Any advice?

Got a guy who is really top notch. Recommended by a friend and was lead designer for parts of Bellagio, including Olives and the Bellagio Spa.

So far things seem to be going well. We walked through the appliccable areas, I told him what I was looking for and provided a budget. He seemed pretty excited by what he had to work with and took the job. I really like him so far, we get along pretty well.

Since then, he's come back, taken measurements and pictures and such, and will have a proposal for me in a few weeks.

Basically looking for any tips, ideas, experiences, etc that could help. I'll do some before and after pics once we get to that point.

I am told that usually it's a markup % on any items/services purchased. I am paying an hourly rate.

this thread needs before/after pics

Yes. I will post plenty of pics. He took lots of before pics already, I'll use those at some point.

I'm about 2 weeks away from his proposal, so maybe I'll post some that I take myself prior to then.

Clark,

Is he doing art too, or just furniture and "stuff" ?

Also, he's gay, right?

I haven't asked him to do art, and there's not tons of space for it. But it's not out of the question. He got super excited when I volunteered that I thought paint and window treatments could help.

As for sexual preference, I'm told he is, but obviously it hasn't come up and I wouldn't have necessarily guessed it without being told prior.

Don't let him trick you into believing you really need 10 throw pillows adorning every room.

I currently have lots of throw pillows. I kind of like them. Maybe he'll have me get rid of a few.

Or at least he can help you pick out some really classy ones.

He said he loved my family room couches which I bought used 6 years ago from a furniture rental liquidation seller. I'm not too worried about him picking out things that don't fit in, or are "classy for the sake of being classy". But, we'll see. I admit to being possibly overoptomistic right now.

What is the cost going to be (if you don't mind saying)?

His standard rate for those who do hourly instead of markup is $125/hr. He gave me a discount since we have a mutual friend, so I'm paying a little less.

before and after pictures please.

Wow, things are a little more expensive over in the States. I took on a project manager/designer for my bar and she cost me 600 euro for 4 months of consultation.

Even if he's straight he might have had to spread the rumor around town that he's gay to keep the business coming in.

What kind of education does he have? Better yet, just have him do an "Ask me about interior design" thread.

When you get the budget, if all is OK, tell him OK, this is what we've agreed to. Anything that costs more--other than something I approve for additional items--will be considered a gift, for which I thank you in advance.

Make sure you everything you're buying in person. Don't take his word for it that "it's from the same manufacturer, you'll love it."

He has a BA in Interior Design.

I'll link to his website after it's over.

Yes, I plan on that. He did an unbelievable job at my friends place, but I am pretty lukewarm on one of the window treatments he selected.

I will be interested to see how the budget goes. When we chatted and I told him the amount, his response was "Your biggest cost will be paint, then window treatments, then me, then accessories/furnishings".

Before/after pics would be fine, but the important thing is that he gives you what you want, even if it's not what he likes. And especially even if it's not what this forum likes. Great idea to hire one by the way. I'd like to hear how it turns out, I might hire one when I move.

Here are some pics of the main floor. We're also going to do the master bedroom, but I was too lazy to walk upstairs and take pics.

The long narrow area is where I'd guess 75% of the work will be done.

I am connected somewhat to this industry and the markup always amazes me. I'd say its around 30-40%, which is just free money on top of the 125 an hour.

Also, a common scenario I see is ID's in cahoots with their regular suppliers. As an example, say a guy is selling a couch with a price tag of 3000. ID tacks on 30% and hands you a bill for 3900, but also cuts a 'volume deal' with the supplier and buys it from him for 2500.

Hello $1400 for ordering a couch. You obviously never see this on any invoice. It's kind of their bread and butter, but it is also often abused, since people who can hire ID's often have more cash at their disposal.

That being said, there are a lot of good ID's. It's one of those 'you have a calling' industries. You can't fake being good at it and when you're good at it, you don't need to fleece your clients.

Good luck, can't wait to see some pics.

What is the time frame you are working with?

No markup, just the flat fee. I trust this guy absolutely given the relationship, the guy who knows him is one of the smartest and most trustworthy guys I know and he did his own research on pieces he bought, so no worries there.

Timeframe is basically whenever. 2 weeks for presentation, I'd guess we make some tweaks from there, maybe a month to get everything done. I'm guessing finished product around late October?

Nice. It sounds like you are in good hands.

I just checked out your pics. From a professional standpoint, it pains me to see carpet on that beautiful staircase.

I think you can get ripped more with "interior decorators", since almost anyone can claim to be one of those.