Most people who reach out to me have never worked with a design consultant before. That’s completely fine. Here’s exactly what to expect — from first contact to the finish line.

Plan Review — Common Questions

What exactly do you review?

Your complete floor plan and your electrical plan — together. Most plan reviews look only at layout. We look at both because a room that flows well but has outlets in the wrong places, switches that don’t make sense, and lighting that fights the furniture is still a room that doesn’t work. We review traffic flow, door swings, furniture viability, window and door placement, electrical layout, and cabinetry and storage logic.

How do I get started?

Fill out the submission form on the Plan Review page, attach your PDFs, and tell us where you are in the process. We will review your plans, confirm your square footage, and send you an itemized invoice within one business day. Work begins when payment is received.

How is square footage calculated?

We calculate based on HVAC-served living area — the conditioned space in your home. Not total area under roof, not the garage, not the covered porch. We confirm this number from your submitted plans. You don’t need to calculate it yourself.

What format should my plans be in?

PDF is preferred. If your plans are in another format please note that in the submission form and we will advise.

How long does the review take?

We deliver your marked-up PDFs and recorded video walkthrough within five business days of receiving payment. Your 30-minute Zoom session is scheduled at a mutually convenient time after delivery.

What if construction has already started?

We have reviewed plans at every stage of the process. Even mid-construction it is worth knowing what you are working with. Some things can still be adjusted. Some can’t. Either way you will know.

Can I add the Furniture Layout service later?

No — the Furniture Layout service must be added at the time of submission as it requires a separate production process that begins alongside the plan review.

What is your refund policy?

Payment is required before work begins. Once work has commenced fees are non-refundable.

Advisory Call — Common Questions

What can we cover in an hour?

Anything related to building, renovating, or designing a home. People use this call for plan gut-checks, contractor disputes, finish selection decisions, lot evaluations, budget realities, floor plan comparisons, and general guidance on decisions they’re about to make and aren’t sure about. If it has to do with your home, it’s fair game.

Do I receive anything in writing after the call?

No. The Advisory Call is a live working conversation — not a consulting engagement with deliverables. You are welcome to take notes and the Zoom session is yours to record on your end if you wish.

Is this a sales call?

No. We will not spend your hour trying to convince you to hire us for a larger engagement. If at the end of the call that makes sense we will tell you — but that is not the agenda.

How do I book?

Select a time on the Advisory Call page. Payment instructions are included in your confirmation email. Your appointment is confirmed when payment is received via Zelle.

What is the cancellation policy?

You may reschedule once with a minimum of 48 hours notice at no charge. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before your call and no-shows forfeit the full fee. No exceptions.

Should I send materials in advance?

Yes — any plans, photos, or documents you want to discuss should be submitted at least 48 hours before your call. The email address for submissions is included in your booking confirmation. Your hour begins at your scheduled start time regardless of when you join.

General Questions

Do I work with Alexander directly?

Yes. Every client works with Alexander Dahlgren-Jawad directly. This is his practice and these are his clients. You will never be handed off to an assistant or a less experienced designer.

Can you work with clients anywhere in the country?

Yes. Both services are conducted virtually. Geography is never a limitation.

How is this different from hiring a traditional interior designer?

A traditional interior designer typically manages your project from start to finish and charges accordingly. What we offer is different — expert guidance that puts you in the driver’s seat. You make the decisions. We make sure they’re the right ones. Alexander’s background spans architecture, construction, and interior design simultaneously, which means he can see your project the way your contractor sees it and the way a designer sees it at the same time. That combination is rare and it prevents a lot of expensive mistakes.

I’m in the early stages and haven’t made any decisions yet. Is it too soon?

It’s never too soon. In fact the earlier we talk the more we can help. Early guidance prevents the kind of cascading mistakes that happen when decisions get made in the wrong order.

I already have a contractor and a set of plans. Can you still help?

Absolutely — and this is one of the most valuable moments to bring in an outside eye. Having an experienced independent review before anything is built can save you from decisions that are difficult or impossible to undo.

Have you ever told a client their plan was a mistake?

Yes. Regularly. That’s part of what you’re paying for. There’s no value in a consultant who simply validates every decision you’ve already made. If something isn’t going to work, or if there’s a better way, we’ll tell you — clearly, respectfully, and with an explanation of why.