Discovery Session

Discovery Session

Discovery Overview

At Fine Interiors of WNC, every project begins with a personal discovery call, a meaningful, one-on-one conversation that lays the foundation for a successful design experience. Whether you are seeking a refined retreat, a fresh start, or simply clarity on how to move forward, this initial consultation allows us to begin with intention, insight, and genuine connection.


This 60-minute (or so) phone session is an opportunity for me to understand not only the physical space you are designing, but also your lifestyle, your vision, and the way you hope to feel in your home. My approach is grounded in listening, asking thoughtful questions, and offering preliminary insights, all designed to help you feel seen, supported, and excited about what is possible.


During this conversation, we will explore:

Scope of Work

We will define the size, complexity, and goals of your project so I can fully understand what support you may need and how I can best serve you.

Budget

If you have a target budget, we will discuss it openly to ensure alignment and transparency. If not, I will offer guidance based on your scope, timeline, expectations, and location.

Timeline Expectations

Together we will discuss your desired project completion timeline and assess what is realistic based on availability and the overall size of the work.

Location Review

I will confirm the property location and whether this is your primary residence, vacation home, investment property, or home to be staged for sale. Travel charges may apply based on distance or ease of access.

Style and Vision Exploration

We will discuss design preferences, color palettes, and the feeling you hope to evoke in your space. If you have inspiration images or personal references, this is a great time to share them or I will ask that you follow up with an email.

Guidance Level Assessment

By the end of the call, we will determine the level of design support you are seeking: from one-time consulting to space planning and product sourcing, or full-service interior design.


This session also includes:

  • A high-level review of any photos, documents, or notes you have shared ahead of time
  • A preliminary discussion about floorplans or layout concerns
  • Real-time feedback and your inspiration ideas
  • Struggles that you have encountered, or may be anticipating

Retainer Fee

We will discuss my retainer fee, which includes up to five hours of dedicated design time, should you choose to move forward. This is a non-refundable retainer that secures your place on my calendar and allows me to begin the foundational work your project requires.


This retainer is introduced towards the end of the initial complimentary discovery call, where you have been invited to share details about your project, ask questions, and get to know me and how I work. This first conversation is not billed, but it is a vital part of establishing trust and clarity before diving into the design process.


If we decide to move forward after that call, I required $750 retainer fee that covers the following:

  • Reviewing your jobsite photos, inspiration images, and additional supporting project notes that we have not already discussed
  • A customized Client Questionnaire tailored to your goals and project needs sent via email
  • A personalized Client Agreement and Scope of Work drafted based on project details and the Client Questionnaire


This foundational work is part of your overall design journey and ensures the project starts from a well-informed, thoughtful place. The retainer is not an extra charge, it simply covers the first five hours of work and goes toward your total project cost if we continue working together. My hourly rate is $150, billed in 15-minute increments, and includes all design-related services like space planning, sourcing, styling, site visits, and communication. For larger or more involved projects, such as vacation homes or multi-room designs, a higher retainer may be needed, which we’ll discuss together if it applies. The retainer must be paid in full before any work begins beyond our discovery call, and once received, I can begin with full focus and creative intention.


Whether you choose to move forward with full design services or prefer occasional consulting support, you will walk away from this session with clarity, direction, and the confidence to begin transforming your space.

Next Steps After the Discovery Call

Following our call:


  • Client invoicing for the retainer fee if desire to move forward
  • Designer receives photos and inspirational images from Client
  • Designer to send Client a customized Questionnaire for further project detail to be return to Designer
  • Designer to customize Scope of Work document and Client Agreement document.


Thank you again for considering Fine Interiors of Western North Carolina. I am truly honored to be part of your design journey.


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