Got Questions?
We’ve Got Answers.
We know interior design can feel overwhelming, especially when you're juggling a renovation or furnishing a new space. Our FAQ section covers some of the most common questions our clients ask—from how our design process works to what you can expect when working with our team. Consider this your go-to guide for all things Claudia Pakes Design Studio.
Got more questions? Just reach out!
+ How long does a full-service interior design project typically take?
Every project is unique, so timelines can vary depending on scope and complexity. That said, here’s a general idea of what to expect:
Client On-boarding From our first touch point to signing you on as a new client, usually takes about 1–2 weeks. This includes our initial meeting, the in-home consultation, preparing your custom proposal and design fee, and signing the agreement to officially kick things off. It’s also when we start building that all-important working relationship.
Phase 1 - Creative: 4-6 weeks (give or take). Once the agreement is signed and the design fee is received, we get to work bringing your vision to life. We’ll start with an initial Idea Session to get to know your style and ideas. We'll move on to space planning and concept development, and about two weeks in, we’ll schedule our first design meeting to review the initial concept and floor plans together. Once we have a solid design direction, we'll move on to a detailed design plan. A couple of weeks later, we meet again to present the final design, including finishes, fixtures, and furnishings.
If any revisions are needed, we ask that feedback is shared within 2–3 days so we can make adjustments and get you a finalized plan quickly. Once your design is approved, we move into the next stage: either placing orders for furnishings or—if construction is involved—submitting plans to contractors for bids, which typically take 1–2 weeks to come in.
Phase 2 - Production: Once full payment for all furnishings is received, we get to work placing orders—typically within one week. From there, the production and shipping timeline usually ranges between 8 to 12 weeks, depending on vendor lead times and product availability. We receive, inspect and store all orders in our warehouse until ready for the big delivery day!
If your project involved construction, this is when we also begin demo, and making things happen at the project site. The timeline of this phase will vary depending on the size and complexity of your remodel project. While this part of the process requires a bit of patience, rest assured we’re keeping a close eye on every detail, tracking all orders to ensure everything arrives on schedule and making site visits to ensure the design is being implemented according to plan.
Phase 3 - Fulfillment: Once construction is complete and all furnishings have arrived at our warehouse, it’s time for the exciting part—installation day! This phase isn’t about things like countertops or cabinetry (those are handled earlier during construction). This is when we bring your space to life by placing furniture, hanging artwork, installing window treatments, styling accessories, and adding all the finishing touches.
For a single room or a few smaller spaces, installation typically takes 1–2 days. For full homes or multiple larger rooms, plan on 3–5 days. We handle every detail so you can simply walk in and enjoy your beautifully transformed space.
+ How will I be billed for design services?
Your design fee will be calculated based on the scope of your project. We will prepare a comprehensive proposal outlining our all-inclusive design flat-fee. Typically payment is due in full at the time of signing the design agreement. For larger projects—those involving multiple rooms with design fees exceeding $20,000—we break the fee into two installments: 50% is due at signing, and the remaining 50% is due prior to the design presentation. Other fees associated with your project—such as Production and Fulfillment fees—are due at the time we begin those respective phases.
+ What does the client on-boarding phase include?
- The onboarding phase is where we lay the foundation for a smooth project. We start with a detailed budget analysis to help determine your overall investment and calculate a flat design fee, along with a tentative project timeline. Once the design agreement is signed and the fee is paid, we’ll send you a design questionnaire to learn more about your style, preferences, and priorities. We’ll also ask you to share any inspiration images or Pinterest boards you’ve collected—anything that helps us get a clear sense of your vision.
+ What does the creative/design phase include?
The design phase is where your vision starts to take shape. Here’s what you can expect:
Trades Day: We begin by scheduling a site visit to measure and photograph your space. We also invite any key trades—such as general contractors, wallpaper installers, or window treatment specialists—to walk the space with us. This allows us to discuss initial concepts and get a rough idea of potential costs early on.
Idea Session: This is our initial design meeting where we begin to uncover your style, preferences, and even the things you don’t love—because that’s just as important. We’ll review inspiration images, talk through your goals, and start brainstorming ideas together. It’s a collaborative and creative session that helps us define the design direction and sets the tone for the rest of the project.
Conceptual Design Meeting: In this meeting, we share the initial vision for your space. You'll see an inspiration board that captures the overall mood and color palette, along with a proposed floor plan that reflects the most ideal and functional layout. At this time, we may also present a few initital selections like fabrics, tile or wallpaper samples to set the tone for what we have in mind. If you love where this is going, we will continue to develop this idea.
Design Presentation: After refining the initial concept, we dive into the details—selecting all materials, furnishings, and finishes, finalizing drawings and elevations, and preparing a comprehensive cost proposal for each space. This is the exciting part: the full reveal of your design.
We present everything using beautifully curated mood boards, fabric swatches, paint and wallpaper samples, tile and flooring options, and more—so you can truly see and feel the vision come to life. Most projects also include a photorealistic 3D rendering to help you visualize the finished space. You'll receive a printed copy of your design and a selection of samples to take home, so you can sit with it and soak it in before we move forward.
Detailed Cost Proposal: You’ll receive a detailed proposal for each space, outlining every selected item along with pricing, specifications, and sourcing details. All products are carefully curated from our trusted network of showrooms and trade-only vendors, ensuring quality, value, and a cohesive design plan that aligns with your investment goals. Revisions: After the presentation, we welcome your feedback and make any necessary adjustments to refine the design.
For Construction Projects: We prepare a detailed design package for the contractor or construction team, including floor plans, elevations, and all material specifications—ensuring a smooth and accurate execution of the design vision.
+ What does the production/implementation phase include?
This phase is where all the behind-the-scenes coordination happens to bring your design to life. We place orders with our vendors and track every item weekly to ensure timelines stay on course. All furnishings are shipped to our receiving warehouse in Austin, where they’re inspected for quality, assembled if needed, photographed, and logged into the system. Any items with damage or defects are either repaired by a professional or replaced. Packaging, crates, and pallets are properly disposed of, and all furnishings are blanket-wrapped and stored safely until installation day.
For construction projects, this phase also includes regular site visits and ongoing communication with contractors and trades to ensure the design is implemented accurately and smoothly.
+ What does the fulfillment/installation phase include?
This is the most exciting and rewarding part of the project—when everything comes together! In the days leading up to installation, we coordinate our delivery crew and any necessary installers, such as drapery and art hanging professionals. We also spend time sourcing final accessories like books, candles, fresh flowers, and styling pieces to bring the space to life.
On installation day, we arrive early and hit the ground running. From placing furniture and hanging artwork to steaming bedding, fluffing pillows, and styling every detail—we take care of it all to ensure your space is completely transformed. It’s a high-energy, hands-on process, and we kindly ask that clients plan to be away during this time so we can work efficiently and create a true "reveal moment" when you walk back into your finished home.
+ I am ready to work with an interior designer! How can I prepare for our first consultation?
We’re so excited to begin this journey with you! To make the most of our first meeting, it helps to start thinking about what inspires you. Gather any images that reflect the colors, styles, or overall feel you love—whether from Pinterest, Instagram, or even magazine clippings.
Consider your goals for the space: Are you looking to start fresh with all new furnishings, or incorporate some of what you already have? You don’t need to have everything figured out—we’ll help guide you—but a general idea is a great starting point.
It’s also helpful to have a ballpark budget in mind, as well as a sense of your ideal timeline. Don’t worry, we’ll talk through everything in detail.
We’ll work together to create a design experience that feels thoughtful, tailored, and totally you.
+ Who should I call first—an Architect, Contractor, or Interior Designer?
Great question—and one that comes up often! Most homeowners thinking about a remodel instinctively reach out to a contractor or architect first. It’s a common assumption that the interior designer comes in at the end to choose paint colors, fabrics, or furnishings. But here’s the truth: the most successful, seamless projects are the ones where the interior designer is involved from the very beginning—before any floor plans are finalized or construction begins.
Why? Because interior designers do far more than just decorate. Professionally trained, degreed designers (like us!) are educated in the construction and technical planning of interior spaces. We learn how to draft, space plan, select materials, develop lighting and electrical plans, understand building codes, and assess environmental factors like natural light and room orientation. In short, we know how to bring both form and function together beautifully.
The best place to start is with a design consultation. We’ll talk through your goals, ideas, and timeline, then create a plan for space layout, materials, and overall aesthetic direction. From there, we collaborate with your architect, contractor, builder, or engineer to make sure every decision—from wall removals to electrical loads—is aligned with your design vision. Once the concept is solidified, we assist in translating that into technical drawings and construction documents, working hand-in-hand with the professionals who will build it.
+ What types of projects do you take on?
Most of our work involves full-home or full-room transformations. That could mean a complete furnishing and decorating project, or a full kitchen or bath remodel that includes everything from material selections to styling the final accessories. We specialize in turn-key design experiences—so whether it's one thoughtfully designed room or an entire home, we handle all the details to deliver a beautifully finished space, ready for you to walk in and enjoy.
+ Do you have any project minimums?
Our project minimums start at $20,000 investment for furnishings and accessories. Our design fee minimums vary depending on the scope. For smaller-scope projects or clients seeking guidance only, we offer consultation-based services starting at $1,750 for 10 hours of consultation time. Our larger projects involving full home furnishings and decorating starting at $25,000 and is calculated based on the scope and complexity.
+ Do I need to live in Austin to work with your studio?
Not at all! While we’re proudly based in Austin and love serving our local clients, we also take on select out-of-town projects—including second homes, vacation properties, and remote clients. Depending on the scope, we may offer virtual design services or travel for key phases such as site visits, trade coordination, and installation. If you're outside of Austin and interested in working together, we’re happy to discuss what that could look like and tailor the process to fit your needs.
+ Can I use some of my existing furniture or décor?
Yes—while it’s often easier to begin with a blank slate, we’re always happy to incorporate existing pieces, especially those that hold sentimental value or are meaningful to you. That said, working around existing furnishings can be more complex and may limit certain design possibilities, so we’ll be upfront about what works and what may not. Our goal is always to create a cohesive, elevated space that reflects your lifestyle—whether we’re blending old with new or starting completely fresh.
+ What if I don’t know my style?
You’re not alone—and that’s exactly what we’re here for. Part of our job is helping you discover and define your personal style. We’ll guide you through that process during our Idea Session, where we dive into your preferences, lifestyle, and the overall feeling you want your space to evoke.
To help us get started, we encourage you to gather inspiration—Pinterest boards, Houzz ideabooks, magazine clippings, or even saved Instagram posts. These visuals give us a sense of what you're naturally drawn to, and from there, we’ll translate that into a design that feels uniquely you.
+ How do you handle project budgets?
Before we begin any design work, we create a comprehensive investment guide tailored specifically to your project. Based on our initial consultation and the wish list you share, we develop a cost analysis that outlines what it will take to bring your vision to life—realistically and responsibly.
This step happens early on so you have a clear understanding of the potential investment before we move forward. It’s our way of making sure we’re aligned from the start and avoiding surprises later in the process. Transparency is key, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
+ Do you charge a markup on furnishings?
No, we don’t apply a markup. We offer competitive, fair pricing that aligns with what you’d find from reputable online retailers. Because we source directly from trusted trade vendors and manufacturers, we’re able to provide high-quality products while adhering to their pricing guidelines and minimum advertised pricing policies. This means you get access to beautiful, well-made furnishings at honest and competitive prices—without the guesswork.
+ How involved do I need to be in the design process?
We offer two different approaches depending on your needs and how hands-on you’d like to be.
Our full-service, turn-key design is ideal for clients who want a seamless, stress-free experience. We handle every detail—from design concept and space planning to product sourcing, order management, contractor coordination, and installation. You’ll be involved at key milestones for approvals and feedback, but we take care of all the behind-the-scenes logistics so you don’t have to lift a finger. It’s designed for busy clients who want a beautifully finished space without the day-to-day effort.
For clients who prefer to be more hands-on, we also offer a Design-Only service. This is a great fit for those who have the time and desire to place orders, manage their own construction schedule, and coordinate deliveries. We’ll still provide a fully developed design plan—including mood boards, material selections, drawings, and a comprehensive furnishings list—but the execution is in your hands. For more on what’s included in this package, refer back to our Creative/Design Phase.
+ Do you work with outside contractors or only your preferred team?
We’re happy to be flexible. We have a trusted network of contractors, tradespeople, and specialists we’ve worked with for years, and we’re always confident recommending them for your project. However, if you already have a contractor or preferred team in place, we’re glad to collaborate with them as well.
Our priority is ensuring your project runs smoothly and is executed according to the design vision. Whether we're working with our team or yours, we stay actively involved to communicate design intent, review progress, and help troubleshoot as needed.
+ What if something arrives damaged or isn’t right?
If you’re a full-service client, you don’t need to worry—we handle it all. When items arrive at our receiving warehouse, they’re carefully inspected. If anything is damaged or defective, we immediately file claims, coordinate replacements or repairs, and manage all communication with vendors to make it right. You won’t have to lift a finger.
For our Design-Only clients who choose to place and manage their own orders, any shipping issues or damages will need to be handled directly by you with the vendor. We’ll always provide detailed product information and support during the design phase, but the responsibility for claims and logistics falls on the client in this case.
+ Do you offer holiday or seasonal decorating services?
Not at the moment—but we’re definitely thinking about it! If holiday or seasonal decorating is something you’d be interested in, we’d love to hear from you. We’re always exploring ways to better serve our clients, and your feedback helps shape the services we offer. Feel free to reach out and let us know what you’d love help with—we’re all ears.
+ Do you work with realtors, developers, or investors?
Absolutely! We regularly collaborate with realtors, developers, and investors on a variety of projects—from staging and styling to full-scale remodels and finish selections for new builds or flips. With a background in both interior design and real estate, we understand the importance of creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also marketable and investment-savvy. We’re always open to new partnerships and love collaborating with fellow professionals in the industry.