Frequently Asked Questions
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We're a based in the northeast US, but we work with clients anywhere - whether you're down the street, on the other side of the country, or the other side of the world. While we primarily focus on high-end residences, we're open to taking on almost any residential project that excites us.
Our ideal clients are personable, genuinely love design (or are at least curious about it), and are excited to collaborate. If you're someone who values thoughtful design, and is open to exploring ideas together to create your perfect home, we'd love to work with you. Great design happens when there's trust, communication, and a shared vision. Call us naive but that's exactly the kind of partnership we're here to build. (pun intended)
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How we bill really depends on the scope, timeline, and specific needs of your project. And since no two projects (or clients) are exactly alike, so we tailor our fee structure to fit. For some projects, a flat fee makes the most sense, while others work better with an hourly rate or a percentage of the overall budget. During our initial conversation, we'll talk through what you're looking to accomplish and then put together a clear proposal that outlines exactly how we'd structure fees for your specific project. Our goal is to keep our design fee transparent and predictable for your project so that there are no surprises down the road.
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For construction projects, here's a helpful (if slightly painful) rule of thumb: expect about two days added to your timeline for every one day of delay. As you can imagine, it adds up fast. That's why finalizing as many decisions at the start of a project (sometimes before you even break ground) is so important. Building in buffer time from the start also keeps things realistic and helps avoid frustration down the line once it comes time to schedule tradespeople back to back.
When it comes to furnishings, lead times can be all over the map. An in-stock item might arrive in a week if it's coming from a local warehouse, or it could take 4-6 weeks if it's shipping internationally or cross-country. White glove delivery items can take even longer since you'll schedule the actual delivery date once the piece reaches your local warehouse. The good news is this allows for some flexibility so packages are not dropped off at your door with no notice. Unfortunately, it also means more waiting for the delivery date that works for the delivery team and you. Because of this, Nubuor Designs recommends shipping all furnishings to a receiver.
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Even if you have an amazing architect on board, they're focused on the bones of your home: structure, systems, flow, and making sure everything is up to code. An interior designer steps in to handle all the layers that make your house feel like home: finishes, fixtures, lighting, cabinetry details, color palettes, furniture, and how it all works together. We bridge the gap between architectural plans and daily life, making sure your space isn't just beautiful on paper but actually functions for how you live. Plus, we speak both construction and design languages fluently, so we can translate your vision to the build team and catch potential issues before they become expensive problems.
If you're thinking about designing your home yourself, that's great. But here's the thing: it's a lot. Like, a lot a lot. Between sourcing materials, coordinating timelines, managing contractors, making hundreds of decisions (many of which you didn't know you'd need to make), and ensuring everything arrives on time and looks cohesive, it can quickly become a full-time job. In fact, we’ve made a career out of it! An interior designer takes that weight off your shoulders. We have the industry connections, trade access, and experience to streamline the process, avoid costly mistakes, and help you make confident decisions faster. You still get the home of your dreams and without the losing sleep while it comes together.
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As soon as you’re ready to start the process of creating a new space!
Hiring an interior designer before you even have a contractor or architect might seem backwards, but it's actually one of the smartest moves you can make. When we nail down the design details and finalize selections early (think tile, countertops, fixtures, cabinetry, lighting, and finishes), your contractor can give you a more accurate bid. Without those details, they're forced to estimate or use allowances, which almost always lead to sticker shock and change orders down the line once you’ve selected what you actually want. When an interior designer provides a clear, comprehensive scope from the start, contractors know exactly what they're pricing, and you know exactly how much to expect to spend. No surprises, and minimal budget creep.
Plus, having a designer involved early means we can help you think through the big picture before construction even begins. We'll make sure your wishlist is realistic for your budget, that your layout works for how you live, and that all those decisions are made thoughtfully and in the right order. It sets the entire project up for success and saves you from costly mistakes. Think of it as building a solid foundation for your design, not just your structure.
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My number one tip if you're currently looking for a designer: hire someone you actually like. You're going to spend countless hours communicating with this person whether that's over email, on calls, or walking through your space together. Make sure they feel personable, trustworthy, and that their approach resonates with you. A good designer should be willing to execute your taste, while also knowing when to gently push you outside your comfort zone and guide you toward choices that'll make the space even better. It's a balance, and you want someone who someone who listens, collaborates, and makes you feel confident in the process. Chemistry matters just as much as their portfolio.
Yes, you need to appreciate their aesthetic and the quality of their work, but a great designer's role is to bring your vision to life, not replicate their portfolio in your home. We're curators and collaborators and our job is to marry form with function and create spaces that look beautiful and work for you. The projects you see in our portfolio might not be your exact style, and that's okay—what matters is that we can help you discover and actualize your dream home, whatever that looks like for you.
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If you want a designer who makes the process feel smooth, collaborative, and actually enjoyable, Nubuor Designs mights the right fit. Our focus is on clear communication, straightforward processes, and a genuine respect for you and how you live. We don’t impose a signature style or rush through decisions. It's about taking the time to really understand your lifestyle, preferences, and what you need your home to do for you. Every design choice is intentional so the end result feels authentically yours. And because the approach is rooted in openly sharing expertise, you're not left in the dark but are empowered to make confident, informed decisions every step of the way.
What really sets us apart is the commitment to building lasting relationships, not just completing projects. You're not handed off once the furniture arrives. Our partnerships extend beyond a single renovation or refresh. Whether it's our first project together or our fifth, you'll have someone in your corner who knows your taste, understands your home, and is invested in making sure you love where you live for years to come.
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.