FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: I am planning a remodeling project but I’m not sure if I need an interior designer or an
architect?
A: This is a common question. Consider hiring a team of professionals: A designer,
architect and contractor. Principal designer Dafna Adler has worked with architects and contractors
in the past and can help you put a team together.
An interior designer has the skills and professional education to design and draft new space
plans for reconfiguring an existing interior space or even adding square footage to a home, as
well as develop lighting and electrical plans. Additionally, the designer can select all interior
finishes such as flooring, countertops, tile, paint colors, window treatments, carpeting, built-in
cabinetry and furnishings.
When the project involves changing structural or load bearing walls, or changing the footprint
of the home, an architect or a structural engineer will need to be part of the team. They
provide the drawings and structural calculations required to pass building code
inspection that will be filed with the local building department.
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Q: I would like to update my residence or office but I am too busy to handle the project.
Should I still hire an interior designer?
A: Yes. Busy people with discerning taste are our best clients. Interiors by Dafna Adler will research, shop
and order all the materials and finishes and provide you with pictures and options. The designer will
coordinate and oversee the labor, and will be present at delivery and installation.
We will bring selections to your home or office if the client doesn’t want to travel
to the showrooms. The designer's job is to make the remodeling or redesign project as convenient
and hassle-free as possible. Of course, a good interior designer will communicate well and often.
Interiors by Dafna Adler will provide our clients with weekly status updates, and set up
appointments to go over options and review plans.
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Q. I need the assistance of a designer, but I travel often and am not available to collaborate closely on a project,
How can we work together?
A. Dafna understands the complex busy life of successful people. She will spend the time up front to really
understand the functional and aesthetic requirements. Much can be achieved by email, text, phone,
video, and other electronic means of communication and funds transfer. Interiors by Dafna Adler has a proven
record of integrity to manage projects independently to high satisfaction of completion.
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Q. I love to design, shop, and collaborate with creatives. How can this work with your firm?
A. Interiors by Dafna Adler has a package that can be tailored for all styles of work and we love to
collaborate with clients. We need to clearly identify the role of the designer and client in order to
have an efficient and productive work to move the project forward.
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Q. I want to do a 'design and build' but don’t know where to find a contractor, painter and other
artisans. Can an interior designer help with that?
A. Yes. Having developed a relationship with multiple craft people, artisans, skilled laborers, artists
and professionals, Interiors by Dafna Adler can make recommendations for excellent workers.
We can coordinate these professionals with the project work.
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Q: My project only involves re-decorating my space, how does hiring a professional interior
designer differ from an in-store decorator at a local furniture, or kitchen and bath showroom?
A: Many times retail in-store decorators are primarily sales people. Although they may have
some design knowledge, they can only offer what is sold in the store. Professional interior
designers have access to hundreds of trade-only vendors and manufacturers world wide.
With an independent interior designer, you’ll have more flexibility to choose the design elements
that look great in your space, without being limited to the retail store.
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Q: I am not sure what my design style is or how to articulate it, should I still work with an interior
designer?
A: Absolutely! Interiors by Dafna Adler will help you define your taste by showing you pictures
in magazines and on-line. By understanding the common elements of the designs that you prefer,
an interior designer can determine what colors, textures, and styles resonate with you. Your
answers inform our design process. The end result will be a space that is unique to you, and
reflects your individual taste.
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Q: How do interior designers charge for their professional design time?
A: Hiring an interior designer is an investment in saving you time, avoiding making expensive
mistakes and acquiring the peace of mind that your job is being executed professionally, in a
cost-effective manner and to your taste.
Currently, there is not one industry standard for how interior designers bill for their
professional time, Interiors by Dafna Adler works with a flat fee arrangement for a set number of hours to
design, execute and complete your project. The fee is determined by the scope of the project.
If purchasing products is part of the arrangement, the customer will often be entitled to pricing below
retail value, even when including the designer’s customary commission.
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Q: Does Interiors by Dafna Adler work in one particular style?
A: Interiors by Dafna Adler does not subscribe to just one particular design style. Creative professionals in our firm
enjoy working on a variety of project styles from elegant traditional kitchens, to modern bathrooms, This keeps business
fresh and interesting. we always seek out new artisans and vendors to create new, custom
pieces for you that we co-create with you.
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Q: I am ready to re-designing my home or office. What’s the next step?
A: Let's get started! Please call or email Interiors by Dafna Adler to arrange an initial consultation.
Dafna will come to your residence or office for up to 2-hour consultation to see your existing environment
and review your aesthetic and functional needs. She will ask a number of detailed questions, photograph your
current space, and discuss your project budget and timeline. The consultation fee will be credited
toward the project fee.
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Q: How do I prepare for my initial consultation with an interior designer?
A: Developing a visual reference of images that capture the feeling, colors, textures, and
functionality of what you’re trying to achieve. helps a designer understand your taste and
preferences.
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Q. How much will my project cost?
A. Once Dafna understands the scope of the work involved, she can help you identify some of the costs.
When you have determined your project budget, she will work with you to determine how your money
should be allocated to interior finishes, fixtures, furnishings, labor, and offer suggestions
on how to maximize your budget while producing an excellent result.
Not understanding or disclosing your project budget from the beginning will only lead to an increase
in delays in job completion, as well as create frustration as your designer may spend hours designing
something beautiful, shopping for a unique piece of furniture, or bringing in qualified sub-
contractors to bid work, only to be informed that it’s not within your budget and that re-
selections need to be made which may result in higher professional design fees.
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Q. Okay. I want to start a project. What is the process? What should I expect?
A: First, you would schedule an Initial Consultation during which I will help determine the scope
of the project and the level of service that you need
(Click www.InteriorsbyDafnaAdler.com/Services to find out about the Initial Consultation)
Determine Project Scope and level of service
1. Design consultation only
Based on the scope of work required, we will provide floor plans, colors, materials.
2. Design consultation and design execution
All the above, plus actual choices of furnishings, fabrics, custom design plans.
3. Design consultation, execution and project coordination
All the above, plus coordination with each of the professionals who will do the work.
You will receive a letter of agreement detailing the scope of work and level of service with a
request for the initial retainer that was agreed upon.
When the project begins, Dafna will come back to your home to take measurements and photos to prepare
a floor plan. Once a concept is finalized, Interiors by Dafna Adler can provide you with renderings or computerized
drawings for review and present you with options for interior finishings, such as flooring, countertops, cabinetry and
furniture. If the project requires an architect, general contractor, or structural engineer, Interiors by Dafna Adler will
recommend preferred vendors and help you obtain cost estimates. Depending on the size of your project and
your availability, we'll schedule needed client meetings to keep your job progressing and receive your
feedback.
We ask all our clients for communication, trust, and collaboration. Communicate about your preferences,
concerns, and visions. Trust that a professional designer chooses to work only with people who can
achieve the level of quality that we expect. Provide feedback during the design process and consider
trying a color palette, layout, or material outside of your comfort zone. Once the the selections are made,
if construction is necessary it will begin, artisans will be hired, professionals will begin their work,
purchases will be made and coordination of all items will begin.
Delivery and Installation will be arranged at the appropriate time.
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Q: What if there is a labor problem or I am unhappy with an item delivered to my home or
office?
A: Interiors by Dafna Adler business is based on referral so your complete satisfaction with the end result and the
process getting there is my priority. If an issue arises, we will do everything in our professional
capabilities to resolve it immediately and to your satisfaction.
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Q: What other services does Interiors by Dafna Adler offer clients?
A: We want to save time you and give you peace of mind by acting as your “go to” resource for
everything related to the design, as well as the care and maintenance of your home or private
office.
From rug cleaning to re-finishing floors and resealing countertops to organization, we will
keep your home or office looking fabulous and functioning well.
