We are a full-service boutique interior design firm specializing in the design of entire houses or individual rooms from conceptualization to completion. Who you hire for the design of your home is an important decision. By choosing Caroline Kopp Interior Design, you are checking off all the boxes you should have for a designer: • Prestigious education from UC Berkeley, Parsons School of Design and Sotheby’s Institute of Art. • Over 15 years of on the ground experience and classic training while working closely with design stars like Thomas O’Brien, prior to founding Caroline Kopp Interior Design in 2012. • Excellent project management and organization. • A deep network of craftspeople and exclusive trade sources. • Fun and friendly personality…because this should be enjoyable! • Above all, great taste (according to industry tastemakers who have recognized Caroline Kopp with awards and editorial features) and a collaborative approach that results in a home you love. We value your trust in us and want to make sure you are comfortable and informed on your design project every step of the way.

 

Our tried-and-true design process

1/ Phone call

2/ Consultation with Caroline

3/ Signing of agreement, receipt of retainer and commencement of project

4/ Project launch: on site measurements, photos and final criterion meeting

5/ Review of floor plans and review scope of work/ budget

6/ Design presentation

7/ Design refinement & approval

8/ Purchasing and procurement & scheduling work

9/ Structural rebuild or renovation

10/ Soft goods installation

11/ Final reveal and punch list

 

Everything you need to know

If you’re detail-oriented (like us) you’ll want more specifics. We’re happy to hold your hand and break this down, as understanding the design process before starting is key to a successful and fun experience:

1/ Phone call

The first step is for us to have a brief, fact-finding phone call with you. Caroline will discuss what you’re looking to accomplish, the budget you have in mind, and we can go over any questions you may have about our firm and how we work. This lays the groundwork for the project and is extremely important in developing the best working relationship moving forward. We are committed to ensuring that our services and the needs of your project are well aligned.

2/ Consultation with Caroline

The consultation is a 90 minute working meeting where we provide on-site advice, and answer any questions you have about the house. Caroline can answer your design questions as you work through the house room by room. During that time we will work together to develop a scope of work that will launch the project effectively. After the 90 minute meeting concludes we will then take another 30 minutes to review how we work and answer any questions you have about the process.

3/ Signing of agreement, receipt of retainer, and commencement of project

This step officially commences your project with a signed letter of agreement and a retainer.

4/ Project launch: initial appointment and survey

We will interview you to learn about your preferences, personal style, what is important to you, and how to make your space work perfectly with your lifestyle. We will survey your home and to take photos and measurements. We will need you to provide us with all the relevant information on your home, such as architectural drawings, site and project information and the contact information of all other parties that will be working on your project with us.

5/ Review floor plans & review scope of work/budget

After the initial survey, we will prepare preliminary floor plans and a scope of work/budget for you. Once agreed upon, the design of your project moves forward. We take a holistic approach to the design process and over the course of approximately four to six weeks; we create a complete design solution for you that addresses functionality, aesthetics, and your lifestyle.

6/ Design presentation

You can expect to be presented with a combination of material, fabric samples, furnishing selections, pricing, photographs, drawings, and other media to help you fully understand your design concept and plan. Together, we walk through your plan, making selections and adjustments as needed so that we are set to move forward with refinement.

7/ Design refinement & approval

If there are elements of the design that need to be refined, researched, or sourced, we will do so quickly and verify your final approval on those items. Showroom meetings and shopping trips are arranged if necessary. It is important to make decisions expeditiously throughout this phase, as vendor pricing and product availability can change if more than 14 days pass, and antique, vintage or one-of-a-kind items can become unavailable within days of the presentation. Once all goods are finalized, they will be presented to you in the form of an invoice for approval. You will need to provide the required payment for the invoice so the items can be ordered.

8/ Purchasing & procurement of goods, scheduling of work

As soon as we receive your payment in full, we set the project in motion by ordering all goods & scheduling work. This is the time where we will begin searching for antiques, one-of-a-kind accessories and additional soft goods to layer into your final design. At this point there may be construction and/or electrical, painting, etc. taking place.

9/ Structural build or renovation

If your project includes a build or renovation, this is when your design begins to come into form. Expect a lot of activity as everyone plays his or her part in the build and the hard goods are installed. We work closely with all parties to make sure the construction is well coordinated and the outcome is as we intended it to be. We will visit the project periodically to observe and to become familiar with the progress and quality of the work as it relates to the interior design concept. You can expect to be updated regularly on the progress.

10/ Installation

While your hard goods are being installed, we are receiving all of your furnishings and other soft goods in our warehouse. We inspect everything to ensure its as it’s should be and we’ll make it right if it’s not. When all of the hard goods are completed and your home is ready, we will schedule and coordinate the installation of soft goods. We place all furnishings in your home, oversee the installation of artwork by a professional art installer and prepare the space for your arrival, down to every last detail.

11/ Final reveal and finishing touches

Now is when all of the work we have done together finally pays off! You will walk into your home and see the design brought to life. Once you have had the chance to take it all in and enjoy your new space for a few days we will create a punch list of any small items that need to be taken care of. We will attend to any loose ends right away and leave you to enjoy your beautiful home with your family and friends for years to come!

 

Design Fees

Our design fees are based on our hourly rates as follows:

Principal Designer

$175/hour

Administrative Assistant

$100/hour

Fees on Furnishings

We provide trade-only furnishings to you at the very best prices. For any retail goods or accessories that are included in your plans, our commission is 20%. When you are presented with your itemized budget at the design presentation meeting, our commission has already been included in the prices listed.

Contractor Work

For any contractor work that we coordinate, our hourly fees apply.

Additional or Optional Meetings

These have a 1 hour minimum and may be added if your project is larger in scope or you feel the need for them. These meetings are billed at our hourly rate. They include, but are not limited to:

  • Additional Inspiration Meetings

  • Additional Presentation Meetings

  • Meetings with Architects, Contractors, or other members of the design process

  • Refinement meetings

  • Shopping or showroom trips

  • Site visits

  • Review of architectural and /or building plans

  • Accessorizing or artwork hanging

  • Phone or internet meetings (15 minute minimum)

Total project cost: design fees + furnishings = total project cost