Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to what clients ask us most, about how we work, what it costs, and what it is like to remodel with one studio from design through construction.
What does AVCO Design actually do?
We are a full-service interior design studio. One studio runs the whole process: design, sourcing and purchasing your furnishings and fixtures, and coordinating construction with a vetted contractor and trade network, so you are not stitching together a designer, a buyer, and a builder yourself.
Are you a general contractor?
We don’t take on clients in a GC role. We design your home, purchase the furnishings and fixtures, and coordinate construction with trusted contractors and trades. Our drawings convey design intent (they are not construction documents), and the licensed contractor builds the work.
Do you manage both design and construction?
Yes. We manage the entire project as a single accountable studio, from design through construction. We design your home, source and purchase furnishings and fixtures, and coordinate construction with a vetted contractor and trade network, ensuring the design intent carries through to the finished room. We coordinate the build; the licensed contractor performs the construction.
How is this different than hiring a designer who hands off a plan?
Most designers give you a plan and step back, leaving you to manage purchasing and the build. We stay accountable through the entire project, with weekly written updates, written approval before anything is purchased, and a room-by-room line-item budget, so nothing falls through the cracks between the plan and the finished room.
I had a frustrating experience with a designer before. Why would this go differently?
Sometimes clients come to us after a project that stalled or went over budget. The difference is one accountable studio and a documented process. You always know what is happening, what it costs, and what is coming next, because it is in writing every week, and nothing is ordered without your sign-off.
What will my project cost?
It depends on the scope, the rooms involved, and the level of finishes. What stays consistent is how we handle it: every project gets a room-by-room line-item budget during the Conceptual Design Phase after Trade Day, when the contractors and vendors walk the project. We don’t authorize work or purchases without your approval, so the investment is clear before any money is spent.
How long does a project take?
Timelines vary with the size and complexity of the work. We map out the schedule before construction begins and check in with a written progress note each week, so you always know where the project stands rather than wondering.
We focus on remodels, renovations, and new builds, from a single signature room to a whole-house project. These are substantial investments where coordination and accountability matter most.
What size projects do you take on?
Do you take on commercial projects?
Yes. We take on select commercial spaces, such as tasting rooms and showrooms.
Where do you work?
AVCO Design is based in Sebastopol, works with clients across Sonoma County, and takes on select projects in Marin, Napa, and the North Bay Area.
How do we get started?
Begin with our New Project Questionnaire (click). If it looks like a fit, we schedule a Design Discovery Call to learn more about your project.