Common Questions Answered

Anne Parsons Interiors is a full service Interior Design firm with studios in San Diego, CA, Phoenix AZ and Dallas TX. Below is comprehensive information with answers to many common questions Ms. Parsons is asked during consultations. We hope this helps with your decision to hire a professional but specifically API.  Our Principal Designer, 

Terri Anne Parsons holds to the upmost in quality design services, "design for the client" aesthetic and outstanding customer service with contractor referrals.

-We are often asked, "What style do you design?"  

Ms. Parsons' answer to this often-asked question is, "I focus on each client's lifestyle and personality to tell their story, creating a style that uniquely reflects them.  This approach along with considerations of the architecture, surroundings of the project, budget and client preferences produces a timeless and authentic environment."  

"There  is a common misconception that interior designers help their clients to choose paint color, fabrics and furnishings, etc., but that is decorating.  While professional designers are concerned with these items as their clients are, professional interior designers (defined as designers holding degrees, belonging to professional organizations such as ASID, IDA, NKBA, etc.) and having their client's  projects chosen for publication in major magazines have expertise across a range of the built environment.  

Some of the questions our clients have before hiring API... 

-Are you professionally associated? 

Yes.  Everyone on staff is at a minimum Allied ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) and Ms. Parsons, our Owner and Principal Designer, is a professional member of ASID and a Professional Member of NKBA.   Anne Parsons Interiors has been a member of the Better Business Bureau of San Diego for 16 years stellar BBB representation.  Ms. Parsons holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design  from The Design Institute of San Diego (DISD), a CIDA accredited design school in San Diego, CA. 

-Have your projects appeared in any professional magazines?

Yes. Ms. Parsons' designs have been published numerous times in San Diego Home and Garden Magazine in the Before and After full areas and she writes articles for the Tips From Designers columns.  She has also written several articles for the trade and student bases.

-What sets you apart from other designers? 

We design for our clients, We listen to the frustrations our clients have with their spaces and we care about your project as if it were our own home, office and wallet.  We program with your family and observe family functions helping us see what is currently happening in your spaces, where the deficiencies are and how we can help.

-What is your track record for bringing projects in on time and within budget? 

Ms. Parsons is extremely focused on adhering to a track record of bringing projects on time and within budget.  That's not to say that budgets do not change for one reason or another and everything most times takes longer than original estimates but we do our best to estimate both cost and time of completion at the beginning of the project and inform our clients along the way of any changes necessary or optional.  Whether we hit a delay along the way usually due to an unforeseen issue or perhaps the client makes changes they would like, we do our best to explain any issues along the way,

-What is your interior design philosophy? 

We listen to our clients and really "hear" what they are asking.  For example, when it comes to our kitchen remodel clients during the programming phase, we observe clients during a breakfast or dinner service while they utilize the space and we evaluate the functioning (or dis-functioning) and listen to any frustrations and discuss the best changes to make. 

-What is your experience in my type of project? 

Our experience is extremely varied and we have excellent General Contractors, Architects and Engineers who work with with us along the way.  So, if we haven't seen it they certainly have.  We also work with a network of professionals within our association memberships so there is nothing we cannot research within these means to provide solutions.

-What challenges do you see with my project?  

This would be determined after your initial consultation and perhaps even some programming (observations and discussions).  A consultation is the best way to get started.  

-Will I work with you directly or with contractors? 

Both. You will mostly work with your design firm directly which is preferred so that we  can ensure design intent throughout the project helping to lessen confusion in communication between client, designer and other trades.  There are times when the contractor will explain things directly to the client which we welcome.  Also, typically when a contractor becomes involved the client establishes a separate agreement with them.  After our clients approve initial design concept we offer project management services to help manage your projects. Project Management is a valued service and well worth it in terms of peace of mind; and the freedom to go back to work as we manage your project communicating directly with you for anything needing further clarification once the project is "live." 

-What fees are included in your basic service? 

We have various pricing structures we can explain during our initial consultation.  It varies by project and depends on how you want to move your project along.  For example, we offer painting bid reviews to let you know exactly what your painter is bidding in terms of color, level of product and any suggestions we may have in this area of expertise.  Also our Color Consultations are 90 minutes for a $250 fee where travel 1-way counts toward the time limit and providing the client with an emailed summary of the consult forwarded to you within 72 hours. An alternative offering is $75 per hour with trip fee being charged by the hour and no summary is presented with this offering.

-What services would incur additional fees?  

Additional costs are incurred primarily when we go outside of the original project scope or if we have unforeseen issues.  For example if we find mold in the bathroom walls or asbestos is found in an area that is going to be disturbed and we need to have it professionally removed.  Estimated costs are conveyed to our clients during the design concept presentation. 

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Interior Designers know interiors better than any pro in the build-industry! 

Anne Parsons Interiors has the expertise and dependable proven General Contractors and subs to call upon to provide solutions for our clients.  When your space isn’t working for you a professional designer can design a solution which is safe, healthy and will better suit your lifestyle. 

We are confident this page has answered many of your questions about working with a designer.  To get started contact us and schedule an initial consultation.  There is a fee for consultations and will be deducted if a Design Agreement for the project is implemented. So much goes into creating the best design for each client's needs. API invests the time necessary to "program" with you before even beginning the design process which happens post-Design Agreement.  Please see the PORTFOLIO page on this site for an idea of our experience then call or use our CONTACT page to arrange a call back and appointment. 

Let's get started so we get your projects finished! 

Terri Anne Parsons, B.F.A., Allied ASID, NKBA, 

Owner/Principal Designer

760-525-2501