FAQs

(01)

General

What types of projects do you specialize in?

We specialize in high-end residential projects, creating bespoke interiors that are deeply personal, character-rich, and meticulously designed to an international standard. Our work ranges from full-scale interior architecture and design to tailored room designs, ensuring each home reflects the individuality of its owners. With experience in both Ireland and the UK, our portfolio includes luxury new builds, renovations, and heritage properties, all approached with a commitment to authenticity, detail, and design excellence.

How are your design fees structured?

Our design fees are charged hourly and billed monthly. During our discovery call, we provide an estimate of the overall fee based on the project scope. Each team member has a specific billable rate, which we outline clearly to ensure transparency.

What level of involvement will I have in the design process?

We value your input and ensure that you are involved at every key stage of the design process. Regular updates and meetings are scheduled to review progress, discuss details, and incorporate your feedback.

How long does a typical project take?

The timeline for a project can vary significantly. Large construction projects may take anywhere from 1-3 years, while smaller-scale projects can be designed and completed within 4-12 months. We provide a more accurate timeline during the initial consultation.

Can you work with my existing architect or contractor?

Yes, we frequently collaborate with architects, contractors, and other professionals to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to your project. Our goal is to work seamlessly with your existing team to achieve the best results.

What is the Design Style of the studio?

Our team are trained to interpret your brief and translate it into a wholly unique and tailored designthat is entirely representative of you, and not us. As such, the designs that we create vary widely from project to project, and we really enjoy the research and variety of working through many types of design styles. Working with people in their homes is a very special privilege, and we take that role very seriously. So whilst we may not impress a particular design style on our clients, we do try in all cases to create a sense of comfort and relaxation in every project, regardless of its design style. We tend to shy away from spaces that feel overly contrived or staged, but rather endeavour to create an interesting and dynamic blend of cohesion and character through a home. We love to enhance architectural features with beautiful interior design that feels inherent to our clients.

What is the Cost of this type of service?

Each project we undertake is unique in terms of size and scope of service, and can be anything from a full house build to a room design. Our design fees are charged hourly and billed monthly. Our rates are the same for all projects, regardless of size or project location. Each member of our team has a billable rate, which is outlined to you on our discovery call, alongside an estimate of what the overall fee estimate is likely to be for the entire project. This is always subject to change depending on how a project evolves, but most projects are straightforward in terms of process, and we are very well versed at moving through our project stages in an efficient manner once we are appointed on time. That being said, the cost of this service is certainly not insignificant, and if it is a large construction project, we may be working on it anywhere from 1-3 years. Smaller scale projects can be designed and completed anywhere between 4 and 12 months.

At what stage should you hire an Interior Designer?

Ideally, your Interior Designer is involved from the very outset of your project. If it is a construction project, we would need to be involved anywhere from 6- 12 months in advance of construction commencement. This is to allow enough time to design the space in collaboration with you, and prepare all the technical framework necessary for the design to be tendered, costed and built. If it is a refurbishment, we would need to be involved anywhere from 2-6 months in advance of design installation.

(02)

Full Service Design Questions

Who would benefit from E-Design Services?

This service is particularly useful for those embarking on a Home Renovation or Construction project, be it a full home or a portion of a home, and is suited to both self-builders and those who will have a building Contractor. Typically, most clients innately know if they will need expert help with a project, be it because of time constraints or lack of knowledge. Most are fearful of making costly mistakes and engage our services so they can have the confidence to take their project forward and implement it to the desired standard. In terms of cost, it is less expensive than our Full Design Service, and so it is a more cost-effective way of engaging our services.

What is the difference between E-Design and Full service Design?

For E-Design, we work with you as our client, and you take that information forward to implement with your Building team, trades, vendors and suppliers. In our Full Design Service, we provide a fully comprehensive Interior Architecture, Interior Design and Interior Styling service for the project from pre-construction to project completion. During this process, we liaise with architects, contractors and tradespeople throughout the build process, and retailers, suppliers & vendors for finishes, fixtures & accessories for the Interior fit-out. In Summary, E-Design is a more "hand-off" service, and Full Design is a more "hands-on" service.

What is the output from E-Design Services?

This varies widely depending on the Scope of service. It is typically a combination of a Concept Design Presentation, supported by Technical Detail drawings and FF&E Specification schedules as necessary.

Is there any after-service once the E-Design service ends?

Should you choose to engage us for this service, we will outline an agreed schedule of works and a timeline for deliverables. Once this service is complete, there is no after-service from us as we will have provided with you the agreed information necessary as per your scope of service. You can, however, book an Online Consultation at any time if there are questions / decisions you are uncomfortable making, if there are design variations, or you simply just want to run through things with us as you progress through the project implementation stage.

(03)

E-Service Design Questions

Can you incorporate our branding into the interior design?

Absolutely. We view your physical space as an extension of your brand. From colour palettes and signage to materials and user experience, we ensure that the design communicates your brand identity in a cohesive and elevated way.

When should we engage your services?

The earlier, the better. Ideally, we’re brought on board during the pre-construction or early planning stages—typically 6–12 months ahead of the build. This allows us to collaborate effectively with architects and consultants, align the design with your brand vision, and avoid costly changes later in the process.

What types of commercial spaces do you design?

We work across a range of sectors including hospitality, workplace, retail, wellness, and professional services. Whether it's an office fit-out, a boutique hotel, or a flagship retail space, we tailor our design to suit your brand, clientele, and operational needs.

(04)

Commercial Design Questions

Could we hire you to work on our project after the Online Consultation?

Booking an Online Consultation doesn’t guarantee further work, as we have limited availability due to a busy project schedule. If you’re interested in a full-service design project, we recommend scheduling a discovery call to check our availability before proceeding with an Online Consultation. Please note that we don’t take on construction projects once they’ve already begun, but room design services are available when our schedule permits.

What is the after-service of an Online Consultation?

Our Online Consultations are advice-driven sessions, and there is no formal after-service. However, many clients book follow-up consultations or Workshop sessions as they progress with their project. These repeat sessions allow us to dive deeper into design elements or help you through later stages of the process as your project evolves.

What is the "take home" from an Online Consultation?

After an Online Consultation, we may provide you with informal mood boards, sketches, or notes to help visualize our recommendations. As these sessions focus on advice, there may not always be detailed assets to take away, but we encourage you to take notes during the meeting to maximize the value of the consultation. You'll walk away with clear direction and actionable insights for your project.

What is the difference between an Online Consultation and a Workshop Session?

An Online Consultation offers advice on your interior design project, providing on-the-spot solutions for layout, furniture placement, and finishes. These consultations are ideal for gaining expert advice in an ad-hoc, flexible format. In contrast, a Workshop session allows for deeper collaboration, where we conceptualize designs, select final finishes like flooring and tiles, and pull together design elements in real-time. Many clients first book an Online Consultation to refine their layouts before booking a Workshop for more hands-on design work.

Who would benefit from an Online Interior Design Consultation?

These sessions are particularly useful for those embarking on either a Construction project or a Design Project. For a Construction Project, we typically work through the Plans and Layouts, progressing to Lighting Design, Kitchen Design, Bathroom Designs or any other areas as required in subsequent sessions to guide you through the build process. For a Design Project, we can give advice on Room Designs, from Furniture suggestions through to Colour scheming ideas.

When is the best time to engage you for this service?

We require time to complete the entire E-Design Service with you prior to it commencing on site. This service typically takes between 2-6 months, depending on the size of the project, and when we are available to commence works with you. It is always best to get in touch as soon as you are thinking about a project to ensure you make your way into our Project Pipeline. Unfortunately we cannot offer this service to you if your project has already commenced, but we can help you with advice and guidance through our Online Consultation services.

(05)

Online Interior Design Consultation Questions

(06)

Media Enquiries

Feature the work of Ashen & Cloud in a Publication

If you wish to feature the work of Ashen & Cloud in your publication, please get in touch with our Creative Director, Susan, to discuss what work would be best to feature from our project work. We are currently in the process of photographing many of the projects we have completed over the past 3-5 years across many design styles. You can reach Susan on +353 86 3497 614 or email: susan@ashenandcloud.com to discuss in more detail.

Work with Ashen & Cloud on a Marketing Promotion

Ashen & Cloud occasionally work with brands for marketing purposes. Sometimes this is in a Creative Role for a specific installation, and other times it can be for promotional or brand awareness purposes. Please get in touch with Susan if you wish to discuss an opportunity. You can reach Susan on +353 86 3497 614 or email: susan@ashenandcloud.com.

request a media appearance

Our Creative Director, Susan McGowan is a recognised voice within the Interior Community in Ireland, UK and Northern Europe, and appears periodically on TV, Radio, Podcasts, panel discussions and events as an industry expert. If you have an opportunity in mind, you can contact Susan directly on +353 86 3497 614 or email: susan@ashenandcloud.com

Book a call

Ready for a change?

Envisioning a space that truly embodies your taste? Our interior design studio specializes in creating bespoke environments tailored to your unique style. Due to high demand, we offer a limited number of consultations each month. If you're ready to elevate your space, we invite you to apply for a consultation.

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Founder and Creative Director, Susan, sitting in a client's home she designed.