How early should we get in touch?

Please reach out as early as possible—ideally before you select materials, finalize layouts, or start construction. Bringing a designer in early helps you make smart, confident decisions before the expensive parts of a remodel are in motion. If construction is already underway, changes may be limited by budget, timeline, or structural details.

What areas do you service?

Kendal Cavalieri Design is based in Buffalo, NY and works with residential clients throughout Buffalo and select surrounding communities, including Orchard Park, East Amherst, Clarence, Williamsville, West Seneca, Hamburg, Cheektowaga, Depew, Lancaster, East Aurora, Elma, and nearby area.

Because every project is different, we confirm location and project fit during the Discovery Call. If you’re not sure whether your home is within our service area, please include your complete project address when you inquire.

How long does the design process take?

The design timeline depends on the size and complexity of the project. A smaller-scale kitchen or bathroom renovation typically takes 4 to 6 weeks for the design phase. Multi-room or whole-home transformationsprojects may take 2 to 3 months for design to ensure every detail is meticulously planned prior to demolition and construction.

Construction timelines are separate and depend on contractor availability, permitting, materials, and the overall scope of work.

I’ve never worked with an interior designer before. What is the process?

Every designer works differently. At Kendal Cavalieri Design, our relationship is built on clear roles.

• Our Role: To lead the design process, ask thoughtful questions, make professional recommendations, and create a functional, buildable plan.
• Your Role: To provide inspiration, communicate honestly, review information carefully, and make timely decisions.

The best projects happen when clients are engaged, responsive, and willing to trust the process.

A Note on Selections: We ask clients to trust the process and avoid shopping for their own selections. A comprehensive, coordinated design plan requires a unified approach rather than piecing together disconnected ideas.

What are the steps to get started?

1. Discovery Call: A brief conversation to talk through your project, timeline, investment, and whether Kendal Cavalieri Design is the right fit. This is not a design consultation..
2. Onboarding: If we move forward, you will complete an extensive questionnaire and send your inspiration images.
3. In-Person Consultation: We meet with a clear direction already in hand to dive deep into your goals, priorities, and project details.
   

Why do I need to complete homework before the consultation?

Your pre-initial-consultation homework helps us make the most of our time together.

Before we meet, we ask you to complete a detailed questionnaire and share inspiration images so we can understand your goals, priorities, style preferences, and project needs in advance. This allows us to arrive prepared, ask better questions, and use the consultation for meaningful conversation.

To properly prepare, we need your completed homework no later than 48 hours before your consultation. If we do not receive it in time, we will need to reschedule so we can give your project the attention it deserves.

Can I shop for my own materials, fixtures, or finishes?

We ask clients to avoid shopping for their own selections during the design process.

A comprehensive, coordinated design plan requires a unified approach. When clients shop independently, it can lead to disconnected choices, delays, rework, or selections that do not support the overall design, budget, or construction plan.

Of course, your preferences matter deeply. We will ask for your input, listen carefully, and make recommendations based on your goals — but we ask you to trust the process and allow us to guide the selections.

Do you offer both design only and design + build support?

Yes. Kendal Cavalieri Design offers design-only support, and for select projects, we can also discuss a more integrated design + build path through our sister company, Cavalieri Contracting.

Design-only support is a good fit if you already have a qualified contractor, or if you want a detailed design plan before hiring one. With this path, Kendal Cavalieri Design focuses on the design plan, including layout, materials, finishes, fixtures, and the overall look and feel of the space. You remain responsible for hiring and managing your contractor, construction timeline, site communication, and implementation unless additional support is arranged.

Design + build support may be a good fit if you want the design and construction details to stay closely aligned through one coordinated process. With this path, Kendal Cavalieri Design develops the design plan, while Cavalieri Contracting manages the construction side, including trades, scheduling, site coordination, and construction execution. This option depends on project fit, schedule availability, and whether Cavalieri Contracting is the right construction partner for your scope.

With either path, the goal is the same: to create a clear, buildable design plan and help your project move forward with fewer surprises, better communication, and a finished result that reflects the design intent.

Can I use my own contractor?

 We are absolutely happy to collaborate with your chosen contractor. However, if you haven’t selected one yet, we offer a seamless alternative. Through our sister company, Cavalieri Contracting, Kendal can manage both the design and general contracting for your project. This dual approach ensures that no detail is missed; any on-site challenges are meticulously resolved from both a structural and aesthetic standpoint. Kendal handles the hiring, management, and daily communication for all trades, shielding you from the hundreds of daily questions that arise during construction and ensuring your design is executed exactly as envisioned.

Either way, our goal is to help your project move forward with clear communication, fewer surprises, and a finished result that reflects the design intent.

What is the difference between interior design, project management, and general contracting?

• Interior design focuses on the design plan: layout, function, materials, finishes, fixtures, and the overall look and feel of the space.

• Project management helps coordinate the many moving parts of the design and implementation process.

• General contracting involves managing the construction work itself, including trades, scheduling, and site execution.

Not every project needs every level of support. During the Discovery Call, we’ll talk through what your project requires and which service path makes the most sense.

What is the fee structure?

• Design Fee: We charge a flat design fee tailored to the overall scope of your project so you have clarity and transparency from the start.
• Procurement Fee: We charge a 30% procurement fee on products we source, order, and coordinate on your behalf. This covers ordering, vendor communication, logistics, tracking, and delivery coordination.

How much are typical design fees at Kendal Cavalieri Design?

Design fees typically range from $3,200 for a main bathroom to $15,000+ for multi-room projects, such as a kitchen, living room, office, and primary bathroom combined. Your exact design fee depends on the scope, complexity, and level of support your project requires.

What does a remodel cost in Buffalo, NY?

Every project varies based on size, scope, materials, construction needs, and the level of design support involved. That said, typical project ranges in the Buffalo area include:

*Starting costs include materials, construction, and design fees.