Frequently Asked Questions
Is there parking near the studio?
Yes. There is free (2 hours) street parking available on Queen Street and surrounding areas.
How long is a consultation?
A typical consultation lasts between 1.5 – 2 hours. This allows enough time for Marylou to get a thorough understanding of your project and personality.
For more information about the initial consultation please click here.
How long will my project take?
How long is a piece of string? Each project is unique, therefore it is very difficult to provide a “one size fits all” estimate. We will be able to provide you with timelines for your project during the process.
How do you charge?
Due to the nature of interior design, there are a lot of elements to consider that influence our fee structure. Each project is different but all can equally benefit from not only our extensive experience, but our vast range of trade contacts and potential discounts. If you would like to know more about our fee structure please contact us or book a consultation and this will be explained in detail with you.
When is payment required?
Payment for the initial Consultation is required to confirm the appointment.
Upon signing the Agreement prior to commencement of the next phase, the client is required to pay a predetermined retainer amount (based on the scope of work). This retainer provides sufficient funds to allow MSID, if necessary, to purchase goods and manage project expenses on your behalf. The retainer remains with MSID until the final invoice is presented and the project is complete.
Client’s are invoiced at the end of each month for Implementation Services Fees (MSID hourly rates), Materials Cost, Contractor Invoices and any Incidental Costs. All invoices are accompanied by log sheets detailing work performed.
Who will be working on my project?
Marylou Sobel is the Principal Designer on all MSID projects. Alongside Marylou is her team of expert Interior Designers and Interior Architects.
How do you communicate during the project?
We email our clients every Friday with an update on their project. We prefer email communication as this provides a clear paper trail for reference, but of course meetings in person (for example the initial consultation, the first presentation, all on site meetings etc.) and phone calls are also a necessary part of the process.
What are your working hours?
Our working hours are Monday through to Friday 9am to 5.30pm. We notify all clients when our studio is closed, for example religious or public holidays, annual leave etc.
What if I don’t like my design?
With a comprehensive and detailed brief, we generally hit the mark at around 98% every time. We are yet to face the problem of a client not liking our proposed designs. The design process is collaborative between MSID and the client, allowing us to ‘tweak’ designs during the early stages of the project.
Where do you procure your items?
Our sources and suppliers differ from project to project, as they are each unique to the client. We present all options to our clients during the presentation. Our FF&E (furniture, fittings and equipment) are sourced, and often manufactured, locally here in Australia. We also procure from international suppliers frequently.
How involved will I be in the design project?
It is very important that during the initial consultation and the early stages of the project that you provide as much information and insight as possible, as this brief will be used to shape the entire design. Each design is created collaboratively and you will be actively involved during every stage.
How do you choose your tradespeople?
We like to work with our own handpicked tradespeople, this way we can ensure that we are providing the high quality service and finish that we are confident our longstanding relationships with tradespeople can provide. We have carefully selected everybody that we work with to provide you with the highest possible standards at every stage.
