Frequently Asked Questions

What services do you provide?

We offer architectural and interior design services tailored to residential projects. Whether you’re furnishing a single room, reimagining a kitchen or bathroom, or undertaking a complete gut renovation, we’ll guide you through the process — from the earliest design concepts to coordinating contractors and installations.

The scope can be as focused or as comprehensive as you need it to be. Some clients hire us to clarify the construction process as an “Owner’s Representative”, others to help refine ideas and layouts, and others engage us for full-service design, including construction administration, finish and furniture selection, and custom detailing.

How do I get the most value from my budget when working with Havard Cooper Architect?

This is one of the most important questions to ask. The clients who get the most from our work — and often spend less overall — are those who come prepared.

Here's how you can make your budget work harder for you:

• Share any must-keep items (family heirlooms, favorite pieces, art) early — complete with photos and measurements.

• Be clear about likes, dislikes, and non-negotiables. It doesn’t limit creativity, it sharpens it.

• Define your total budget realistically, including not just design fees, but furniture, shipping, installation, delivery, taxes, and contingency.

• Be honest about how involved you’d like to be. Some clients prefer a designer-led process; others like to collaborate step-by-step. Both are fine — but each comes with different time (and budget) implications.

We also provide a simple, optional survey before we start — this helps you organize your thoughts and helps us design more efficiently, leaving more of your budget for the project itself.

What kinds of clients do you typically work with?

We work with homeowners, apartment owners, and developers looking for thoughtful, tailored, and design-driven solutions. Some come with very specific goals, while others just know they want to make a change but aren’t sure where to start.

We often work with clients who:

• Are seeking both function and beauty

• Value quality over trends

• Want to understand how to make their budget go further

• Appreciate clear communication throughout the process

How do you charge for your services?

We typically charge hourly. This creates the most flexible and fair system for both parties. Some clients need focused design input and move quickly — others want to explore options and adjust as they go.

Hourly billing allows you to control the scope, pace, and depth of involvement while ensuring you're only paying for the time you actually use.

For some well-defined services, like furniture selection for a single room or a Pre-Design study, we may offer a flat fee.

We’ll always be transparent about how billing works so you can plan accordingly.

What is the benefit of hourly billing?

Hourly billing allows you to:

• Scale the process to your needs — whether you want high involvement or to let us handle the details

• Avoid paying for contingency fees built into flat rates

• See exactly where your budget is going

• Make efficient use of your time (and ours) — decisive clients often complete projects more quickly and affordably

The clearer you are upfront, the more budget you save.

What if I don't know my budget yet?

That’s okay. Many clients don’t. Part of our early process is helping you understand typical costs—including materials, furniture, shipping, construction, and design fees—so you can make informed decisions.

Once you have a general sense of your budget, we’ll help you allocate it wisely.

Do you only work on full renovations?

Not at all. We work on:

• Furnishing and styling projects

• Kitchen and bathroom renovations

• Small space optimizations

• Full-scale renovations and gut remodels

• Ongoing advisory as needed

Every project is different. We tailor our involvement depending on your goals, timeline, and budget.

What happens after I reach out?

After you reach out, we’ll usually schedule a discovery call. This is an informal conversation to hear about your goals, project needs, and any immediate questions you have.

Before the call, you’ll receive a short client survey. It’s optional but highly recommended. Completing it helps you get the most out of the call — and the entire project — by clarifying priorities and saving valuable time.

How involved do I need to be?

That’s entirely up to you. Some clients want to be highly collaborative, while others prefer us to lead the process and present complete solutions.

Part of our job is to adapt to your preferred involvement level while keeping you informed and confident. Keep in mind — higher involvement can sometimes lead to more meetings and iterations, which may increase the hours required. We’ll discuss this upfront to find the right balance for you.

Good design isn’t just about how things look — it’s about how well they serve you. By being prepared, honest, and direct from the start, you’ll not only get better results, but you’ll also get more value from your budget.