I just have a few questions about my home. Do you consult over the phone?

Yes. It helps to send me photos and floor plans. I often consult by phone with clients outside California.

Can you assist with an entire building or remodeling project? I find it most exciting to work with a client from conception of architectural plans to project completion. I work as your representative with other professionals involved on the design team: architects, building contractors, artisans, craftsmen, workrooms, and installers. I am skilled in conceptualizing, executing, managing, and supervising all phases of residential interior design projects.

I might need some new items, possibly custom-made.
Will you be able to help?

Absolutely. I use local artists, workrooms and furniture makers for many of my projects. You will end up with a beautiful and unique piece for your home.

I want to purchase a rug (fabric or a piece of furniture) that I saw in a design magazine. Can you order it or me?

If you have a picture, a manufacturer or a designer’s name, I can probably find it for you. I have access to the very best name brands through the San Francisco Design Center (SFDC), the West Coast’s premiere marketplace for fine home furnishing and designer products. The SFDC’s 100 showrooms carry 2,000 manufacturers, featuring products for every room in the home and in every style imaginable. SFDC is open ONLY to design professionals. I will be happy to accompany you on a shopping trip.

Can you buy furniture, lighting or accessories that I saw in a retail store?

I can purchase items made for the retail furniture market at the San Francisco Furniture Mart. The Mart primarily sells products that you would find in your neighborhood furniture store, including designer furniture made for the retail market. The Mart also sells many unique imported furniture lines. I can help you buy the items you want using my designer privileges – and you don’t have to visit lots of different retail stores. The Mart is open ONLY to design professionals. I will be happy to accompany you on a shopping trip. However, remember that products made for a retail market versus those that made by hand for designers are of a very different quality - thus the difference in pricing.

Do you have your own workroom for custom sewing? No. Instead, I have long-term relationships with several local workrooms. I work directly with the person who is going to do the work and choose the workroom that specializes in just what is needed to complete your home’s transformation. This enables me to provide you with everything from custom curtains, drapes, valances, and cornices to cushions, pillows, bedspreads, bedskirts and duvet covers.

It's when I give your rooms a whole new look without buying anything new. I use only your existing furnishings and accessories, but I rearrange them creatively to breathe new life into your rooms. A redesign is a fun, easy, and inexpensive way to get a new look for your home.

My real estate agent recommended that Richard do some "home staging."
What is that?

Staging is the art of preparing a home for resale. It sets your home apart from others on the market, and helps buyers visualize themselves living in your home. Staging is similar to set design or store window display. It may be just a few quick space enhancing tricks or adding rented furnishings from my inventory. The most cost-effective way to substantially increase your resale value is by making your space look more appealing. Staging your home can maximize the selling price, and minimize the number of days on the market.

I'm expecting guests and want my place to look spectacular. Can you help with special occasion and holiday decorating? From a large dinner party to a casual luncheon, I will arrange a beautiful table or transform your entire home. I can use your china, silver, crystal, and linens to create "your signature look." My help will ease your stress and delight your guests.

Do you offer seminars?

Yes, I offer one-on-one and group training. I will soon offer a class through the Learning Annex on “What to do with an Empty Room - An Introduction to Interior Design” and I also speak nationally.

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes, a room makeover or a shopping spree with a professional designer is the ultimate gift for those who have everything! Please feel free to call me to discuss the level of gift you would like to give.

How do you charge for merchandise and services?

I will provide detailed cost estimates for merchandise (furniture and accessories) for your approval. I order the merchandise after you pay the required deposit(s). The balance of the purchase price must be paid prior to delivery. Some invoices may require immediate payment at the time of service, for example, an installer. Local sales tax must be paid on all merchandise ordered through Robertson Design. I charge a flat rate per hour for each individual aspect of the design process and I give you the flexibility to select which services are most appropriate and affordable. Once we agree on the scope of work to be completed, I will provide you with an estimate of the amount of time to complete the task(s). Often several rooms can be transformed in a small amount of time.

I’ve heard that some designers offer a “flat rate per room.” Why don’t you do that? Don't be fooled by others that offer a "flat rate per room." The cost easily doubles or triples when you read the fine print. Bigger rooms or additional advice on other areas, like bathrooms or hallways costs hundreds more. There are even surcharges for the level of designer that will be sent to you - far from a flat rate. That pricing policy is all too complex for me. I love to design and you can use my time in your home as you see fit. My hourly charge is simply the most reasonable way to work

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Do you charge hourly for shopping with me?

If you would like my help in shopping for retail products that you cannot or will not be purchasing through me (i.e., kitchen appliances), I will bill our shopping time together at my hourly rate.

I also bill hourly for shopping for products that I may purchase on your behalf. However, I may reduce the shopping fee if your project requires shopping for multiple items. I want you to be comfortable that you have all of the time that you need for making your selections. If you would prefer a different method, I am open to discussing it.

How do you price the merchandise that I purchase? I want my clients to feel that I treat them fairly. When purchases are made, the time spent on your behalf, for example, specifying the product and arranging for shipping are included in the cost of the product. I believe this is the simplest and fairest way to handle the purchasing relationship. Additionally, I will supervise the installation and placement of larger purchases (i.e., draperies or large furniture) for no additional charge.

I am outside of the San Francisco Bay Area. Do you charge for travel?

Sometimes, depending on the distance from the immediate Bay Area. You can discuss this charge with me when you call.

Has Richard’s work been recognized by other design professionals?

The collaborative works of Robertson Design have been featured in INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURE YEARBOOK, Il BAGNO magazine, and a cover story in BETTER HOME AND GARDENS magazine. I recently received an award for the “Best San Francisco Lifestyle Design” at the 2004 Annual Western Regional Design Competition (WRDC). The award was presented by the Northern California Chapter of the Interior Design Society (IDS) in association with the Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) and the San Francisco Design Center. The WRDC judging panel included the IDS Executive Board, seasoned industry professionals and members of the media. My award was a Special President’s Choice Award which you can read more about at the following link. PRESS RELEASE

Can I Read More About Working with Richard?

Yes, click on the following link to read a recent newspaper article about Robertson Design. NEWSPAPER ARTICLE