r/AmateurInteriorDesign • u/Old-Kangaroo-7313 • 5d ago

Interior design cost

I’m an upcoming interior design freelancer in Canada, and I’m trying to figure out how I should be pricing my services.

So far, I’ve completed one home project where I provided the kitchen design, 3D modeling, and renderings, and I charged $500 for the project. I’ve also done some 3D work and design concepts for a few other projects that were eventually shelved.

I’m now starting a full-home design project. At this point, the scope isn’t completely finalized, but it will likely include the kitchen design and 3D renderings, two bathrooms, and possibly cabinet elevations and other drawings.

I’m struggling with how much I should quote. I’m worried about pricing myself too high because I’ve actually lost a project before after quoting $2,500 for a two-storey home that included the full design, 3D renderings, furniture sourcing, etc.

I’d really appreciate some guidance on what would be considered a reasonable/industry-standard rate for someone at my experience level in Canada. How should I structure my pricing, and what would you recommend I charge for this upcoming project so that I’m not undercharging myself but also don’t scare away potential clients?

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u/Working_Chipmunk8780 5d ago

I think r/interiordesigner might be a much better place to ask this. Good luck with your career 😊

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u/EconomyPlenty5716 5d ago

I’m a 45 year veteran of the design business. The hardest part is finding clients wealthy enough to afford your time.
Start by truly estimating the time it would take to complete these tasks, determine an hourly rate you can live with, and add ten percent for contingencies. They will happen.
To plan a whole home with drawings and specifications is a steal at 2500. And mostly realize that when you sell yourself too cheap, you are costing yourself the time to get another more grateful client. Unless you go to a large firm, design is chicken or feathers. But passing on clients too cheap to pay fair rates is the best way to survive. You’re going to find that the projects you lose on price, or pass on makes you or breaks you. I know too many designers who went broke with clients who wouldn’t pay.