+ What is the advantage of working with an interior designer?

There are many advantages to interior design and working with an interior designer. Saving money, saving time, professional assessment, having a qualified liaison, access to resources & contacts and a professional artist's creativity are a few of the many advantages of working with an interior designer. Click to read a detailed post we wrote about the benefits of working with a designer.

+ Do you offer 3D drawings?

Yes, we offer 3D Drawing services. There may be an additional fee for 3D drawings; refer to the scope of work for details.

+ How do you charge?

We charge a flat fee based on the estimated number of hours reflecting your project scope. Swati Goorha Designs maintains industry competitive design fees, billed as a flat fee based on your project's scope, capped at a certain number of hours.

+ Is there a minimum project requirement?

A 20-hour minimum is required for any client's first design project.

+ Does the design fee change after the design process has started?

We seldom have to go back to a client to ask for more money towards the design fee. It happens in rare circumstances when there are significant issues and delays in the project that increased our workload. If the project's scope changed or expanded, you would be made aware of the issues and before we continue our work we will discuss the possible increase in workload and the requirement of an additional fee with you.

+ Communication:

Depending on your project's stage, you will receive weekly project reports to provide status updates on your project or schedule appointments as needed throughout the process. Open communication has a vital role in the design process. We will contact you with questions or concerns and we invite you to do the same. Urgent matters will receive a response within two-three hours. However, you can expect a response to most emails and phone calls within 24-48 hours on business days.

+ How does the process start?

The first step is to schedule a discovery call. We get on a-30-minute phone call to discuss your project aspirations and any questions you may have regarding our services before scheduling an in-home.

+ Is there a charge for the Discovery Call?

No! The initial discovery call is free.

+ What is the next step after the initial Discovery Call?

The next step after the initial discovery call is to set up an in-home meeting. The in-home appointment is in your house, where we walk through your space and discuss and understand your project needs and scope. We will also give you some initial design ideas when we are in your space. The meeting's primary purpose is to assess the project scope and understand your project needs, aspirations, and budgetary needs. We then come back and create a detailed SOW based on the finalized project scope. We also offer a virtual walkthrough for the initial virtual in-home consultation.

+ How long does it take to send the SOW after the in-home consultation?

It typically takes us two weeks to put the SOW together and send it to you.

+ What is included in the initial consultation?

Most of our design services start with an in-home consultation for up to two hours to assess your needs and provide direction for your project. We do an on-site analysis to get to know you and your goals and understand your project needs and specific space requirements. The initial consultation also entails the following steps:

• Discuss initial thoughts & ideas and make suggestions for a design and style direction
• Walkthrough each room to determine your project needs
• Make initial recommendations for furniture layout, discuss a preliminary budget, project timeline, and other design ideas
• Discuss the design process or any related questions regarding the design process

+ Do I have to schedule an in-home consultation?

The in-home consultation is an essential part of the design process. It is our opportunity to see your home firsthand and to start the conceptual approach. It is an information-filled session where we provide you with our best ideas and expert insights for your project. We also take this time to talk about the design process and what to expect. All our design advice happens on-site verbally and our obligation ends at the end of the meeting.

+ In-Home Exploration Meeting

During the In-Home Exploration meeting we will schedule a site visit to confirm the project scope. This meeting lasts up to two hours and allows us to discuss any details that we missed over the phone. At this time, we will also be taking notes and photos of your space. After the in-home consultation, we create a detailed SOW (Statement of Work). The SOW lists the project scope, rooms, and areas to be designed per our discussion during the In-Home consult, estimated design fee, estimated timeline, payment structure, expectations, and design process. Upon receipt of this signed SOW and a retainer deposit the design process begins.

+ How far are you willing to travel for a job? Is there a radius that you work within?

We have done projects all over the country and overseas. We go where our clients are, based on the scope of the work, on mutually agreed upon terms.

+ Have you ever done a job with specific requirements, such as eco-friendly or using sustainable materials?

Our clients are unique and so are their needs. We specialize in understanding our clients' needs and providing a holistic design based on their requirements. We have serviced clients who have wanted Vegan design, Sustainable design, Upcycled design, and Low VOC non-toxic design needs. We are eager to take on new design challenges.

+ Difference between Designer and a Decorator?

While there is some overlap in interior design and interior decorating, they are fundamentally different. Interior design is the art and science of understanding people’s behavior to create functional spaces within a building, while interior decorating is the furnishing or adorning of a space with decorative elements to achieve a certain aesthetic. In short, interior designers may decorate, but decorators do not design.

Designers have a formal education in Design from an accredited school. The work involved usually includes studying color and fabric, computer-aided design (CAD) training, drawing, space planning, furniture design, architecture, and more. Designers are comfortable with spatial planning and can help design and renovate interiors—from drawing up the initial floor plans to placing the last decorative accent. Designers do not just enhance the look - they also enhance the function of a room.

+ Furniture Deposits

Furniture and case goods orders will be processed with an approved proposal and a 100 percent deposit. Design Services require 50% percent at the signing of the SOW and the balance after the first presentation. The contract or Statement of Work will outline the full fee schedule.

+ Custom Orders:

Once we order a custom item it cannot be returned, no exceptions.

+ Lead Times:

Lead times on items can vary anywhere from 2 weeks to 9 months or more, depending on the complexity of customization and the place of origin. Most custom items have several parts to them that are shipped to and assembled in one place to create the final product. We provide you the ETA as per the information we receive from our vendors. On occasion, there are circumstances where an in-stock item may not be available due to inventory misestimation and delays due to some unforeseen circumstances. We will keep you posted on any such issues.

+ Backorders:

We will keep you updated on the progress of projects and orders based on the information available to me at the time. While I work to complete a project during a reasonable—and mutually agreed upon -- time frame, there will be times when our schedule will shift. The best thing we can do when this happens is to remain flexible and keep communication lines open.

+ Restocking Fees:

Sometimes, a manufacturer or retailer will allow merchandise to be returned with a restocking fee, which can vary. There will also be a shipping fee for returning an item. Other times there may be a fee to cancel an order. The Client is responsible for paying these fees.

+ Freight:

Freight charges are an inevitable cost of ordering furniture. Freight is the cost of an item to be shipped from the source of origination to our Warehouse. Most of the time, these items are shipped in large carrier trucks and cannot go directly to a residence. The cost of Freight is typically 10% - 19% of the cost of the item. We show you the estimated Freight for every product freight; it is billed at cost.

+ White Glove:

Once the furniture hits our Warehouse, our Warehouse inspects the products item and holds it until we are ready for delivery. When most of the items are in the Warehouse, we schedule an in-home white glove delivery. Our delivery company brings all the pieces to your location, assembles them, and places them as per our guidance. The Client is responsible for the white glove delivery fee. The actual cost of delivery is presented to the Client before the installation. We expect the delivery fee to be paid in full to proceed.

+ Delivery Issues:

Should an item be damaged in shipment, SGD will work with the manufacturer to resolve the situation promptly. If an item becomes damaged after installation, the homeowner may contact the manufacturer for assistance.

+ Purchases and Discounts:

All purchasing and execution will go through Swati Goorha Designs. All merchandise to be presented in a written proposal for approval and payment. Each proposal will describe the item and its specified price.

+ Can I hire my Architect, Contractor, or Builder for my project?

Yes. We have worked with a Client's contractor and Builder outside our circle of select vendors. Professional architects and builders are always glad to have us on the team due to our attention to detail and the in-depth construction documents we provide to these professionals.

+ Should we start with an Architect, Builder, or Designer first?

The most successful projects are those where the Architect, Builder, and Interior Designer all work together. Thus, cutting down on cost for changes and results in an efficient, smooth-running project.

+ Will you work with the Architect we hired to create a cohesive space?

We do that all the time. We are very detail-oriented and we work with Architects all the time.

+ Will you coordinate with our Builder?

Builders love having us on the project. That is because we create detailed spec binders with fixtures finish and construction details room by room, which cuts the questions and unknown variables to a minimum, thus cutting down the communication time and keeping the project moving smoothly and without any delays.

+ What if something goes wrong in our project or project delays? How do you handle it?

Murphy's Law is an unavoidable aspect of any construction project. We have handled many on-site issues. Sometimes our clients do not even realize the problems that came and got resolved on-site. We are experts in addressing issues and pivoting to make sure the final results are perfect.

+ What is your style?

We do not have a style. The Client determines our style. We have done varied projects that range from modern minimalism to world inspired maximalist space. One consistent underlying thread to our design is the layering of colors textures, old and new, to create an inviting layered space.

+ Where do you get your furniture? Who does the sourcing?

We have over 400 to-trade vendors worldwide and several local resources where we get unique items at a great price point for your space. We source everything for you.

+ Do you install everything?

We are a very detail-oriented firm, and we keep an eye on every detail. We install everything for you, so space is in a picture-perfect move-in ready condition when you come back.

+ Would I be given choices, or do you do the whole space and show the final result with no room to change?

Design is a collaborative process. We design homes for the people who live in it. We like to tell the homeowner's stories through our design. We try to show 2-3 options for most selections unless our Client instructs us to limit choices. We discuss various options and get your feedback on the selections before they are finalized.

+ Do you work with the existing furniture that I want to keep?

Yes, we believe in incorporating as much of your existing pieces as we can in your design. We also love incorporating elements from your collection in your space.

+ Do you work with me to incorporate my style and taste or put your signature on the space?

We genuinely believe that each home should be a true reflection of the people who live in it. We take time to understand your taste and style and use it as our kick-off to put your design together.

+ What if we run into a problem after the job is complete (i.e. furniture breaks, wallpaper peels)? Can we reach back out for help?

At the close of each project we provide a Close binder that has all the information on the service providers involved with your projects so you can call them directly. We are always here for you to facilitate any service of the items we sourced for you.