Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know About Working with STUDIO 818
Choosing the right interior architecture & design firm for your residence is a pivotal decision. These FAQs address the most common questions discerning clients ask about our Design Execution Framework™, investment strategy, and process—and why STUDIO 818 delivers results other firms cannot.
About Our Services
Unlike traditional firms, STUDIO 818 was founded on decades of real estate development and construction expertise. Having designed, built, and delivered 50+ market-setting residences as developers, we bring a rare fluency in both design and build.
With our proprietary Design Execution Framework™, we anticipate challenges, optimize investments, and streamline collaboration with architects, builders, and owner’s reps. The result: a residence that’s not only beautiful but executed with precision, efficiency, and certainty.
Our proprietary 8-phase process integrates sophisticated interior architecture and design with construction intelligence.
Unlike traditional approaches, it begins with pre-construction foresight and continues through white-glove turnkey completion—ensuring your vision, timeline, and investment remain aligned at every stage.
Our full-service interior architecture and design services (with Construction Concierge phases) are focused exclusively on South Florida’s most prestigious communities, including Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, East Boca Raton, and Hobe Sound. This geographic focus allows us to deliver the highest level of service with unmatched local insight.
We occasionally work with clients across the U.S. having remotely completing projects as far as Los Angeles and Lake Tahoe. In these cases we deliver all phases of our Design Execution Framework with the exception of construction oversight phases.
Project Scope & Investment
We specialize in significant residential projects including:
- Custom homes exceeding 4,000 SF
- Comprehensive estate renovations with substantial investment
- Architectural expansions exceeding 1,500 SF
- Historic property modernization requiring specialized expertise
Investments vary by scope, size, and selections. From a developer’s perspective, we provide comprehensive projections that encompass design, planning, and construction. Furnishings represent a separate investment.
General guidelines:
- Custom Homes: $600–$1,100+ per SF* (full design + build integration)
- Estate Renovations: Generally $225-$400+ per SF*
- Expansions/Remodels: $300–$500+ per SF*, plus new construction in Custom Home range
We refine projections during consultation and provide clarity through our Project Roadmap™.
*These all-inclusive projections cover design, planning, and construction through project completion. We provide detailed investment analysis during your consultation and comprehensive guidance through our Project Roadmap™.
The Project Roadmap™ is your strategic first step. It delivers clarity on feasibility, investment, and timeline before design begins—transforming uncertainty into informed decision-making.
It includes:
- Comprehensive budget projections (construction, finishes, services, ‘all-in’)
- Realistic timeline with milestones
- Post-improvement property valuation
Typical investment: $1.50–$3.00 per SF, depending on scope and complexity.
We provide fixed investments for full-service interior architecture & design, including white-glove furnishing. Construction-related phases are managed on an hourly basis with projected retainers.
For interior architecture & design without white-glove furnishing, the investment combines fixed rates (based on scope) with hourly retainers. This ensures transparency, efficiency, and alignment with client goals.
Process & timeline
Timelines vary:
- Custom Homes: 18-36 months (size and complexity dependent).
- Estate Renovations: 12-16 months
- Expansions: 10-14 months
Our Design Execution Framework™ eliminates delays by aligning vision, budget, and construction from the start.
The earlier, the better. Ideally, before hiring an architect or builder. This ensures interior architecture vision informs all structural decisions, saving time and preventing costly changes.
Absolutely. We collaborate seamlessly with your chosen professionals while protecting your design vision and investment. Our expertise eases the builder’s role, enhances the architect’s design, and streamlines coordination. If you haven’t selected your team, we curate trusted professionals tailored to your project.
Working Together
Comprehensive services include:
- Strategic pre-construction planning
- Interior architecture + optimized flow
- Master design + material specification
- Construction documentation
- Procurement + project management
- On-site construction oversight
- Tailormade furnishing + styling for turnkey completion
Your time is protected. You’ll establish the vision and approve key selections, but we manage all design development, coordination, and execution.
Yes. Our turnkey approach includes curated furnishings, artwork, and styling, ensuring your home is fully appointed and move-in ready.
Getting Started
We’re the right fit if you are:
- Planning a significant custom home, renovation, or expansion
- Located in Palm Beach, Broward, or Martin Counties
- Seeking expert execution without managing details yourself
- Prepared to make the investment required for extraordinary results
We assess feasibility, review our framework, discuss timelines and investment, and determine mutual fit. It’s your first step toward clarity and certainty.
Begin by submitting a Project Inquiry or requesting our Discovery Deck. We’ll respond within 48 hours to discuss next steps.