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Where Your Imagination Takes Shape
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Every project is different ,therefore my fees vary per client. A typical hourly consultation runs $75/hour (first initial consultation is always free!) yet I like to get to know the client and the project details before setting a firm price for my services. Where one client may only be in need selecting the perfect paint color, another may need a complete design/build finished with beautiful interior décor. Based on the services needed and the length of the projects, these will ultimately determine my design fee. Discounts are always offered to contractors, referrals, and returning clients.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When meeting a new client the process is never the same, yet one thing is always consistent. They feel heard! Many designers, and even contractors, tend to tell the client what they need and what they should spend. My approach is, why I think, sets me apart.
Upon meeting the client I prefer to strictly listen and take as many notes and or photos as possible. The client should have some basic information ready for me at this phase in their planning.
-Budget. What do they think their project will cost opposed to what they would like to spend on the project.
-Time frame. When would the client like to start and when would they like to be complete.
-Control! This is a big one that often goes under one the radar. How much control does one wish to have during the project?
Once the client has given me the "run down"
I will ask a few more personal questions;
-Where are you from?
-Is this your only home?
-Is this your forever home?
-Do you entertain?
-Children?
-Busy Career?
By asking these "out of the box" questions I am not just getting information needed about the client, but I am gathering a database to refer back to when planning their project. As a designer its important to read between the lines and give your client what they want but also what they need, often times they don’t think about such things having an impact on their project. That's our job!
I gather all of the information given, photos, measurements etc. I make a few simple suggestions to ensure that I understand what they have envisioned . I then create a presentation/estimate ready for our next meeting.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated from PBSC in 2015 with AS in Interior Design Technology where I learned how space planning, coordinate colors with textures, create manual and digital blueprints, rendering capabilities , and client phycology. Also, I study Project/Constriction management at FAU with the hopes to move onto my GC license in 2021.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I have always loved history and architecture as a young child. I knew this would be my field somehow so I took the steps needed to fulfill the dream. I did my research on the many different careers needed to make a design come to life. This meant GC, architect, project manager, etc.. I then decided that Interior Designer was the best of both worlds. I would be allowed to work directly with the client. I would have control over the design and work as the clients advocate. Not only did I get to select from beautiful fabrics and stones I also would have the ability to be on the job site managing the crew and watching the vison take shape. I studied design starting in 2013 and graduated in 2015. Right out of college, I interned at Turtle Beach Construction where I learned true design from the best! I was honored to be a witness to true craftsmanship , perfect execution of a build,
flawless contractor coordination , and of coarse seamlessly beautiful luxury designs by Mrs. Kathy T! I took all I had learned from Turtle Beach and many other Kitchen/Bath designers and decided that if I wanted to have real creative freedom and ensure the client was receiving the best service, I had to create my own brand. K. Ashton Interiors!
What types of customers have you worked with?
I have worked with a range of clients. From the newly weds, to the newly retired, to the extremely wealthy and particular. As an Interior Designer you must have a feel for every personality type and the work ethic to make it happen! I have yet to meet a client I did not enjoy creating with.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
To date the Willoughby Kitchen Remodel is my favorite project! This was not an easy design for many reasons. The space was dated and built while the owners were abroad meaning that there many unknowns. We had to relocate everything from water, electric and gas! The client has an immense amount of cookware and serving dishes so to create a kitchen for a chef is one thing. But to make it look balanced, thought out, and beautiful is another challenge in itself. With many revisions and many site meetings we finalized the design and executed with ease. The clients were a pleasure to have on site (not heard often in our industry) . With home made brownies and Tate's chocolate chip cookies this is a project I'll forever hold dear.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
My advice is always go with your gut. This applies to both hiring a professional or picking out your counter tops. If you don't feel 100% comfortable and excited then do not do it! You have to trust your GC and/or your designer. This person is shaping your home to fit your daily life and you will see each other often throughout the process. Chemistry and trust is a must!
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
flawless contractor coordination , and of coarse seamlessly beautiful luxury designs by Mrs. Kathy T! I took all I had learned from Turtle Beach and many other Kitchen/Bath designers and decided that if I wanted to have real creative freedom and ensure the client was receiving the best service, I had to create my own brand. K. Ashton Interiors!
Trust your project to a professional. Contact K. Ashton Interiors.
Meet your Designer | K. Ashton
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