Everything You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or get in touch to book in an introductory call to discuss your project.

Our official business hours are 10am–6pm, Monday–Friday.
While we often work outside these hours, responses may not always be immediate.

Email is the best way for us to keep track of conversations and project updates. We may occasionally communicate via WhatsApp, but please reserve this for urgent matters.

We’ll be with you at every phase of the project, from Concept Design right through to Implementation. We’ll work hard to make the journey as enjoyable and smooth as we can.

To that end we encourage all of our clients to explore our shared folder on Dropbox. Dropbox is a secure cloud-based file storage service where you can save all your files and access them anywhere, on any device. We’ll share a private link for you to access and view all the documents relating to your project.

It’s an easy and organised way for us to share our designs with you and to keep track of all the latest drawings, designs, finishes schedule and specification documents.

Download the Dropbox app - available for web and for mobile.

Services

  • We offer a flexible range of interior design services depending on the level of support you need. This can include remote design consultations, concept design and space planning, full interior design services, project coordination during the build phase, and procurement of furniture, lighting and materials through our trusted supplier network.

    Every project is different, so our services can be tailored to suit anything from a single room to a full home renovation.

  • The first step is to get in touch to arrange a short introductory call. During this conversation we’ll discuss your project brief, the scope of the works, your budget, timelines and any style preferences or inspiration you may have.

    Following the call, we prepare a bespoke design proposal outlining the recommended scope of services and the associated design fees.

  • Our approach is guided by a strong sustainability ethos and a belief that interiors should have a “green soul”. Wherever possible we prioritise reuse, restoration and thoughtful sourcing rather than unnecessary replacement.

    As a small studio, we also offer a highly personal service. Our design packages are flexible and can be adapted to suit each client’s project, ensuring you receive the right level of support rather than a one-size-fits-all process.

  • Our design fees are tailored to each project based on the scope of work involved. Following our initial conversation, we prepare a bespoke proposal outlining the recommended design stages and associated fees.

    This approach allows us to create a package that reflects the scale and complexity of your project while ensuring clarity and transparency from the outset.

  • Yes. While our studio is based in Buckinghamshire, we work with clients across the UK and internationally. Many stages of the design process can be delivered remotely, and we travel for site visits when required depending on the project scope.

Design Process

  • Typical timelines: 2-3 Weeks

    The Concept Design stage establishes the overall style direction for the project. Through concept boards and early layout exploration, we begin defining the visual character of the interior and ensuring the direction feels aligned before moving into more detailed design work. This stage is intentionally exploratory and helps create a clear design framework for the next phases.

  • Typical timelines: 4-6 Weeks

    The Design Development stage translates the concept into detailed design. During this phase we produce electrical and lighting plans, joinery elevations and photorealistic 3D visuals, allowing you to clearly see how the spaces will look and feel before any work begins.

    For smaller or more straightforward spaces we may also use digital moodboards or coloured 2D visuals where a full 3D model is not required.

  • Typical timelines: 2-3 Weeks

    The Specification stage brings together all of the elements required to deliver the design. Furniture, lighting, finishes and materials are selected and documented within a detailed specification schedule, allowing the project to be accurately costed against the agreed budget and ensuring contractors and suppliers have clear information for implementation

  • Timelines per project

    The Implementation stage is where the design is brought to life. This involves procurement of the furniture, lighting and materials specified within the design — often with access to trade discounts — alongside project coordination, working with contractors and trades during the build to help ensure the design is implemented as intended.

    We can also assist with snagging and sign-off as well as overseeing the final furniture installation.

  • As needed

    Our support doesn’t end when the builders leave. As you settle into your home, we remain available behind the scenes to help with the finishing touches — from home styling and sourcing artwork with trusted art consultants, to assisting with any snagging that may arise.

    We’re also happy to connect you with reliable trades and specialists in the future, so you always have a trusted point of contact for your home.

    See ‘Aftercare’ section of the FAQ’s for more information.

Procurement

  • As part of the design process, you will receive a Specification spreadsheet outlining the products and services recommended for your project. This document shows the RRP (Recommended Retail Price), our Trade Price (inclusive of our procurement fee), and the overall agreed project budget.

  • No. From the Specification, you can choose which items you would like us to procure on your behalf, acting as your Agent. There is no obligation to purchase all items through us, and you are welcome to place some or all orders directly if you prefer. Our aim is always to help you obtain the best available prices, whether through our trade accounts or retail promotions.

  • The procurement fee covers the time involved in placing orders with suppliers and coordinating delivery to the agreed delivery address. For any orders we place or payments made to suppliers on your behalf, the Trade Price will include our procurement fee (see Design Agreement for details), together with any delivery charges, VAT and other applicable taxes.

  • Funds for purchases are transferred in advance to a dedicated Procurement Account. You will receive regular statements showing funds paid in and out of this account, and these can also be requested at any time during the project.

  • At the end of the project you will receive a closing statement and final invoice for your records. Any remaining funds held in the Procurement Account will be returned to you. Copies of supplier receipts can also be provided on request.

  • Arrangements for accepting deliveries on site, or at another agreed delivery address, will be discussed with you in advance. All deliveries should be checked by the client or your representative on arrival, and the designer notified of any defects or discrepancies as soon as possible.

    Please note that the procurement fee does not include accepting deliveries, checking items once delivered, inventory management, unwrapping items or packaging disposal.

  • If you would prefer not to manage deliveries yourself, we can introduce trusted trade partners who provide professional warehousing, inventory management and installation services for furniture, lighting and artwork.

    This service is typically priced per cubic metre of storage per week (from our service partners).

    Once the building works are complete and the property is ready for installation, our partners can provide a white glove installation service. This includes delivering the furniture, placing items in the correct rooms, assembling pieces where necessary and removing all packaging.

    They also offer a professional artwork hanging service. Depending on the scale of the project, installation may take two or sometimes three days and is priced per installation day.

  • Occasionally an item may no longer feel right once ordered. As your designer we act as an agent when procuring items on your behalf, meaning the terms that apply to each purchase are those of the individual supplier.

    Some suppliers charge collection or restocking fees for returns, while certain items — particularly bespoke pieces, cut fabrics or wallpapers — may be non-returnable.

  • If ordering anything through our recommended third party suppliers - for example bespoke joinery, furniture, carpets, wooden flooring, worktops or window dressings - please make sure you have carefully checked that you understand the details of the order before it’s processed.

    You should review the Supplier Terms documents in your Dropbox folder (under the Implementation stage) and clarify any questions about the process and our role in relation to third party orders before giving us the go ahead.

    While we assist in obtaining quotations and coordinating communications, we are a separate company from our third party suppliers and are only responsible for our own design work / specifications, rather than the technical detailing or pricing structures of third-party suppliers.

  • Before asking us to place an order, please ensure you are satisfied with the design, drawings, samples and supplier terms relating to that item. This helps avoid complications with cancellations or returns once an order has been placed.

Coordination

  • Successful implementation is just as important as good design. During the build stage there are often many moving parts — contractors, joiners, specialist trades and product deliveries all need to be coordinated at the right time.

    Refurbishment projects can occasionally reveal unexpected challenges once work begins, so having the designer involved during implementation allows design decisions to be clarified quickly and helps ensure the finished result reflects the original design intent. Designer involvement also helps protect the integrity of the design, ensuring materials, finishes and details are executed as intended.

  • Every Design Package includes 10 hours of coordination support to assist with the early stages of implementation and ensure a smooth handover from design to build. This typically includes:

    • A handover meeting on site with your contractor
    • One additional site visit during the project
    • Up to five hours of remote coordination for contractor queries and design clarifications

    Additional coordination time can be added at our hourly rate if required.

  • At the beginning of the implementation stage, we recommend holding a handover meeting between the designer, client and contractor. This meeting allows us to review the designs together, clarify any questions, ensure the drawings are being interpreted correctly, and agree the coordination approach for the project, including site visits and the procurement plan.

  • In some cases we may need to carry out further measurements or services location checks once building works have started, particularly before placing orders for joinery, furniture or other built elements. Refurbishment projects can reveal details that were not visible during the initial survey.

    We believe it is always better to measure twice and only cut once, helping avoid costly mistakes later in the project.

  • For most renovation projects where a contractor will be carrying out works on site, we recommend our Essential Coordination package. This provides ongoing design oversight during the implementation stage in addition to the coordination included within your Design Package.

    Essential Coordination allows us to remain closely involved during the build stage, supporting your contractor with design clarification, reviewing progress on site and helping ensure the finished result reflects the agreed design.

    This package typically includes:

    • Midpoint site checks (usually 2–3 additional visits)
    • Design clarification and contractor liaison
    • Ongoing email and phone support during the build stage
    • Snagging review and installation oversight
    • Courtesy visit on completion

    Essential Coordination: £3,600 (incl. VAT)
    (allowing approximately 24 hours of coordination time)

  • If particularly complex or unforeseen issues arise that require additional time, this will always be discussed and agreed in advance and charged at £150 per hour.

  • For clients who prefer a fully managed project — for example those living abroad or unable to oversee the works themselves — we also offer Turnkey Coordination, where we manage the implementation process on your behalf.

    As every project is different, this service is priced individually. Please get in touch if you would like a bespoke quotation.

Aftercare

  • Once your project is finished, we will carry out a final review of the installation and provide any relevant documentation relating to the items supplied for your project. This may include care information, supplier details and warranty information where applicable.

    Although the design stage may be complete, we are always happy to hear from you if questions arise as you settle into your home.

  • If an item supplied through Pia Design arrives faulty or develops an issue shortly after installation, please contact us and we will liaise with the supplier on your behalf.

    Each product is supplied under the warranty and terms of the individual manufacturer or supplier, and these will vary depending on the item. Where applicable, we will help guide you through the process of repairs, replacements or warranty claims.

  • Many furniture pieces, lighting and appliances supplied through our trade partners come with manufacturer warranties. The terms and duration of these warranties vary between suppliers.

    We recommend keeping any product documentation and receipts provided at the end of the project for your records.

  • If you would like to continue personalising your home over time, we can assist with sourcing vintage furniture, antiques and decorative pieces from specialist dealers and antiques markets. We can also help curate artwork for your home.

    This service can be carried out together with you or on your behalf and is charged at our hourly rate.

  • Yes. The finishing touches are often what bring a scheme fully to life. If you would like support with styling your home — from accessories and artwork to plants and decorative objects — we offer an interior styling and dressing service.

    This service is charged at our hourly rate.

  • If you are happy for us to professionally photograph your home, we are incredibly grateful. Photography allows us to document the project for our portfolio and share the finished design with future clients.

    To protect your privacy, projects are always presented under a project name rather than your address, and personal information is never shared without your consent.

  • Before the shoot we ask clients to remove personal items such as photographs, calendars, toys and everyday clutter so the spaces can be photographed clearly.

    A few simple preparations also help the home look its best:

    • Ensure surfaces are clean and uncluttered
    • Replace any blown light bulbs
    • Remove bins, pet bowls and everyday items from view
    • Make beds neatly using neutral or complementary bedlinen
    • Store away laundry baskets, loose items and electronics
    • Remove shampoo bottles and toiletries from bathrooms
    • Move vehicles from view outside the property if possible

    We will bring fresh flowers / foliage and fruits for shoot day and help style the finishing touches.

  • It is usually best if the home is unoccupied during the shoot so the photographer can work efficiently and capture each room in the best natural light.

    We will always ask permission before moving any items and will ensure everything is returned to its original place once the shoot is complete.

  • The photographer will take several weeks to edit the final images. Once complete, we will share a copy of the finished photographs with you.

    Due to photographer copyright, we are typically licensed to share the images with you for personal use only. We ask that images are not shared publicly until we have released them, as we may wish to submit the project to magazines or publications first.

  • If you enjoyed working with us, we would be extremely grateful if you could leave a review. Feedback from our clients is invaluable and helps future clients feel confident when choosing a designer.

    You can leave a review here