A Closer Look at Designer for a Day
If you’re feeling overwhelmed … this post is for you.
You’re the one with 27 tabs open. The one who ordered samples and now somehow likes none of them. The one whose contractor is asking questions you thought you’d have figured out by now.
You don’t necessarily need full-service design. But, you also don’t want to make a decision you’ll regret (and pay for twice).
That in-between space is exactly why we created Designer for a Day.
This service is designed for the person who wants professional guidance without handing over the entire project. I have talked with many clients over the years, and we have worked on all sizes of projects, everything from 8000 sq ft new construction down to two room refreshes. And here’s the thing: not everyone wants to hire a designer full-time.
We get it.
Some of you may have the capability to manage the project on your own, and you may have resources to help you. And, you may have great taste but also still recognize you need some guidance from experts. I’m not trying to put myself out of business, because believe you me, I definitely don’t think this service is for everyone. It’s not for the person who needs guidance from concept to completion, or doesn’t have the time to manage (especially if they are building/renovating because there are thousands of questions to answer). It’s also not for the person who really knows they need detailed drawings and elevations to share with their contractor.
But, it did really get me thinking: how can I create a service that taps into this person’s needs? The person who wants to save on designer fees, but still needs guidance to bring it all together? So, we created these sessions for exactly that person.
You can use this service however you want, with one disclaimer. This is literally for the time we spend together during our sessions, so we won’t be able to provide scaled drawings or renderings since that would require outside session hours. However, we can provide direction that you either pass along to your builder/architect (if applicable), or if you’re really confident, you draw it up yourself to pass along.
Either way, it provides you clarity no matter what you are working on.
Maybe you’re renovating a kitchen, or choosing finishes for a new build.
Maybe you’re furnishing a couple of rooms and can’t quite get the scale right.
Perhaps you need help pulling together a fabric palette to feel cohesive.
You’re capable. You care. You just need direction.
Designer for a Day gives you access to our expertise in a focused, intentional way — so you can move forward confidently!
What Happens In These Sessions
Designer for a Day is split into two 3-hour sessions. We meet in person if you’re local to Oregon or Tennessee, or virtually if you’re elsewhere.
Yes, the two-session structure is intentional.
Session One: Clarity
We dive into everything: your plans, your space, your inspiration, contractor’s questions, budget. And, your hesitations.
We help you prioritize decisions in the right order (which alone removes a lot of the stress). We also offer specific recommendations — materials, layouts, lighting, furnishings, paint, scale — depending on what your project needs.
You walk away with:
- Clear direction
- Defined next steps
- Language to confidently speak with your builder or contractor
- A plan that makes sense
The Power of the Pause
After that first session, you go live with the information. Maybe you bring it to your contractor, sit with samples in your own lighting, or talk it through with your partner.
Then, you notice new questions. And, instead of spiraling, you know you have a second session scheduled. That breathing room is often where clarity really sets in.
Session Two: Refinement
This is where we revise if needed. Or maybe you’re inspired to tackle even more!
We refine, confirm, and solidify your decisions so you can move forward without second-guessing.
Why This Is So Beneficial (Especially If You’re Not Hiring Full-Service)
Full-service design is incredible, but it’s not for everyone.
Designer for a Day gives you expert eyes at critical decision points. That can be the difference between:
- Getting the undertones right
- Choosing lighting at the correct scale
- Selecting materials that actually work together
- Avoiding expensive re-do’s
Fixing a mistake later almost always costs more than getting it right upfront.
This service protects your investment without requiring a full-scope design contract.
