+ How does hiring a designer work?

All designers work differently. For us, an initial phone conversation will help us evaluate your project and needs. From there we can plan for an in-person meeting to discuss more details, view the designers portfolio, and get specific requests regarding your project. We would discuss our role as your designer, and give you a breakdown of how the project would run, and what the different steps and phases would be. After this meeting, a design fee proposal will be sent over for your review.

+ How do you charge?

There are a few ways that we charge. If your project includes redoing a complete room/rooms, or new construction, we work on a fixed fee basis. If your project includes a portion or a room, or misc. design items around the home, we work on an hourly basis. In addition to the design fee, we offer options when it comes to purchasing product and furnishings. In most cases we offer a discount off of the retail price of product. You will save money by purchasing your product through Nate Fischer Interiors.

+ What will our project cost?

It depends on the level in which you wish to take your project. If you have budget for your project, we take that into consideration when preparing the scope of work and the design fee for your project. Ultimately the final cost for your project is up to you. You set a budget and it is our job to maximize your project within budget.

+ How do we get started, and what is next?

Before beginning work, we take a design fee retainer, that is applied to your general design fee. We then work with you on any fact finding (preferred design styles, requirements for each room, how you live and work in your home etc.) we photograph the residence, and measure if necessary. Next, an initial design presentation is prepared and presented for approval, showing you our initial drawings, material selections, and concepts. After that we work with you on narrowing down the final selections, pricing, and making the design a reality. We make the process simple and enjoyable. Our client’s main job is to say “yes” or “no”.

+ What cities do you work in?

Our typical project is in Southern California. We do take on out of town and out of state projects on a case by case basis.

+ Where do you get your furniture?

Our project products come from a variety of sources. The Design Centers in Los Angeles, and Orange County are a great resource to designers. We also use local stores, showrooms, and retail locations, as well as online and catalogue retailers. If our clients have sources that they prefer to work with, we are more than happy to do so. We also work with local custom upholstery and drapery workrooms as well.

+ Do we need to use your contractor or architect?

Not at all. We will work with your builder, or tradespeople. We are more than happy to refer you to those who can help as well. You will not pay us for construction related labor, that is between you and your contractor. We will act as a liaison between you and the builder.

+ Do I have to make purchases through you?

No, you do not. You are welcome to make any purchases on your own. Most clients do purchase through us, because of the discount we pass along. Typically, if Nate Fischer Interiors can save you money, we will purchase for you.

+ What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

Interior decorators typically focus on the decorative elements of a home, such as: paint color, furniture, décor, window treatments, bedding etc. Interior designers do this, and more. Designers typically have formal program training. An interior designer should have knowledge of interior architecture principals, drafting skills, general building code guidelines and more. Stiles Fischer Interior Design is qualified to handle both your decoration and architectural design needs.

+ What experience do you have?

Nate Fischer holds a degree in interior design. He has also studied art and business. He has worked on hundreds of residential and commercial interior design projects. His experience ranges from working in San Francisco with one of Architectural Digest’s top 10 designers of the decade, to smaller boutique firms in Salt Lake City, and Laguna Beach. His personal project base ranges from corporate interiors, to one room decorating projects. He was named by Orange Coast magazine, as one of the 10 most stylish people to watch, and recently was a featured designer and show winner on HGTV’s “Showhouse Showdown”. Nate is currently a design expert and media personality for Clark+Kensington Paint.

+ How long will our project take?

This will vary from project to project. A typical kitchen remodel may take approximately 3 months to design and build. A living room remodel may take a month to design, and 2 months to receive and install all product and furniture. If you are remodeling your bathroom, the process may take only a month from start to finish. A custom home design from start to finish may take 3 months to layout, and plan the details. Much of this depends on your builder, and your comfort with making decisions in a timely manner.

+ Can I see samples of your work?

The portfolio page on this site has a good sampling of our home design work. Feel free to contact us to see more images of other specific projects that may be closely related to yours.

+ What is your style?

We don’t have a “style” that we stick to. Our clients preferences, the architecture of the home, and budget will dictate the interior’s style direction. We always avoid overdone styles, and find ways to bring out our client’s personality in a fresh way in each space.