| How Long has SMI been in business? | | SMI was established in Salem OR June of 1989
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Where is the studio located?
| | The Salem studio is located at 2329 Crestmont Circle S.
The Bend office is located in our current model home at Aspen Lakes golf course in Sisters. Both studios are open by appointment only. Please call for an appointment & directions.
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| What qualifications do you have? | | Suzanne Denning, an independent designer and the owner of SMI has over 36 years of practical experience. Suzanne received specialized training in window fashion design & sales and has received the industries highest level of accredation, WFCP/Master (Window Fashion Certified Professional.)
Suzanne has met the qualifications of college level training for a professional interior designer as required by NWSID (Northwest Society of Interior Designers) and is an Associate member of NWSID.
Suzanne continues her education by attending seminars & classes in all related fields of interior design.
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| What is full service design? | | Full Service Design is an extremely convenient and effective approach to doing any size project from a one room makeover to building a new home. All the design details, fabricating, installations and materials can be handled through one firm to assure a fully coordinated, stress-free project.
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| How does SMI charge for services? | | The fee structure varies depending on the project.
Some projects are charged an hourly fee while others will be cost-plus or a combination of both. We believe that "time" is money & we know your time is valuable. By allowing a designer to cut through all the options & narrow down the best choices for you, a designer will save you precious time & get you the best value for your decorating dollars.
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| What should I look for when hiring an interior designer? | | A good designer-client relationship is key to having a satisfying experience. The client needs to know that the designer is in tune with her ideas & that the designer won't ignore her wants & needs. Have fun with your project. Choose a designer that you feel confident in.
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| How Can I determine a designers qualifications? | | Be sure to see some of the designers work. You will want to know that your designer is qualified to handle the size project that you are embarking on. Usually, years of experience, membership in a professional organization such as NWSID or ASID, & a referral will be a good assurance that the designer is qualified to assist you.
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| Do I need a contract? | | The design fee schedule, deposit requirements, & time frame for completion are important items to discuss. A professional designer will have a contract for clarification of her duties & fees. You should not work without a contract. Contracts are a safeguard to both parties.
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| How do I know I will be getting a good value for my dollars? | | Be up front about your budget. Good Interior Designers will help you to get your best value for your decorating dollars. Your designer can't help you prioritize & make informed purchases without this information.
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| Will the designer want me to throw away all my old furnishings and start over? | | A good designer will help you determine what items are worth keeping & what items may need replaced. Often, just a rearrangement or some accessorizing is all that you need.
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| I have a small project & limited budget to work with. Will my project be too small for a professional designer? | | I believe that no project is too small to have professional advise. Often small homes or limited budgets can really benefit from the help of a designer. You may only need an hour or two. If the designer can help stretch your budget, give you a progressive plan to implement as budget allows or save you from making a costly mistake, then the fee will be well spent.
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| What kind of projects have you worked on? | | As a full-service designer, I am called upon to do many different types of projects. I have had the opportunity to work with some of Portland, Oregons finest builders, serving as their Interior Designer for the Portland Street of Dreams. I have participated in this project on eight different occasions, twice winning the Peoples Choice, "Best-Kitchen" Award.
I specialize in consultation for new construction and remodeling. I help clients make all the many decisions that are required when doing these kind of projects.
I also specialize in custom window treatments. I am often called upon to handle "difficult" windows. Automated lift systems & specialty shadings as well as beautiful fabric designs are my "cup-of-tea".
I have designed interiors for the Salem Home Builders tour, the Salem Home Remodeling Tour as well as the COBA annual home tour.
I do professional staging & procurement for model homes. I also provide home staging & consultation for homes currently on the market.
I also do commercial projects.
I designed a complete renovation of a dental office selecting all new surfaces & paint colors, new upholstery as well as specialty "faux" wall finishes, & art. Most recently I did all the interior design for a large chiropractic office in Salem.
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| What kind of custom items can you provide? | | I enjoy designing custom furnishings both upholstered & casegoods. My designs range from large sectionals to small foot stools. I design custom cabinetry both free standing & built-in, such as entertainment centers, work stations, home office furnishings, or full kitchens.
I design custom designer rugs, providing a computer rendering of the rug prior to ordering. I also specify and procure all types of art for residential and office settings.
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