Work With Us

Interiors with soul. Designed around the way you live.

A More Personal Way to Work Together

Whether you’re beginning a full-home transformation, refreshing a single room, or simply looking for guidance, our process is designed to feel clear, collaborative, and approachable from the very beginning.

Many of our clients have never worked with an interior designer before. We guide you through each step and believe transparency creates confidence.

Our Process

1. Begin with a Conversation

Every project starts with understanding how you live.

We discuss:

• Your goals
• Your space
• Your timeline
• Your lifestyle
• What feels right — and what doesn’t

This first conversation helps us understand not only the project itself, but the feeling you want your home to create.

2. Define Scope & Investment

Before design work begins, we establish clarity around the project.

Together we discuss:

• Rooms and spaces involved
• Desired level of transformation
• Priorities and goals
• Investment expectations
• Timeline considerations

We discuss investment expectations and overall budget comfort early so priorities remain aligned and the process feels clear from the beginning.

3. Proposal & Retainer

Once scope and direction are established, we prepare a customized proposal outlining the project, recommended services, timeline, and next steps.

For larger projects, work generally begins with a retainer which reserves your place on our calendar and allows us to begin planning, sourcing, and design development.

To create clarity and keep the process straightforward, design fees are typically structured in phases:

• 50% at project commencement to begin planning and design development
• 25% at the midpoint of the project as work progresses
• Final 25% prior to installation and implementation

Project details and timing, and investment expectations are always discussed openly so clients feel informed and comfortable from the beginning.

4. Design & Curation

This is where ideas begin taking shape.

We thoughtfully layer:

• Furnishings
• Lighting
• Art
• Vintage and collected pieces
• Textures and materials
• Meaningful details

The goal is never simply decoration.

The goal is creating a home that feels collected and personal.

5. Source & Coordinate

We coordinate the many moving pieces that bring a project together—from sourcing and recommendations to scheduling and communication—while keeping decisions aligned with your priorities and investment goals.

6. Installation & Refinement

The final layers matter. Styling, art placement, details, and thoughtful editing transform a space from finished into home.

Beautiful homes are built thoughtfully and over time. We’d love to help you create a space that feels deeply personal and uniquely yours.

Start Your Project
Grand 3 story entry hall filled with art and rare objects and book by This Is Home Studio in Houston, Texas and designed by Luke and Alejandra Fortin.

Frequently asked questions

When do we discuss budget?

We discuss investment expectations early in the process. Establishing priorities and budget parameters upfront helps guide decisions and keeps the project feeling clear and aligned from the beginning.

Do you require a retainer?

Many larger projects begin with a retainer that reserves project time and allows us to begin planning, sourcing, and design development.

How are design fees typically structured?

To create clarity and keep the process straightforward, design fees are typically structured in phases:

• 50% at project commencement to begin planning and design development
• 25% at the midpoint of the project as work progresses
• Final 25% prior to installation and implementation

Project details are always discussed openly so expectations feel clear from the beginning.

I’ve never worked with an interior designer before. Is that okay?

Absolutely. Many of our clients are working with a designer for the first time. We guide you through each step and make the process approachable and collaborative from the beginning.

Can I begin with a consultation or a single room?

Yes. Some projects begin with a consultation or a single room and naturally evolve over time. Whether you’re looking for a full-home transformation, a room refresh, or guidance on one space, we tailor our approach to your needs.