Choosing Your Home Designer

Style, Services, or Cost – which aspect is best to pay attention to when choosing a home designer? We are here to help.

These topics cover the questions we are most frequently asked during our introductory meeting and each one of them is important, though one may be more important or less important depending on the project.

What Is Your Design Style?

The funny thing about this question is that every time it’s asked, we pause to wonder, “what IS OUR design style?” We love modern design and feel strongly about design fitting into its time period. We also love regional design and the inspiration and connection to nature in our spaces, largely in part to the beautiful Northwest island we call home. 

Our design style is to respect the space we are working with, its time, and the environment. We also tend to take a minimalistic approach to design. 

Does style matter when selecting an architect or interior designer? Yes, absolutely. Take a look at our portfolio. It is easy to see that our style varies from project to project, but there are similarities. 

Our design style goals are always to respect nature, respect the existing building style (when there is an existing building), to maintain clean lines, and establish interest without overwhelming the senses. Thoughtful design need not be in your face to please and positively impact our clients and their stylistic goals. 

What Services Do You Offer?

Every firm operates differently. We wouldn’t head over to Island Queen for Phad Thai, but you’ll definitely see us popping in for some fish & chips.  Similarly, we shouldn’t expect the same services from every design firm. We recommend all clients research what their potential designer offers for services to know exactly what is on the menu. If you are not seeing a particular service reach out, we may be able to help with your particular need or point you in the direction of someone who can help.

We are a Design firm, first and foremost. If looking for creative solutions to your lifestyle and an artistic approach to your building design, Waldron Designs may just be the right fit! Check our services page to read a bit more about our philosophy. If our approach seems to align with your hopes, we hope to hear from you.

Our primary services are:

• New home design

• Home addition design services

• Complete interior design services

• Kitchen and bathroom design

• Custom furniture design, construction, and delivery

Our accessory services (in accompaniment with the above services) are:

• Permit drawing sets and application

• Budget management

• Stylizing and accessorizing

• Construction services

We would suggest starting with the primary services. If you are looking for one of our secondary services only, it is less likely that we are going to see that perfect match. We like to focus on our passion projects first.

How Much Does It Cost?

This ultimately depends on you! Our goal is to provide you with a designer space, not necessarily a utilitarian one. We will focus on quality and sustainability in our designs.

A typical architecture firm will add 12% to your project budget, and we are not unusual in this regard. We will also tell you what is realistic for your project type, and recommend taking a look at our budgeting article prior to coming in for our introductory meeting. This will help set up the project for success based on reality.

We will not be the most affordable service on Vashon Island, Seattle, or Tacoma. However, we offer a more comprehensive and personalized service than what you might find in other locations, including construction services that can manage your project from the building foundation to the table centerpiece. 

We can offer services to meet tighter budgets as well as services for the most elaborate budget. The potential of your project can be uncovered in the discovery phase.

So, Which Is Most Important When Choosing Your Designer?

Well, it would be easy to answer if it were so simple. There are projects where the style will take precedence over cost and services whereas other projects will prioritize the cost or services. We find that most choose our services based on a need for professionalism and a personality fit. We find that our personalized approach leads to the best outcomes that truly bring our client’s dreams to life.

The important thing to remember is to ask the questions that matter most to you because there is no right or wrong answer. Don’t hesitate to reach out to get answers to your questions and see if we can help you create a space that is designed to suit you.

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