So glad you asked! If you are considering building a new home, the most ideal time to begin the conversation is during the day-dream phase! You’ll come to find that quality trades teams are booked out at least 6 months, some upwards of 18 months. So give yourself time to interview architects and builders to make the best decision and secure a time slot on their pipeline.

Don’t have a lot or land yet? Not to worry! One of Rona’s favorite parts about working with homeowners early in their journey is playing match-maker with relevant professionals who can guide you through the process of finding a location, an architect and builder for your project. The end result is a dream team to build the next chapter of your life.

Before we begin the actual design process, it is critical to partner with the right team to build the next chapter of your life. This will set you up for success for a smooth and fun process! Without the right team of people who are timely, trustworthy and communicative while delivering a quality end-result, the 12-36 month process of remodeling or building can quickly become a negative experience for the homeowner, and this piece of the equation is arguably the most important to ensure a positive experience and an exceptional finished home for you and your family.

The short answer is no, but many clients find it very helpful being introduced to Rona’s network of relevant professionals for every phase of the process, from buying a lot, selecting an architect to finding the right builder. While you will have some great choices to pick from, there is certainly no obligation for you to commit; The choice is yours to hire the team you feel most comfortable with. If you’ve already selected an architect and/or builder, great! Rona loves building relationships with new trades professionals in the industry.

Over the last 12 years, Rona has worked with clients across the US, in Europe, Asia, Central America and islands in between. When working out-of-state and overseas, communication is key, and a good receiver/freighter is equally as important. Travel is required and expenses apply.

It all starts with a Discovery Call. Please complete this short questionnaire to provide Rona with context about the project, and you will be contacted via email within 24-48 hours to align on next steps. You can also find more details about the services offered here.

Most homeowners and business owners who work with Rona are busy working professionals who know what they want when they see it. It is important to highlight that the design process from beginning to end is a collaboration between you and Rona to ensure the finished space is a true and accurate reflection of you. However, the experience does not resemble a personal shopper.

Absolutely. It is not uncommon to have trouble articulating what your “style” is. Even for those of you who have a strong sense of your personal style, the design process begins with an in-depth Aesthetic Review to hone in on how your custom design will be brought to life. The design details are determined by your environment and architecture first, then your personal aesthetic. For example, your home in the Swiss Alps will not use the same materials or finishes as your home in Bermuda, but your personality will be present in both.

We aren’t shy to discuss money around here because the last thing we want is a bad surprise. It’s always helpful to go into a situation with a high-level understanding of what to expect. A good rule of thumb to determine how much you’ll invest in furnishing your home is calculating approximately 10%-15% of the value of your home. For example, the foundation furnishings required to make a $1M home usable will cost about $100k. To finish the spaces with bedding, towels, accent pieces, art, decor and accessories, you’ll come closer to the $150k mark. Prior to making any selections, Rona will create a personalized furnishings estimate for an in-depth review.

Whether you are building a new home or undergoing a large-scale renovation, a turn-key (also called full-service) design involves everything from custom cabinetry to gutter and roofing materials to bath towels and bed linens. Rona has worked on projects of all scopes and sizes around the world, and found that she is able to provide homeowners with the best finished results when she is involved in designing the complete space. This process includes kitchens, baths and closest, flooring, wall and ceiling treatments, hard surface selections, furnishings, textiles, art and accessories. Rona also provides exterior selections and enjoys collaborating with landscape architects and local nurseries to ensure the outside of your home is cohesive with the interior.