FAQ’s
Frequently-Asked Questions
We love our clients and feel that being open and honest right from the start can help us create a strong, collaborative relationship and eliminate confusion. So, as you begin your design journey (yes, it really is a journey), we’ve put together some answers to commonly asked questions you may find helpful.
How long does the design process take?
It depends on the size of your project and your project requirements. Generally, six months is a good rule of thumb. Smaller projects can take as little as three months. Larger projects can take upwards of one year. For a more detailed explanation of our process, click here.
We will discuss the timeframe upfront with you before the project begins. We have options for rush service and will be happy to accommodate your needs. Rush services usually will result in higher design fees and higher product and administrative fees.
Do you offer renders only?
We believe to create a successful interior design you need more than just renders. We want to tell your brand’s full story and develop a tailor-suit concept carefully thought to provide your brand the perfect space to grow and we need more than just renders to do that.
Do you offer a discovery call?
We offer a free 30′ discovery call to qualified clients over Zoom. We would love the opportunity to speak to you further about your project.
We are happy to answer your questions and explain briefly about the design process. We can then decide if we are a good fit. If you have been collecting any ideas about your style and preference, please feel free to share them with us. It also helps to determine your projects needs and the timeframe for completion.
Do you offer free on-site consultation?
We do charge a non-refundable fee for our on site consultation of 600 AED (for locations within the UAE) since we are blocking out a specific time on our calendar and traveling to your location to assess the space, make recommendations, give solid design advice and direction, and put together a Proposal for you.
Will you work with my contractor and sub-contractors?
We are happy to work with your contractors and subcontractors. We will do our part to provide detailed information and communicate with them at every stage of the process.
Because we have your best interest at heart, we will also assist you with onboarding contractors if you don’t already have ones you trust. This means that we will refer some of the contractors that we have vetted and have long standing business relationships with, or help you identify and interview new contractors.
We will educate you on the right questions to ask, what licenses and documentation you should look for, provide them with the detailed scope of work and review estimates.
Our goal is to make the process of working with a contractor easy and stress-free
My Contractor/Architect offers design services; why should I hire an independent Interior Designer?
Each party has interests at stake in the project, and you need someone who knows construction there to advocate on your behalf. We know what needs to be done to keep a project on time and on budget, and we enjoy helping our clients drive their projects forward to success.
How is an interior designer assigned to my project?
One of our best attributes is that you get the entire design team to work on your project. For all projects, you will have one lead designer who is your main point of contact; however, all team members are involved in the final design of your project, leading to a more creative solution with faster turn-around times.
How soon I should reach out for my new project?
Great question! Many clients don’t realize that they should hire an interior designer from the very start. From the time you even begin to dream about your new project.
Even if you have an architect or contractor drawing up the plans, we can work with them to make sure your project meets your needs and allow for your brand to express itself while providing you the perfect interior to you activity to happen.
So, the short answer is, hire a designer right away! We hope that we are the firm you will entrust with the design of your new business. Head to our BLOG to read several articles on this topic, or book a discovery call to learn more.
Do you offer project management?
We work with our clients in several different capacities when they are undergoing a renovation or new build project. We will discuss upfront the scope of work and our deliverables so we are on the same page. We will advise you about what the right steps should be to ensure the best result for your project.
While we do not provide general contracting services on new builds and renovations – that is, coordinating all the trades people and materials, we do prefer to handle the project oversight to make sure the designs we provide are being carried out as they were designed by us. Project oversight is a very important part of a well executed project, and we encourage our clients to allow us to remain involved in this phase. This will take a lot off your plate so you don’t end up with decision fatigue.
We make several site visits during the project, communicate with the GC and report back to you. We are sure to observe installation practices, site conditions and verify that the correct materials are being installed. This requires attention to detail, familiarity with the execution of good design and great communication skills.
The seemingly minute details are the things that will make or break the design and how you will use your space long after construction is over. Things like tile transitions, curb heights, tile layouts, electrical and plumbing placements, trim and cabinet details and much more. These decisions often require quick answers to keep the project moving forward.
While we provide detailed drawings to make sure everyone understands what to do, on site questions are to be expected. Let us handle that for you.
What are you design fees and is there a minimum fee?
Because each project is unique, we need time to discuss your vision for the project and the scope of work, after which we will be happy to prepare a bespoke proposal for you.
We present our design fee as a flat fee, this way, you know upfront what your overall fees will likely be. Our minimum design fee for a full service project is AED 35k or $9500.
What if I need additional help with some other odds and ends or just need to add additional scope of work?
Our designers are happy to perform additional design services outside of the project scope at an hourly rate or flat rate if you need them. Let us know what you have in mind and we can discuss your options!
Do you offer a payment plan?
Yes! A non-refundable 50% deposit is due to secure your spot on our calendar. The remaining three payments are broken up over the length of the project so that you can confidently invest in your business with ease. If you need a different payment plan, just ask!
What currency are your prices in?
They’re in US dollars or AED United Arab Emirates dirham.
Do you offer discounts or free tests?
We never run discounts and have no plans to offer free tests.
This sounds great! When can we start?
Fill up the project inquiry form or email us work@tanic.design to schedule your discovery call.
Still have some questions for us?
We are here to answer any questions you have about our services.
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Let's transform your business into something amazing
We would love to hear more about you and your business, and how we can help! To get started, fill out our project inquiry form to get started building a brand of your dreams.
Tanic Design, an interior design company in Abu Dhabi & London, is dedicated to delivering personalised experiences.
We don’t just create incredible spaces. We deliver experiences.