FAQ
One of Sydney’s leading interior design experts
I have worked with Andrew Loader Design on three separate projects. Each time Andrew made the experience seamless and his attention to detail second to none. The results of Andrew’s work speak for themselves… fabulous!! There is no other designer I would engage after working with Andrew. Wendy Whittaker, Double Bay Sydney and Auckland New Zealand.
Welcome to our FAQ section! We’ve gathered answers to the most frequently asked questions from our interior design clients.
Whether you’re interested in our Sydney interior design services, our online offerings, or how to maximise the potential of your primary property or holiday home, this resource is here to help you find what you need quickly and easily.
If you can’t locate the information you’re after, don’t hesitate to contact us – we’re here to assist you!
Working with an interior designer can be a rewarding experience. If you’re feeling uncertain about what to expect, feel free to phone us on 0437 766 283 or email us here.
Why hire an interior designer?
There are many reasons why it’s always a good idea to hire an interior designer and we have written about these on our website. The top of our list is having the expertise to bring to life your home, apartment or commercial spaces true potential. An experienced and professionally trained designer knows how to convert your lifestyle needs and brief into a meaningful, inpactful and realistic design that aligns with your budget. From the initial brief we will develop all the elements that will seamlessly come together to create the final documented design and project plan.
When to engage an Interior Designer?
For the renovation of an existing space, an interior designer should be engaged at the very outset of the initial project planning. For a new build, engagement can be made after the architectural plans are completed and all approvals have been made.
How much does Interior Design cost?
This depends on the scope of your project. For small projects, we recommend an hourly rate for design development work and for larger renovation projects that involve significant design development work together with project management, we recommend a fixed project fee that incorporates the services we provide. Online design for example, can begin from as little as $685 depending on the scope and time required to complete the design development and documentation work.
How does online Interior Design work?
We will ask you to complete a simple 10 point questionnaire which includes telling us about the space you want to have designed, how it is to be used, what you want to achieve from the completed project and elements that you would like to incorporate. We’ll also ask you for actual dimensions including ceiling heights and where doors, windows and other fixed architectural features are placed and current situational photographs. This information will enable us to develop a fully documented design concept that you can implement at your own pace with your own trades.
What sets your interior designs apart from others?
The most important differentiator for Andrew Loader Design is that we do not follow design fads or trends. We always seek to create unique and authentic designs that are matched to the lifestyle needs of our clients. Our designs are contemporary but classic and will stand the test of time.
Does your interior design service manage the trades and project through to completion?
Yes it does if you elect to hire us to project manage the job. As well as creating and fully documenting the designs, we develop the project budget and project plan and manage these from the beginning of the project until final installation.
Will I need to move out during the renovation?
Depending on the scope of the project, it has always been our advice to vacate for the period of the project. This allows the trades the space they need to work which ultimately will save considerable time on the project and will also likely save you a lot of inconvenience by not living in a construction zone whilst the project is being completed.
What is your signature Interior Design style?
We call our signature style ‘contemporary classic’. By this we mean that our designs are light, modern and uncluttered whilst at the same time reflecting classic and timeless elements.
Is it possible to incorporate some of my existing furniture into the interior design?
Definitely. It’s imperative that a design incorporates items that hold sentimental value or reflect your life history because they will bring authenticity to the design and give it a ‘collected’ feel. We also offer a full furniture, fixtures and equipment (FFE) procurement service.
Does an interior designer manage budgets, trades and timelines?
Yes, should you elect to have your designer project manage the job. They will begin by developing the project budget prior to the project beginning inclusive of all project costs and will manage this budget throughout the project as invoices are received and paid. They will also develop the project plan which will include every element of the project implementation and the timeframe for which it will begin and end. A key part of managing the trades throughout the project is ensuring the project plan delivery dates are met.
Can I use my own trades to implement your designs?
Absolutely. Your interior design will be fully specified and documented for you to brief your trades, costs of FFE are valid at the time of providing the documentation and are subject to change.