FAQs

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GENERAL SERVICES & STUDIO PHILOSOPHY

  • We work on residential, boutique commercial offices, and hospitality projects.

  • While full service projects are our specialty, we also offer design-only and consulting services.

  • We approach each project with reverence for its architectural history, layering in our contemporary point of view to elevate & reflect both the space and the people who inhabit it.

  • Claire’s architectural training informs every detail—from how a space is structured to how it’s experienced. At CHD, thoughtful planning and layout are the foundation of truly elevated interior design.

  • Yes—Claire brings a strong architectural foundation to every project, backed by formal training and years of experience. For interior renovations requiring permits, she works closely with a trusted network of licensed architects. For larger additions or new construction, we’re always eager to collaborate with local architects who bring the right regional expertise to your project.

Process & Timelines

  • With over 20 years of experience, we have honed our design process to reduces errors, provides clarity on execution and the final design result, while also insuring every project will be completed on time & in budget.

  • Your early involvement is essential to ensure we clearly capture your vision. Once the foundation is set, you can step back with confidence as we translate the design into a comprehensive, builder-ready execution package.

  • We’ve built a network of trusted contractors, builders, and fabricators who bring their expertise to our projects with integrity and refined execution. At CHD we believe that a friendly, respectful, and collaborative environment produces the best results.

  • Yes, we prefer to manage the entire project execution ourselves. Our technical drawings and detailed specifications are best overseen by those who designed and created them. We know every detail in a project, leaving no detail or outcome to chance.

Fees, Budget & Pricing

  • Yes, we can work within budgets that are aligned with a detailed scope of work. We do so by working with you on a feasible scope of work under your set budget.

  • Yes, once we’ve learned details of your project, we can provide a proposal that provides an estimate of our design fees and your execution investment.

  • Based on your scope of work, it could include estimated construction costs, furniture, lighting, custom millwork, custom upholstery, specialty finishes, and a receiving warehouse w/ white glove delivery and installation services.

  • Scope changes are a normal part of the process and can be accommodated at any stage. However, they may impact both the overall timeline and associated costs.

Purchasing & Trade

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  • If you’ve already purchased furnishings or begun a renovation, we’re happy to consult and guide next steps. That said, bringing in a design partner midstream often results in added time and investment. For the most seamless and cost-effective experience, we recommend engaging our team as early as possible—ideally from the real estate search onward.

  • We pass on a portion of our trade discounts when we can. And, we do not charge more than MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing).

  • Yes, if a source has a non-trade website, we are happy to share the link with you. If you’ve elected to work with us on design-only, then a full list of your approvals will be provided.

Client Fit

  • To begin, please complete the form on our contact page, including as much detail as possible about your project scope, timeline, and goals—along with a few inspiration images that reflect your aesthetic. This helps us determine alignment from the start. If it’s not the right fit, we’re happy to refer you to another trusted designer.

  • Absolutely. We’re happy to work remotely on smaller decorating projects. For larger interior design and renovation work that requires site visits, we regularly travel and can accommodate projects outside the NYC area. We are available for national and international projects.

  • Yes, reach out to us via the form on our contact page. Make sure you include details about your project.