​01 Why hire an interior designer?
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"When you hire an interior designer, you get the benefit of an experienced professional who can solve problems, help you avoid costly mistakes and, most importantly, create a space designed specifically to meet your needs....Whether new construction or remodeling, a design project involves numerous choices and decisions. You want someone knowledgeable and experienced to advise you and make everything come out just right. Someone you can trust to listen to your ideas, understand your needs and help realize your vision. You want a professional."

Source:  "Selecting a Designer". ASID (American Society of Interior Designers)
​02 What is the difference between an interior designer and interior decorator?
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"Many people use the terms "interior design" and "interior decorating" interchangeably, but these professions differ in critical ways.
Interior design is the art and science of understanding people's behavior to create functional spaces within a building. Decoration is the furnishing or adorning of a space with fashionable or beautiful things. In short, interior designers may decorate, but decorators do not design."

Source: "Differences Between Interior Design & Decorating". NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualifications)
​04 How do you charge for your services?
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Our fee is developed on a project-by-project basis using one of the following fee structures: 1) Fixed fee (or flat fee) 2) Hourly fee 3) Percentage of project fee 4) Cost plus 5) Per square foot, plus reimbursable expenses. To read the definition of each of these types, please visit ASID' article "How Interior Designers Charge for Their Services".
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A fee proposal is developed following an initial, complimentary meeting to visit the site, meet the client, and establish the scope of services, and determine if we are good fit for the job. Actual design work does not commence until after an agreement is signed.
​05 What is your furniture mark-up? Can I save money buying the furniture myself? Do you share your designer discount?
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CIRCLE Design Studio is not a retailer but we do have discounts to select suppliers.
​03 What is a Certified Interior Designer (CID)?
In Virginia, “‘Interior design by a certified interior designer means any service rendered wherein the principles and methodology of interior design are applied in connection with the identification, research, and creative solution of problems pertaining to the function and quality of the interior environment. Such services relative to interior spaces shall include the preparation of documents for nonload-bearing interior construction, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment in order to enhance and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public....No one may call himself a certified interior designer without obtaining a valid interior designer certificate from the APELSCIDLA Board"
Source: "Background of Board & Regulants: Interior Designers". Virginia DPOR. APELSCIDLA Resource Guide, p.9-10
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
​06 Do you do "green" design?
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Yes, when the client requests it. A member of our design team holds the LEED AP BD+C credential which is defined as: "the demonstration and exceptional expertise of green building professionals in the design and construction phases of sustainable, healthful and durable buildings, including those serving the commercial, residential, education and healthcare sectors. Those who hold the LEED AP BD+C credential are vanguards in green building, with thorough knowledge of the LEED rating systems and a commitment to a more sustainable built environment."

Source: "Getting to know LEED BD+C". GBCI (Green Building Council Institute).
​08 Who performs the construction work? Are you a licensed contractor?
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CIRCLE Design Studio is not a licensed contractor. We develop a drawing set that is detailed enough for accurate bidding and construction by contractors. For clients who are unfamiliar or uncomfortable working with contractors, we provide additional services to assist with the bidding and negotiating process, as well as construction administration and final inspection to ensure that the work was built in accordance with the intended design.
​07 What is CIRCLE Design Studio's design process?
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The scale of the project determines the process we use but whether big or small we start by interviewing the client and researching his or her inspirational imagery, developing a wish list, and documenting and inventorying the existing space and furnishings. We like using 3D software like Trimble Sketchup to help our clients visualize our design, accompanied with actual samples of finishes, e.g. tile, paint, cabinetry, etc.
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Once a concept is approved, the design matures in stages that are based loosely on Architectural Practice: Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, Bidding & Negotiating, and Construction Administration. This process is ideal for clients that require attention to details, cost control, quality control, and oversight, which yields the best result in the end.
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Upon completion of construction, we return to the site to place furniture and accessorize. Most clients do not experience the "WOW factor" until this phase is complete.
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​09 Are you a residential or commercial designer? Do you only do modern style?
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Because we are Certified Interior Designers we are competent in all aspects of residential and commercial design and have a wide range of experience. Although our portfolio showcases a lot of modern design, we are capable of executing many "styles". Our projects reflect the desires and tastes of the client. Each client is unique, therefore, each project is unique.