale of your project, allow 6-8 weeks for design development.

Design development lays the foundations for the whole project to run smoothly. We meticulously plan all elements in this design phase so we can present your floor plans, colours, finishes, fixtures and key furniture pieces, giving you a clear idea of what your completed home will look like. It’s an immensely detailed stage that assures the final result is a beautifully functional home you’re delighted to live in.

Timing is dictated by the final scope of your project. Small to medium size projects generally follow the timings below, while larger projects require more time in design development and documentation.

Indicative timing for each stage in our design process:

• Concept and colour 2-4 weeks
• Design development 8-12 weeks
• Documentation 2-3 weeks

+ Do you charge for the first consultation?

Yes, the initial consultation is a working meeting. We don’t hold back on design advice, discuss the project in detail and we give our expert perspective on the spot.

Following our meeting, we provide a detailed scope of works with next steps, ensuring we have a clear action list to move forward. The initial consultation fee is $1000 + GST.

+ Do both my partner and I need to be involved?

Ideally, both you and your partner will attend our initial consultation and be involved in the decision making, communication, budget allocation and discussions to follow.

Interior design plays a significant role in how you use, enjoy and feel in your home. Your contribution to the design process from day one results in a better outcome that meets the needs of everyone who lives in your home.

+ Can we live at home while renovating?

In some situations, it is possible, but we don’t advise it.

We recommend you discuss the practicalities of living at home through the renovation with your builder.

Some builders won’t commence your project unless the house is vacant and may not be able to work while you are living there because of their insurance restrictions. Other builders may be able to carry out your renovation while you remain at home and will do their best to make you comfortable during the build.

Choosing to live at home during construction may affect your building timeline and budget.

Any major house updates create dust, mess, noise and will impact your family routine and lifestyle. If you can stay somewhere else while the work is happening, it will be an easier, more relaxed experience for you.

+ How do you charge?

Fees for your initial consultation, site review, and estimated costs for your concept, design and documentation stages are invoiced in advance.

We charge an hourly rate, estimating the hours required to complete each stage as part of the quoting process. Estimates are based on the time taken for projects similar to yours.

Some tasks like client meetings, site visits, showroom visits and installation/styling services, are hard to estimate in advance. These items are charged at an hourly rate.

+ How much budget should I allocate to interior design?

Each project is quoted based on your specific scope of works. We can give you an indication of our design fees once we have seen your project and know what work is required.

As a guide, we would estimate design fees to be 10-15% on top of the estimated renovation budget.

+ What kind of documentation do you provide?

We provide detailed schedules for the trades outlining the application of all colour choices, finishes, fixtures and fittings.

We complete floor plans and elevations for your kitchen, bathrooms and other joinery designs, as well as furniture and decorative lighting placement. We produce 3D renders for key areas to show how your new rooms will look. We can also complete electrical plans.

All our drawings are to scale however are conceptual in nature. It is the responsibility of your contracted builder and trades to check measure all dimensions and materials and to ensure that all work is built to code.

If you require construction drawings, particularly relating to structural changes, we would need to engage an architect, building designer and/or engineer.

+ Do you have a preferred builder or specific trades?

We don’t have a preferred builder, however we have a number of builders and tradespeople we work with on a regular basis. We find that projects run smoothly when we are able to bring in a team we have worked with in the past. Depending on the scope of your project we will recommend the builder we feel is the right fit.

Renovating can be stressful, and it’s important you engage trades you feel you can work with. We have a collaborative approach and are happy to work with the build team you appoint.

+ Do you project manage the build?

Once you have engaged a builder for your renovation, they are responsible for the site, and all the trades. Your builder is the project manager.

We undertake design management at this stage, ensuring the design details are executed, and advising on any variations. We make regular site visits to check progress, however the responsibility for the build time frames and the execution of plans sits with your appointed builder.

+ How are builders/trades paid?

Your preferred builder/trades are contracted directly by you, not via Annie Bowen Design. This ensures that their insurance directly covers your property. As a result, they will invoice you directly.

+ Do I get access to trade pricing?

Yes, Annie Bowen Design receives varying trade discounts from suppliers. Some are extremely small businesses with small margins. Others are able to provide a larger discount.

We share discounts with our clients and our margins are outlined in our terms and conditions, provided should you decide to engage us for your project.

+ What are your payment terms?

All invoices for design fees are due within 7 days.

We are a team juggling a number of projects at one time. Everyone in the team is paid on time for the work they have done.

Clients who don’t pay on time unfortunately cause delay to their own projects. We are not able to continue work on projects that have invoices outstanding.

When ordering fixtures, fittings, furniture, etc, payment terms are set by the suppliers. Usually, you will need to pay a 50% deposit to confirm your order, with the balance due prior to delivery. These terms can vary, depending on the supplier.

+ What are your office hours?

We are generally available for site meetings and phone conversations between 8.00am – 5.00pm Monday – Friday.

+ How should we communicate with you?

As well as scheduled phone calls, Zoom calls and face to face meetings, we encourage email communication to document all design decisions and details.

+ What happens if the unexpected happens?

Don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for. It’s also why we follow our trusted process, so we can minimise the chance of anything going wrong.

Renovations rely on many moving parts – a delay or problem in one area can affect all others. Things can become stressful but good communication can help overcome most obstacles and get your project back on track.

Together with your builder and trades, we’re part of the one team with the same goal of creating a beautiful home for you to enjoy.