Stella Studio’s Frequently Asked Questions | Interior Designer in Geneva

Are you still looking for answers about Stella Studio’s services before you want to book a call? I’ve listed 16 Frequently Asked Questions to interior designers in Geneva, and more specifically how Stella Studio answers them. Hope you find your answers below and if not, send me a message.

1. What is the typical process when working with Stella Studio for a home renovation in Geneva?

• We start with a call to understand your needs. This call is free of charge and usually lasts 30-45 minutes. Once we’ve asked each other basic questions, we’ll set up an on-site visit.

  
  

• The initial on-site visit is 165 chf, it is deducted from the rest of the invoice if we continue working together. During that visit, I’ll go in depth in my questioning about your project and lifestyle, we’ll tour the place together and I’ll give you my initial ideas and insights.

  
  

• Once we’ve established we want to work together and what type of service you need (see services list) I get to work!

  
  

• Within my Space Optimization service scope I’ll be:

  o   Measuring the layout

  o   Providing you with 3 floorplan options

  o   After your consolidated feedback, providing you with a final 4th floorplan option.

  NB: if you want even more options, these will be charged on top of the initial quote.

  
  

• Then we move on to my Design & Style service where the scope is:

  o   Providing you with a moodboard based on the style you like

  o   Choosing materials and the big pieces of furniture (including furniture you own and want to keep and/or vintage finds)

  o   Providing you with hand-drawn perspectives of what your interior will look like! (This is usually one of the most exciting parts for my clients)

  o   Handing you a detailed shopping list for you to start ordering your furniture

  o   Providing you (and the trades-people) a detailed electrical plan.

  NB: once you have green-lit the moodboard and I’ve provided you stylistic choices, you can send me one final consolidated feeback to change whatever pieces you feel needs changing. After that, every requested change will be extra (unless we have a technical issue).

  
  

• Finally, we begin the demolition and construction work, part of my Total Renovation service:

  o   I provide potential trades-people with a meticulously detailed brief and receive their quotes, you and I decide together which artisan to work with.

  o   During the demolition and construction work I will usually come on site once a week and have a meeting with all trades to make sure we are on track and find solutions if any issue arises.

  o   You order the last pieces of furniture from the shopping list I provided.

  o   And it’s time for you to move in!

  
  

• Once you’ve moved in and celebrated your new home, I’ll take one more day with a photographer to take photos of the space. Every aspect of your personal life and location will, of course, be protected.

2. How do you charge?

Each project is unique, so there’s no hour-based or percentage pricing at Stella Studio. I analyse closely what you need during our initial on-site consultation (the price for this is 165 chf) and I’ll provide a detailed quote tailored to your space and goals after that.

What I can tell you is that my quotes are based on:

• Which service you’ve chosen (1. Space optimization, 2. Design & Style or 3. Total Renovation)

• The state of the space, and if I need to work with an architect to plan structural and legal changes

• The number of square meters and floors

• The number of kitchens and bathrooms

• An estimate of tailor-made & built-in furniture

• The type of shopping list

3. Can you design small spaces?

Absolutely! I specialize in space optimization in residential space-planning, and love to make every square meter count. I believe that smart layouts unlock hidden potential—even in the tiniest homes.

4. Can you manage an entire renovation project?

Yes—my Total Renovation service covers everything: floorplan design to styling and materials, furniture and then on-site monitoring with contractors until it’s ready for you to move in.

5. What is included in each of your interior design services, and how do they differ from one another?

1. Space Optimization: is the space-planning part. I redefine spaces, see if we need to knock-down walls or build them in order to create the cohesion and different spaces that you need. In this service I provide you with 3 space-planning floorplan designs. Each will answer your needs in a different way. (see this blog post for an example)

2. Design & Style: I choose materials, colors and furniture to fit your space. This service can be combined with 1. Space Optimization.

3. Total Renovation: a start to finish project, from floorplan design to handing you the keys of your home for you to move-in knowing that everything has been thought of.

6. How do you incorporate a client's personal style and preferences into your design plans?

Design starts with listening. I ask you a lot of questions, I’ll even ask you for inspirations that you like and what furniture you’d like to keep (if any) and then I translate your needs, habits, and dreams into spaces that feel right—not just look good.

7. How does Stella Studio handle sourcing and procurement of materials and furnishings?

Depending on your budget, I’ll find the suppliers that fit the style we’re looking for and I collaborate with local craftspeople when we need tailor-made solutions for the project. When it comes to furniture, I’ll look at an array of options that can go as far as sourcing vintage pieces for your space.

8. Do you collaborate with local contractors and artisans in Geneva for renovation projects?

Yes! Thinking locally is not only important to me, it’s important for our eco-system. I believe that finding and working with a curated network of skilled, reliable craftspeople will bring even more life and story into the design of your home.

9. How do you address sustainability and eco-friendly practices in your design projects?

Whenever possible, I like to use durable materials, vintage, sometimes upcycled, furniture, local artisans, and energy-efficient solutions—all tailored to what we have decided, together, fits the flow of your home and the aesthetic you’re looking for.

10. How do you manage projects remotely for clients who may not be based in Geneva?

For my virtual consultations, I offer services 1. Space Optimization and 2. Design & Style minus the measurements part (that will have to be done by you but I’ll guide you on how to do it efficiently). We’ll schedule virtual meetings and thanks to my thorough documentations, I keep remote clients informed and involved, every step of the way.

11. Can you assist with obtaining necessary permits or approvals for renovation work in Geneva?

Yes, I can guide you through the local regulations and help coordinate with an architect when structural or legal compliance is needed both in Geneva and in the French surrounding area.

12. Do you offer consultations for clients who are still in the process of purchasing a property?

Absolutely. This is a very smart way to work to make sure you can meet your needs within a potential property. I will assess the property’s potential and help you envision what it could become—before you commit.

It is also a great way to incorporate my fees into your loan application (if you are indeed applying for a loan), as I’ll be able to give you a quote in time for it.

13. How do you handle unexpected challenges or changes during the renovation process?

 I often say that my job is about finding a solution 90% of the time. Which is why the assessment of the project is such a huge chunk of my work, even though it is invisible to most of my clients, I know I have saved them, me and the builders a huge amount of time, headaches and money thanks to my minute approach. However, and particularly when it comes to old builds, surprises can always occur. And so, I stay adaptable, communicate clearly, and always think solution-first. That’s why you hire me.

When the changes come from your side and are outside the scope of the quote I provided you with, then there will be an extra cost that I will let you know about upfront so you can always change your mind.

14. What sets Stella Studio apart from other interior design firms in Geneva?

I have been told by luxury real-estate agents in Geneva that they’d never seen the level of detail and structure that I give my projects. I think my approach is personal, pragmatic, and detail-oriented—with a love for character and charm. I blend old-world soul with your modern way of life, and, hopefully, that’s also what you’re looking for.

A great way to get to know me and my way of work is by looking into my Instagram page and reading more on my blog.

15. Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients?

Yes, you’ll find testimonials here.

16. What is the best way for me, a prospective client, to initiate a project with Stella Studio?

Easy—Get in touch by sending me a message here . Or directly book a call through here. Let’s get to know each other and see how I can help, I’m excited to know more about you and your project!

I founded Stella Studio specifically to help you renovate your property. Whether it’s a new acquisition, a space you’ve outgrown, or a real estate investment, I offer three services:

1. Space Optimization – I meticulously plan every centimeter of your home.

2. Design & Style – I recommend materials and furniture.

3. Total Renovation – Includes services 1 & 2, plus building site monitoring for an A-to-Z project.

Get in touch, and let’s talk about your project xx

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Hope you enjoyed my post Frequently Asked Questions to an Interior Designer in Geneva