FAQ’S

What is included in full service design?

Full-service design means we're involved in every aspect of a project, from start to finish — consulting with architects, builders, and the various trades; reviewing architectural plans; space planning; refining layouts; developing cabinet drawings; and choosing finishes, furnishings, and decor. We also place and track every order, oversee installations, and stay involved through the final reveal.

WHAT IS THE COST OF FULL SERVICE DESIGN?

Design fees vary based on the scope and complexity of your project. For most projects, we work on a flat-fee basis, agreed to upfront — so you'll know what to expect before we begin, with no surprises along the way. For a more specific estimate, the best first step is a conversation about your project. To schedule a time to talk, please fill out our contact form.

What is your typical project size?

Most of our renovation and new construction projects fall between $250K and $2M+, ranging from a single kitchen to a full-home renovation or a new build. We also take on full-service furnishing projects, typically with a minimum investment of $30K, for clients who already have the bones of their home in place. If you're not sure where your project fits, the easiest first step is a conversation.

How do you coordinate with general contractors and architects?

Our role is to be your design lead, working in close collaboration with whichever builder and architect are right for your home. We also share an office with Marten Construction Management (owned by Ali’s husband, Tom) — which means the design and construction conversation starts early and runs deep, regardless of Marten Construction Management’s involvement.

Do you offer design build services?

When a client wants the streamlined coordination of design-build under one roof, that option is available with a team we already trust. When a client already has a builder in mind, or wants the flexibility to choose their own, we're equally set up to serve as the independent design lead alongside whichever builder is the right fit. Either way, you get a design team with extensive knowledge of construction practices and building principles.

WHAT IF I ONLY WANT TO RE-DESIGN A FEW ROOMS IN MY HOUSE?

We enjoy room-by-room projects and approach them with the same process as larger ones, just on a shorter timeline.

Do you work with structural reconfigurations, additions, and historic properties?

Yes — these are some of the projects we enjoy most. With more than 35 client renovations behind us, we love complicated layouts and complex projects: moving walls, adding square footage, and squeezing every usable inch out of a floor plan. We also have a particular fondness for older homes, where layout, scale, and patina matter as much as finishes do — and we approach historic properties with care, balancing original character with the way you actually live today. On these projects, we collaborate closely with your architect and builder so the design intent carries through every structural decision.

Which Indianapolis areas do you serve?

Our studio is based near Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, and we work with clients throughout Central Indiana — including Meridian-Kessler, Carmel, Zionsville, Geist, Fishers, Fort Harrison, and the surrounding communities. We have also worked on projects on Lake Maxinkuckee (in Culver, Indiana), Grandview Lake (in Columbus, Indiana) and occasionally take on projects outside of Indy when the home and the client are the right fit.

HOW FAR OUT ARE YOU BOOKING NEW CLIENTS?

Our booking window shifts through the year however, our typical booking window is about two months for new builds and full renovations, and about one month for furnishing projects. If your project has a specific start date in mind, please reach out — we'll work with you to see what's possible.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

We'd love to hear about your project. Send a few details such as your home address, the scope, and your ideal timeline through our contact form, and we'll follow up with an initial call to get to know you and the work ahead. From there, we'll schedule a visit to see the space in person and send a proposal. Once the proposal is signed, we're officially underway.

WHAT SHOULD I THINK ABOUT BEFORE OUR FIRST CONVERSATION?

Before reaching out to any designer, it helps to spend some time thinking through the scope, timeline, and budget for your project. It's also worth saving inspiration photos of spaces you love — even a small collection tells us something about how you want your home to transform.