Full-service interior design is our most comprehensive and robust service. It involves a design team spending time with clients to learn how they use their space, crafting a unique design, and project managers ensuring the execution of that design from initial concept through the completion of a remodel and/or installation. Full-service design leaves our clients with a complete space ready for enjoyment; for this reason it’s sometimes referred to as “turn-key design" and has project minimums of $125,000 for renovation design/planning and $20,000 (per room) for styling (all furniture and decor)—these minimums represent project budgets prior to assessing a design fee. There are many reasons for minimums, and they are very common in interior design. However, there's more to it: once we establish a minimum is met for a project, we must also assess whether we can design and execute what a client wants within the budget. Unfortunately, we've had to turn down large projects well beyond our minimums simply because budget and expectations aren't in alignment. For project budgets that don't meet our minimums, we recommend one of our "Styling Packages" you can find out more on by clicking into that button at the top of the site. If your project meets our minimums, we invite you to click on "Hire Us" above and fill out our intake form so we can discuss your project. This is not a commitment to hire us, it just gets the conversation started.

Full-service design is a multi-step and intensive process that takes months (sometimes years) of time, energy and creativity by our design and project management team. The project budget minimums that must be met for us to provide full-service design are $150,000 for construction projects and/or $20,000 per room for furniture/accessories. If your project includes both, then both minimums would need to be met ($150,000 construction budget + $20,000 per room for styling). For reference, $150,000 is roughly the cost of a full large kitchen remodel + full ensuite remodel.Therefore, clients can expect to spend 18-25% of their total budget on this service (the larger the budget, the lower the %). While this might sound like a lot, for many clients it's exactly what they need and want because the trade off is immense savings in their time, energy, and anxiety over the options AND it yields a strong, one-of-a-kind, cohesive and confident design concept that defies trends and endures over time so they may never need to remodel or redecorate again. When it comes to project budgets, most of the remodels we design cost an average of $250/SF--while there is a range depending on your budget and the finishes you want, this can give you a good idea for initial budgeting. For projects that fall below our minimums or when a client has the time and energy to manage a design project and just wants support with style, we suggest one of our Styling Packages.

We do not for a few reasons. At its best, full-service design yields concepts with more sophisticated or complex remodel components best executed by high caliber building pros who are responsible for making sure the design intent is achieved. Another reason is that DIY project timelines are largely determined by the availability of DIYers, which makes it almost impossible for Sparrow to manage the project timeline (a major element of full-service design). Additionally, the skillsets of DIYers vary greatly, which makes knowing how and what to design to match skillsets as well as manage quality of the outcome very difficult. Finally, the cost of full-service design generally doesn't fit in DIY project budgets. However, for DIYers looking for style guidance, we recommend our Virtual Styling Packages, which offer advice, style inspiration, basic furniture layouts and mood boards with a relatively quick turnaround. These clients can take what’s provided and run with it how and when they wish!

Sparrow does not provide contractor services directly, but we work in partnership with them. Once we have an agreement in place for remodel design, and if our client is in one of our primary service areas, we will recommend a general contractor we feel fits the budget, scope and timeline; and that contractor will be hired and paid directly by the client. During design, we run concepts and layouts by our contractor partners to be sure we are in alignment and often we work together to troubleshoot and see what's possible. Once construction kicks off, as design managers and advocates we visit our sites regularly and work with contractors to maintain the vision and ensure integrity of the design. We do not, however, manage contractor time (when they show up, days of the week, sub-contractor schedules, etc), nor their expenses or payments—which should be communicated by the contractor and handled directly—nor are we legally or financially liable for their work (they are liable, through their licenses and bonding). Sparrow does not manage subcontractors without the oversight of a general contractor, aside from very small projects that are included in full-service styling (i.e. light fixture install, minimal interior painting, wallpapering, etc.) Because general contractors are responsible for executing our designs and ensuring client satisfaction, we prefer to work with contractors we know but we are also open to working with whomever has your confidence! Similar to our work with general contractors, Sparrow loves collaborating with architects and landscape architects on projects that require complex or structural or mechanical changes, building additions or other major renovation planning, or any major changes to the exterior, facade or landscaping for the home. For these projects, we will recommend an architect to work under our vision but, like a contractor, hired directly by you. For projects with large scopes and budgets of $1M+ and require more extensive structural remodel to the interior of the home, Sparrow may directly retain the services and cover architect fees for interior work. We will discuss this with you before hiring. When landscaping, home addition or exterior work are part of a project Sparrow is hired to design and oversee, these scopes should be considered part of the overall budget and Sparrow will assess our design fee against that budget as we provide project management and design oversight to ensure continuity from interior to exterior. Engineering fees, even when an engineer is collaborating with an architect, are always paid for by the client.

We strongly recommend clients hire their designer as one of the very first steps, even before hiring a contractor whenever possible. Sparrow is your design advocate and the one who creates and holds the vision for your new space from the start (we provide the plans and finishes for contractors to include in their work plans and budgets), and it’s important for us to be involved right away. If you hire your contractor and only then realize you want a designer, as long as it's early enough and/or client and contractor knows that Sparrow's role is to shape the vision and have leadership in layouts and materials, we can generally provide full-service design. Sometimes this can mean reworking an existing design. If you hire Sparrow for a Styling Package, you’re welcomed to hire your contractor whenever you wish, as Sparrow will provide style guidelines, suggestions and consultation only.

As a boutique design studio with a time-intensive model, we only take on a handful of projects at a time. And with high demand, clients can expect the formal start date on design to be 12-16 weeks from initial inquiry, with lead times generally getting longer as the year goes on (we generally start booking into the following year by mid summer). We also don't start new projects from October through the end of the year to account for holiday schedules and time off and to be able to dedicate all available time to existing clients. The good news is that once you take the step to submit an inquiry, we will schedule a call and then, if it’s a good fit, meet with you, see your space and submit a proposal. Once we have a signed contract and deposit, we will schedule your start date, connect with general contractors we are considering for your project so they have your project on their radar, and share a new Pinterest board for your project and our design questionnaire to start as you're ready. We consider this the "pre-planning" phase and an important period of marination during which you can carefully consider your goals and financials. For new homeowners in particular, this allows time to get to know their space and learn how they live/want to live in it before making major decisions (we have seen this pay off time and again!) Once we formally begin designing, clients can expect an average of 6 months of design and planning (please allow for more for larger projects) which includes hiring a contractor, evolution of the design, estimation/bid approval, engineering/permitting, as well as product ordering and receipt. We know this seems like forever when you want to start NOW, but good planning and design takes time, and an investment like you're making, are not to be rushed. Click "Hire Us" at the top of the website to fill out our intake form and share your timing, budget, and project details. Someone will be in touch!

This varies greatly depending on the scope of the project and will be discussed throughout the planning and bidding phase, with a rough timeline set at the start of construction and updated throughout as needed. Factors include the complexity of design, engineering, permitting, lead times on products, and contractor availability. Once a general timeline is determined prior to construction, we can expect your contractor will do their best to ensure the timeline is upheld. Sparrow will work with the contractor and provide any updates or adjustments to honor that timeline as much as possible. Occasionally, there are delays caused by weather and natural events, vendors, factory errors, structural issues, and other factors outside of our control. Everyone involved: Sparrow, client, architects, vendors and contractors are expected to not cause unreasonable delays. Proactive communication, adaptability and flexibility are key to getting through remodels!

Remember that the most we can estimate right away on a project is based on our average cost per square foot across the projects we have completed, which is currently $350 with our design fee included. But this is impacted by the type of space as well as the caliber of finishes selected; and as a result our range is about $300-$500+. Without a doubt, budget and client cost-to-scope expectations can be among the more delicate and challenging aspects of remodel planning, with or without a designer. While we honor our clients’ wishes, our role as a design studio is to bring a vision to life and deliver design on the scope our clients have requested. In order to begin this work, we create an operating agreement and charge a fee that is based on a clients’ starting budget; however, our agreement is not a guarantee that the requested scope, either as initially expressed or as it evolves, aligns with the client’s initial budget—it just starts us down the path to seeing what’s possible and for what amount, and it covers our time for planning and all that goes into transformative design work. When it comes to remodel, everyone wants to know the total cost right away including us; but the fact is that like any designer we have little context for the internal structures, conditions or nuances of an existing home, the extent of construction needs or costs related or unrelated to design (mechanical or structural modifications or upgrades, etc.), or the costs of a contractor’s materials or the time it will take them to complete the work. But this is what we explore together during the Design Development and Pre-Construction Phases. Once designs are finalized, it takes a contractor and their subs working with us and our designs, digging into the structure, and outlining a remodel plan to create an actual estimate. At this point we have the information and there are decisions to make–if the costs end up exceeding what a client wishes to spend, they can decide to stretch the budget or work with us to adjust the scope and reduce the costs. We work with both scenarios extensively, and we can make adjustments rather quickly. Once a contractor bid is approved and the project moves into construction, everyone is expected to honor the budget knowing that any build or renovation is not without some level of unknown. During construction, you will be kept apprised of all discoveries, and presented with options and solutions along with their estimated costs. On styling-only projects where we are not remodeling, budget is easier to predict and adhere to with few surprises, unless a client wishes to purchase items outside budget.

There is both an art and a science to good interior design and how it unfolds. While we absolutely welcome a client’s ideas and collaboration during the planning and design phase, and we provide several opportunities for that collaboration, we also ask our clients to remember that they have hired a professional design team to complete a vision and we ask for our clients’ trust in the process. Our design concepts are created holistically, and all the components within those concepts work in harmony down to the smallest detail. For this reason, looking too singularly at any one product, or requesting modifications to a product out of the context of the whole concept, can actually cause disruption to that harmony. All that said, the earlier in the design process we have client input and change requests, the better. Once design concepts are finalized, and we move into pre-construction we do ask clients to avoid any major changes. This is especially true during construction, if clients try to make changes directly with their contractor. It’s important for clients to know that contractors are generally not designers and changes made without designer input can yield less than optimal outcomes. When it comes to ordering products, for full-service design Sparrow handles everything from ordering through installation. Any products not purchased by Sparrow are typically purchased by the contractor. As a largely cash-based industry, we ask clients to pay with check or wire transfer; using a credit card is an option but the processing fee is passed along. We are a licensed reseller and therefore purchase products for resale to our clients. We are unable by law to use client credit cards to purchase directly from our vendors; nor can we provide ordering links for our clients to use. For styling packages, clients are welcome to purchase all recommended items on their own directly from retailers.

When clients hire Sparrow, they are electing to pay for a premium experience and design. We prioritize thoughtful, artful and high-quality designs and products, and we take on projects with budgets that allow us the ability to design and execute to our standards. Sparrow also has a network of partners and vendors whom we have vetted for quality, style, and service, and we source from that network. As a licensed reseller, we have trade accounts, which can include expedited shipping, dedicated support, free samples, and white glove delivery--benefits we pass along to our clients. It can be surprising to learn that Sparrow does not buy from many well-known retailers, local chains, and discount suppliers (except for select high-quality vintage items). There are many reasons for this, including the quality and warranty. For example, a flooring product from a discount supplier may not be guaranteed by a 3rd party installer--or in some cases even installed by our contractors--so if an issue arises once the flooring is installed, the homeowner is on the hook with little or no support. Additionally, a name brand faucet sold directly from the manufacturer’s showroom, seemingly at a premium, is actually mechanically/structurally better and will last far longer (with a lifetime warranty) than the cheaper version found at a big box retailer. While we design within an agreed-upon scope and budget range, working with Sparrow is not “cheap,” and we are unable to prioritize or guarantee the cheapest prices on products or labor.

Sparrow’s business hours are 9 am to 5 pm Monday-Friday. Designers do not generally meet with clients outside of these hours. Hiring and collaborating with a designer does take dedicated time from clients during the week in the form of phone calls, emails, meetings at your home or our office, and showroom visits especially if they clients want to be heavily involved. Therefore, clients should determine whether they have the availability for the design process and if so, to what degree (we can adapt to involve the clients as little or as much as they wish!) Beyond basic availability, designers schedule and prioritize time for specific projects and tasks throughout the week, such as mood boarding or purchasing, in order to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously. In this way, designers maximize accuracy, efficiency, creativity and the meeting of deadlines. This may also mean that a designer is not available for a specific client request same-day, however clients can always expect a response within 48 business hours. Sparrow maintains a Communications Policy that will be provided with each design agreement and we invite clients to ask specific questions about the policy at that time.

With full-service design or styling, we operate on a “fixed fee” system. A deposit is due by check at the time of agreement signing, prior to any design work, based on a benchmark budget number assigned at the start of the project. Once the designs are complete and a budget for furniture/accessories or a contractor’s remodel estimate is approved, our fee becomes fixed, with remaining payments for design and project management made to Sparrow over the course of the project. Check is the preferred payment method for design fees and products under $50,000, with anything above being made via wire transfer so as not to incur processing delays. While we do offer credit card processing to our full-service design clients, fees pass to our clients. Payment for our Styling Packages is due in full upfront, via check (local clients) or credit card for remote clients only. Payments to contractors and other professionals are made directly and on their payment schedules. If a client asks Sparrow to formally hold space in the future for a project, payment is required (deposit for full-service design or full payment for a package) in order to schedule and block out that future time.

This happens more than you may think—clients get excited about what they’re seeing during design and want to expand from the original scope. Sometimes they’re small additions, sometimes they’re so significant that the way a project looks when design is over barely resembles the initial plan. First, we take scope increase requests as a great sign that our clients are happy with how design is going. However, adding to scope most assuredly impacts timeline and budget, sometimes in significant ways, and it’s important for clients to understand that. Even if we can’t estimate the costs associated with those increases until design and contractor’s bid are complete. If you know your budget is tight, or you know there is a number you cannot eclipse, it’s important to let your designer know so she can make the best use of everyone’s time by determining whether a scope increase will work. A client can expect scope changes to be documented in writing as they contribute to additional design time and cost, which will show up later in the amended design fee before the start of construction or procurement. If, however, scope changes are requested much later during construction or when a current project is near completion, OR the new scope is very different and requires a whole new budget and timeline, we may need to create a new agreement, fee structure and start date based on availability. It’s great to know about changes to design or scope as early as possible, but no matter what we take it as a good sign our clients are happy!