How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost?
Editor's note: As not every designer wished to have their fee structure divulged, we ensured all designers who responded to this question that they would remain anonymous. We have, however, divided the responses by region.
WEST COAST DESIGNERS AND ARCHITECTS
Typical fee structure is 15-20% of construction costs plus reimbursable expenses.
My billing practices are based on a 35% commission over cost to my clients. Then I charge a basic design fee to initiate my contracts of usually $100,000. This fee varies, however, on the size and scale of the project. There is no hourly design or client meeting billing as this is covered with the design fees. Periodical billing is added at $75 per hour for architectural/drafting services. A 10% fee is added to antique or auction purchases of $100,000 plus which is previously arranged with my clients in their contracts.
We operate on a straight 35% commission on all net purchases (reduced to 25% on any single item purchase over $15,000). We charge a 25% management fee on all construction costs for any job in which we manage the construction. Finally, for all other non-commissionable areas (material specifications, etc) we charge on an hourly or fee basis.
Hourly, for all design time, specifying and drafting. Percentage over net for ordering and expediting.
Initial retainer. Contract varies, depending on the location and scope of the work-local or long distance. Too many factors involved to give specifics. Sometimes on an hourly basis and purchasing of furnishings specified. Sometimes a client wants to negotiate a set fee. Each customer is treated individually.
A percentage of construction cost, broken down into the following five phases of project delivery: schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding/plan check and construction observation.
For our typical large scale projects, we propose a monthly flat rate fee based on the overall budget, not to exceed an estimated time frame. So much of what we do involves construction, architecture and design. The industry is changing so much that the respect and integrity of the designers can be compromised by both the showrooms and the clients.
We charge hourly with varying rates for each level of personnel and Net + 30%. I'd love to see some of the other responses!
EAST COAST DESIGNERS AND ARCHITECTS
We charge an initial design fee which covers the first presentation. We then request a retainer which is applied to the final invoice on the project. On orders, we charge 1/3 over net. Supervision and design alterations are also billed hourly.
Our typical fee structure is a design fee of $1,500 per principal room (i living room, dining room, etc, not baths, closets) retail for fabrics, upholstery and lighting, and net plus 25% on antiques. We charge an hourly rate for consultation with the clients' architects.
Typical fee structure: cost plus 30% and hourly billing.
Percentage and hours.
I charge a design fee, ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 dollars depending on the size of the project. I then charge a 35% fee on decoration from upholstery to decorative painting cabinetry and fabrics, 15% on the purchasing of antiques and 10% over auction prices when I buy there. I charge 20% architectural fee on all architectural works.
My fee structure is based upon a design concept fee upon signing of the agreement and a percentage (commission) on all items purchased.
My fee structure is based on an hourly time charge basis.
Architectural services (for renovation and new construction): 20% of construction costs. Interior design services: 35% commission on all goods and services.
I work a lot of different ways. The biggest hurdle I face is that everyone assumes that designers are too expensive! I work on an hourly consultation basis if desired and happy to do so! For entire jobs, I usually have a design fee per room or area and cost plus 25% for all goods and services. The 50% of the design fee is payable at signing of contract, the balance due when I turn in the final design. The 25% occurs at individual orders and labor as they come up in the course of the work.
Fee structure is 35% of net cost of furniture and furnishings excluding taxes and shipping. If I am working on architecture, the fees are hourly at: $275 Principal, $175 Senior Designers and $90 for Assistants. Many jobs are combinations of these fees. In order to keep the process transparent, clients always pay vendors and contractors directly and our fees are billed separately.
My fee is a percentage of the overall budget. Because design is a very obsessive thing for me, hourly rates don't make sense because the time I apply to a project is immeasurable.
I charge a set design fee for big presentations plus a commission for buying furniture.
OTHER U.S. DESIGNERS AND ARCHITECTS
Retainer, with hourly billing per month and 35% mark-up on all product included in proposal packages.
Hourly plus commission. How do you break it down? A non-refundable retainer, hourly fees based on seniority and a 25% commission on the net.