COMMON
QUESTIONS
Considering hiring us for your interior design project?
We answer some common questions asked about our home design services and working with us.
When should I hire an interior designer?
You should hire an interior designer as early as possible, ideally at the beginning of the planning stage once your goals and budget are defined. For renovations, we suggest hiring us once you have a clear idea of your desired outcome and budget. Similarly, for custom home builds, engaging our services after the first ideation of floor plans and elevations can help ensure a smooth and successful project.
To avoid the need for major changes, it is wise that we meet with you and your architect or contractor early in the planning phase. Our 'Project Kick off' meeting with your contractor will enable us to define all the necessary factors for a successful project and help us get started in the right direction.
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How long does the interior design process take?
Most projects take between 3 and 9 months to complete the interior design and planning phases, while full custom home designs often take 12 months or more, depending on project size, scope, and furnishings.
We find that the design phase is most efficient when we are working with homeowners and contractors who respond quickly to our queries and who make themselves available to us for meetings and presentations. The process runs the most smoothly when our clients trust the design process and are confident in our capabilities to execute their vision.
Please let us know at the very beginning of the process if you are on a tight timeline. If you are flexible about the products and materials used in your project, we can focus on local manufacturers and in-stock products. This can help to avoid the supply chain backlog that the industry is currently facing.
02
Can I work with an interior designer without hiring a contractor?
Yes. You can work with us without hiring a contractor; however, most full-service interior design services are best supported by a qualified professional contractor.
We typically collaborate with insured general contractors and project management companies to oversee construction, schedules, budgets, and trades. This team-based approach allows us to focus on the creative and technical aspects of design while ensuring your project is executed efficiently, accurately, and with your investment protected.
If you prefer to manage the construction phase yourself, we recommend working with us through one of our Specialty Design Services. These options are well suited for homeowners who are comfortable coordinating their own projects but want professional design guidance to get started and make informed decisions.
03
Do you accept interior design projects outside of Victoria, BC?
Yes – we accept interior design projects within 60 km of Victoria, BC. Travel fees will apply to any project outside of Greater Victoria.
04
How much do full-service interior design packages cost?
Full-service interior design fees are based on your project’s scope, complexity, and level of service required.
Our Boutique Design Studio Experienceand Furniture + Decor are complete design packages that are tailored to your unique project. We provide a detailed estimate based on our in-depth understanding of your project’s specific requirements and scope of work. Your Design Project Proposal will outline the total Estimated Design Fees, our Scope of Work and the Design Deliverables to be included, plus our predicted timelines for each phase. Full service design packages include all phases of the Design Process, from Project Initiation to Project Completion.
We implement a project minimum fee to ensure that we can provide you with the best possible service and maintain the quality you expect. Even for smaller projects, there are essential resources and costs involved, such as administration, communication, and expertise. This minimum fee helps us cover these fundamental aspects and ensure that our work remains valuable and sustainable for both parties.
05
Can I be involved in the interior design process?
Yes – client collaboration is encouraged, and collaboration is a key part of our interior design process. In fact, having your input throughout the process actually helps us to know we're on the right track and keeps us moving your project forward.
It is important to keep in mind that interior design is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of design principles, products + materials, local building codes and construction practices. We use systems and processes to keep your project organized, on track and on budget. We have an array of industry resources at our fingertips that the general public doesn't have, so although you may think that you could do parts of it better/faster/cheaper, the reality is that we can almost always be the most efficient at doing all of the tasks that you've hired us to do. By allowing us to take the lead - with you by our side - you will reap the benefits of our expertise and receive a polished, well-executed design that is perfectly inspired by you. Trust in your designer is key. We promise you'll love it!
06
Do you work with contractors and trade professionals?
Yes – we work with a trusted network of contractors, trades, craftspeople, and suppliers in Victoria, BC and the surrounding area. We have spent many years building and fostering relationships with Victoria's top contractors, sub-trades, craftsmen, makers, millworkers, suppliers and vendors. Part of the value of hiring a professional interior designeris that we bring only the most qualified and trustworthy team of experts to your project, giving you the peace of mind that you are in good hands. If you already have a contractor, sub-trades or suppliers in mind for your project, we are happy to chat with you about working with them.
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Can I customize which interior design services I receive?
Yes – our interior design services are fully customizable based on your project, goals, and level of support needed. Our Specialty Design Packages are customized to your specific project requirements and our time together is yours to use however is most helpful to you and your project. These services are independent of our full-service design packages and perfect for those who simply need some expertise to get started.
Our Boutique Design Studio Experience and Furniture + Decorare complete design packages which are ideal for those who want the guidance of a professional designer through each step of the design process. Smaller projects may not require every step in our design process. We evaluate every new project and base our Design Project Proposal on the size and scope of work. We are happy to discuss the individual services included in each phase if you have any concerns or questions.
08
Do you offer procurement and project management services?
We offer procurement services and design management services, but we are not licensed general contractors or project managers.
Our Procurement Services include the management of purchasing, ordering, tracking, warehousing, shipping, delivery, assembly and installation of all to-the-trade furnishings and window coverings, as well as accessory styling services.
Through our Design Management Services, we will help to oversee the trades’ as it relates to our scope of work during construction, performing frequent site visits to ensure that the design is being executed to plan. We may agree to consult as a Project Coordinator for select projects. We would be happy to explain more about these services when we meet to discuss your project.
09
How much do procurement services cost?
Procurement services are billed using a flat-fee structure and/or hourly support, depending on the project phase.
Flat Fee - Once the Design Phase is complete, final approvals have been made and payments have been received, our service fee for the majority of the Procurement Phase is compensated through product purchases through our trade-only suppliers. This covers our time to effectively track, coordinate and manage your furniture orders, as well as keep you informed along the way. For procurement through Retail vendors, our services are billed hourly.
Hourly Fee - Once products are ready to be delivered, we will oversee the delivery and installation of the furniture in your home. We bill for this service at our standard hourly design rate and an estimate for our time is included in your Design Proposal. This hourly fee also applies to follow up and coordination of any warranty claims and client after-care, as well as our time to manage any labour that is involved.
10
Do interior designers pass on trade pricing to clients?
Industry pricing may be offered to interior design professionals by some vendors and suppliers due to the business relationships that we have built up with them over many years. We receive special trade pricing from our to-the-trade furniture, accessories and lighting vendors. This wholesale pricing is part of our revenue, and allows us the ability to offer a high level of service and incredible value to your project without the need to increase our design fees. Most often the pricing that we offer our clients ends up being close to the manufacturer’s MAP - the minimum allowed price for which a product is permitted to be resold to the public - which means that you are receiving the best pricing available while also accessing our professional Procurement Services at no added cost when we purchase from our Trade-only suppliers. It’s a win-win!
11
How are interior design fees estimated?
Interior design fees are estimated based on scope of work, design complexity, custom requirements, client involvement, and overall project scale. While every project is different, after over a decade in business we can give you an accurate estimate of what our design fees will be in order to achieve your desired outcome. Some things we consider when calculating our fees and projected timelines include the project's scope of work, the complexity of the design and any custom work required. Other factors that contribute to our total fees include how quickly you can make decisions and how involved in the design process you want to be. We take the time to research and thoughtfully consider every detail of your project. Therefore our billable hours will be highest at the beginning of the design phase and typically decrease as we get closer to the final design and construction. For small to medium sized projects, we generally recommend that you allow 10-15% of your total project budget for our full service interior design fees. For larger scale projects, our fees tend to be closer to 3-8%.
12
Do you offer procurement services for retail purchases?
MINT has established partnerships with a select group of retail vendors. We call them our Preferred Retailers because their business models operate in a way that can support the way we service our clients at the highest level. In order to effectively manage orders from Retail Vendors, we place an management fee on purchases. If we receive special trade pricing from our Preferred Retailers, we will pass that pricing along to our clients before our management fee is applied.
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What payment methods do you accept for interior design services?
We accept major credit cards, VISA Debit, and e-transfers for interior design services. A 3rd party processing fee will be applicable with credit card payments. Please read our payment terms and conditions before making a payment through your credit card.
FEELING INSPIRED?
VIBRANT.
FUNCTIONAL.
LAYERED.
TAILORED.
CURATED.
COMFORTABLE.
TEXTURED.
DRAMATIC.
VIBRANT. FUNCTIONAL. LAYERED. TAILORED. CURATED. COMFORTABLE. TEXTURED. DRAMATIC.