Frequently asked questions

More About Robyn Thomas

How did you get started doing this type of work?

Since I was a little girl, I always enjoyed looking at beautiful homes and buildings. My imagination would run wild with ways to build and furnish spaces that I would love to live in. As I went through school, this love of designing never waned and I started sketching floor plans and elevations for hours on end.



What types of customers have you worked with?

We have worked with architects, contractors, retail shopping center developers, K-12 school systems, healthcare building owners & managers, universities, real estate investors, and homeowners.



Describe a project you think clients can relate to. How long did it take?

Prior to founding Robyn Studios, I was asked to get a 2,500 SF home addition project back on track as a project manager. The home owners were very hands-on and were not happy with the architect and contractors that they had worked with on the first phase of work. When I started, the upstairs addition had been framed up but incorrectly. Issues I helped them remedy included: recruiting and vetting new contractors, overseeing the correction of existing plumbing, electrical, and structural work, choosing new fixtures and finishes and overseeing their delivery, and maintaining an extensive database of the entire project. It took 6 months to get the work to the next phase of completion to the point that the client could move back into their home.



What are some fun facts about you?

Colors I can’t resist: Cobalt blue and royal purple Some of my first pets: goldfish, hampster, parakeet, chicken (named Bubba no less) When I can, I like to: golf, bowl, and bake Time management inspiration: “Tomorrow is the busiest day of the week.” - A Very Insightful Person



Why should I work with you vs. another design company?

Often, design projects are some of the most expensive and complicated undertakings a person will make - other than having children or getting married. RS was founded with the mission to offer clients an exciting, well-priced, easy-to-follow design experience guided by a trained professional. Our clients have said that they are super happy they chose to work with us because we actively communicate even after they pay invoices at milestones, help them see where their dollars are going, and elevate and inspire their design vision in a way that gives them joy for years on end.



Hiring a Professional

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Be sure to document what you are looking for with plenty of photos and any relevant details such as timeline, budget, and priorities. It can be hard to compare providers because pricing systems vary across the industry. Get as much information as you can for what each person includes per their pricing metric, such as cost-per-square-foot, cost per phase, cost per work session, or hourly rate.



What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

What is my budget range? When do I want to start? Do I need to have this work done in phases to fit my circumstances? What level of involvement do I need - just initial concepts or work all the way through installation? Do I want a contractor or other professional, in addition to a designer, to be involved from the beginning?



Architecture Services

What is the difference between schematic or design development drawings & blueprints?

Schematic and design development drawings show the space layout and descriptions of the work you want done, including dimensions and notes. They can include floor plans and elevations and are meant to communicate your overall ideas with minimal information needed for a preliminary quote from a contractor. On the other hand, permit or construction documents (known to many as blueprints) are a full set of drawings that can be used to get building permits and build a home or addition. They include not only measurements and notes, but also code information, construciton details, product information, and systems floor plans and details for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.



What is the benefit of getting schematic or design development plans (pricing set) done instead of blueprints?

When you are just starting your project, it is best to spend a minimal amount of money making sure it is feasible before hainvg an architect or draftsperson spend costly hours and to produce a set of plans that you may not end up using.



Can I use schematic or design development drawings for anything else beside pricing?

Yes. Many clients find them helpful for HOA approvals for renovations or additions and for handing off to a full service firm to proceed with producing construction drawings.



What drawings are included in a schematic drawing set?

We can provide floor plans and also elevations to show the exterior sides of your home. For pricing, permit and construction sets, we complete additional drawings, such as sections, roof plans, and details, as well as list a scope of work.



Virtual Staging

How many site visits will be needed for my project?

Most projects only require virtual photos of the rooms. However, should you need us to take the photos, one site visit is sufficient if the site can be fully accessed as needed by RS.



What file types do you provide?

RS will produce .pdf, .jpeg, and .png file types for your use in any marketing materials, whether in print or on the web.



What is included?

Whether you are a homeowner, realtor, or investor, you know that physical staging gets expensive fast. Virtual staging can put your property ahead of the competition while you save time and money on your way to moving in your tenant or selling at closing. ​ Includes: 1. An initial virtual consultation to pin down your desired style 2. Your follow up with photos of the spaces to be staged 3. A 3D rendered view looking in one direction in your room Additional views, as well as a floor plan showing the placement of furnishings, can be provided for a reduced fee per image.



How much will additional views of the same room or a floor plan cost?

We consider the fee-per-view on a case by case basis.



What if I just want renderings of a space that is not accessible or built yet?

We are happy to provide these renderings using one of our trusted services providers. The pricing ranges according to your needs: timeline, desired look (watercolor, photo-realistic, style intricacy, added features like people and landscaping, etc.), and number of images.



Interior Design Services

What is Included in an a typical package?

We provide a combination of deliverables, including but not limited to: - Inspiration look with customization options based on your style selection - Color palette for finishes and furnishings - Vendor and pricing list for individual items - Installation guide - Sourced items can include flooring, wall coverings, window treatments, wall art, table & shelve art, hardware for cabinets and doors, rugs, lamps, lights, furniture, and the list goes on.



RS Shop Page

Are the products on this page provided or warrantied by RS?

No. This page showcases products from companies with which we have an affiliate relationship. RS can not warranty the transactions that you choose to complete with these companies. We show them on our page because, at the time we originally included them on our page, we believed them to have: - Products that appeal to customers - A reasonably reliable customer service reputation - A sustained brand presence - Compatibility with the types of home design products that RS recommends to clients



What are the benefits of shopping your page when I already know about these brands?

RS does earn a commission any time you use these links. As a customer who obviously values RS as a design ally, you likely want to see our company succeed. Purchases you make on our Shop page help a great deal!