One of the most common things I hear from homeowners who are getting close to reaching out is some version of this: I know I need help, but I am not sure what kind of help I actually need.
It is a fair place to be. There are several ways to work with a designer, and the terminology is not always clear from the outside. Full-service, Design Intensive, Designer on Call, Designer for a Day, Renovate or Relocate — these all mean something specific, and choosing the wrong one for your project means either paying for more than you need or not getting enough support where it counts.
This post breaks down every service I offer, who each one is designed for, and how to figure out which one fits your situation before you ever pick up the phone.
The Landscape: More Than One Way to Work with a Designer
Not every designer offers the same services, and not every project requires the same level of involvement. The best fit depends on the scope of what you are working on, how much support you want throughout the process, and what you are ultimately trying to accomplish.
Here is a clear breakdown of every service I offer and the homeowner each one is built for.
Full-Service Interior Design: For Projects That Need Full Management
Full-service design is the most comprehensive option. It covers the entire arc of a project, from the first concept through the final installation, with me managing every phase in between.
This includes space planning, concept development, material and finish selections, furniture sourcing, procurement, contractor coordination, and installation oversight. You are not managing vendors, chasing lead times, or making decisions in isolation. The project moves forward under professional management, and you engage at the key creative and approval moments.
Full-service design is the right fit if:
- You are renovating one or more rooms and want the process professionally managed
- You are moving into a new home and want to get it right from the start
- You are building new construction and need a designer involved before selections are finalized
- Your life is busy and you need someone to own the project so you do not have to
- You want a cohesive, fully executed result rather than a plan you implement yourself
It is probably not the right fit if:
- You have a single, specific decision you need help with
- You want to implement the design yourself and just need a direction
- Your timeline is very compressed and does not allow for a full design process
Full-service projects are scoped and priced based on what your specific project actually requires. The starting point is always a discovery call followed by a paid in-home consultation so the scope can be defined accurately before a proposal is written.
Designer on Call Retainer: For Ongoing, Flexible Support
The Designer on Call retainer is for homeowners who want consistent access to professional design guidance without a full-service commitment. Retainers start at 10 hours and are available to both new and returning clients.
This service is ideal if you are working through your home in phases, making ongoing decisions as a project unfolds, or simply want a professional in your corner as questions come up. You draw down hours as you need them for sourcing help, design questions, vendor recommendations, or any other guidance that comes up along the way.
Designer on Call is the right fit if:
- You are working through a project gradually and want support at each stage
- You have completed a full-service project and want continued access for finishing touches or new decisions
- You want professional guidance without committing to a full-service scope upfront
- You are making ongoing decisions and want a reliable expert to consult
Designer for a Day or Designer for a Half Day: For Focused, Single-Session Help
These are intensive, single-session engagements where we spend a defined block of time, either a full day or a half day, working through your project together in real time. You leave with clarity, decisions made, and a clear action plan.
A Designer for a Day or Half Day is perfect when you have a specific project or room that needs focused attention, when you want to get oriented before diving into a larger project, or when you simply need a burst of expert input to get unstuck and moving forward.
This is the right fit if:
- You have a specific room, decision, or project you need help with
- You want real-time, in-person guidance rather than an ongoing engagement
- You are early in the planning process and want to get your bearings before committing to more
- You need momentum and clarity more than you need full project management
These sessions are booked at the session level, making the investment clear and predictable upfront.
Virtual Design: For Clients Outside Birmingham or Those Who Prefer Remote
Virtual design offers the same level of professional expertise and cohesive result as in-person work, delivered remotely. We start with a video consultation, you share photos and measurements of your space, and I develop a complete design plan with layouts, color palettes, furnishings, and selections tailored to your home.
This service is available to clients anywhere in the country and is a strong option for local clients who prefer a flexible, remote process.
Virtual design is the right fit if:
- You are outside the Birmingham area and want professional design guidance
- You are a local client who prefers working remotely
- You have a clear scope and want a complete design plan you can implement yourself
Renovate or Relocate Consultation: For the Crossroads Decision
This one is a little different from a traditional design service, and it exists because of my dual background as both an interior designer and a licensed realtor.
If you are weighing whether to renovate your current home or sell and buy something different, that decision involves both design and real estate considerations that are deeply connected. A Renovate or Relocate consultation brings both perspectives to the table in one focused session. We look at what your current home could become, what it would cost to get there, what it is worth in today’s Birmingham market, and what buying something different would realistically look like.
This is the right fit if:
- You are genuinely undecided about whether to stay and renovate or sell and move
- You want both the design and real estate picture before you commit to either path
- You are tired of going in circles on this decision and want a clear, informed framework to move forward
How to Know Which One Is Right for You
If you are still not sure after reading through these, here is a simple way to think about it.
Start with scope. How much are you trying to accomplish? A whole-home renovation or multi-room project is almost always a full-service engagement. A single room or specific decision is a better fit for an Intensive or Designer on Call.
Think about how much you want to manage. If you want to hand the project off and have it run professionally, full-service is right. If you want to stay hands-on and just need expert guidance at key moments, a retainer or intensive gives you that without the full commitment.
Consider your timeline. Full-service design takes time and is not the right fit for someone who needs answers in the next two weeks. For faster timelines, a Designer for a Day or Half Day delivers focused guidance quickly.
Think about your decision. If you are not choosing between services but between staying in your home or moving altogether, the Renovate or Relocate consultation is where to start.
And if you are still genuinely unsure, that is exactly what a discovery call is for. We can talk through your project and figure out together what makes the most sense.
Ready to Figure Out the Right Fit?
The first step is always a conversation. No commitment, no pressure, just an honest discussion about your home, your goals, and what kind of support actually makes sense for where you are right now.
Kristen McGee is a full-service interior designer and licensed realtor with over 14 years of experience serving Birmingham, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Hoover, and surrounding areas, with virtual design services available nationwide.
