SAWBRAND Frequently Asked Questions
When should I call Sawbrand Design?
Make the call to your Interior Designer at Sawbrand Design, your FIRST call when you are thinking about, updating, renovating or doing a new build or Tenant Improvement. We can help with budgeting, space planning, permit requirements, code requirements, and scheduling. Call us before you call your contractor, painter, or order your new custom sofa. We can save you time and money by helping you create your VISION and your goals before you go shopping.
What is the difference between an interior designer and decorator?
CIDQ defines the difference between “INTERIOR DESIGNER” and” Interior Decorator “. Many people use the terms “interior design’ and “interior decorating” interchangeably, but these professions differ in critical ways.
Interior Design is the art and science of understanding people’s behavior to create functional spaces within a building. Interior Decoration is the furnishing or adorning of a space with fashionable or beautiful things. In short Interior Designers may and do decorate, but decorators do not design. (At Sawbrand we provide both design and decorating.)
Canadian provinces require Professional interior designers to be registered and to document their formal education and training and to earn NCIDQ certification. By contrast, interior decorators require no formal training or licensure. ( Full definition see CIDQ.org)
How much will my project cost?
While each project is unique, Interior Design fees are directly related to the size, complexity and overall budget of the project.
It is very important to discuss budget and timeframe at the outset of each project, in order to determine the scope of interior design work to be done. In this way, design fees can be fixed for the project. Design services may range from 8%-15% of project costs. Additional services or short term assignments may be provided at hourly rates.
What services do you offer?
We are a full-service Interior Design Consulting proprietorship. From a 2 hour consultation to provide you with a new interior colour scheme , and inspiration, to staging to sell your home, downsizing consulting, to full-service for your design project, which may include: programming, data collection, site measurement, and assessment, space planning, design concepts, full construction documentation and drawings, purchasing and procurement, and project coordination.
Can you recommend and work with local contractors?
We make it a point to get to know our local contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, vendors, manufacturer representatives, artists and furniture makers. We can recommend companies we have worked with and trust. We believe in supporting local and Canadian made products where possible. We also have access to unique products and materials and resources from around the world.
Have you done simliar projects?
Although each project is unique to each client and their set of requirements, with 35 years of experience and over 1000 projects completed, we have the process and design understanding to achieve successful results in similar and diverse residential, small commercial and retail projects.