Designing a home should feel exciting, not overwhelming.

We’re excited to get started. This guide walks you through our process, pricing and what to expect when working with us.

Our role is to carry the details so you can enjoy the transformation.

Phase Two

Detailed Design

Once the overall vision is approved, we begin the selection process. From furnishings and finishes, to fixtures and materials, each option is carefully sourced to ensure your project feels cohesive from room to room.

  • Source furnishings and materials

    Select finishes and fixtures

    Develop elevations and specifications

    Coordinate vendor pricing

    Create procurement-ready proposals

    Finalize design details

    Prepare documentation for contractors and trades

  • Finish Schedules

    Furniture Selections

    Material Specifications

    Elevations

    Construction Documentation

    Detailed Design Package

    Final Purchasing Proposal

Phase One

Conceptual Design

In this phase, we uncover how you want your home to look, feel, and function. Translating your needs into a refined design vision that aligns with your lifestyle, with a direction that will guide every decision ahead.

  • Learn how you live and use your space

    Document existing conditions

    Develop floor plans and layouts

    Explore design inspiration

    Establish project priorities

    Align selections with your investment goal

    Coordinate preliminary contractor feedback when needed

  • Floor Plans

    Inspiration Boards

    Initial Design Direction

    Preliminary Selections

    Investment Review

Phase Three

Purchasing & Installation

Once selections are approved, we manage purchasing, track deliveries, and resolve any issues along the way. We work alongside the project trades to represent your decisions, goals and assist in pushing the timeline forward.

  • Place approved orders

    Coordinate deliveries

    Track shipments

    Resolve damages and deficiencies

    Support contractor questions

    Prepare project closeout documentation

  • Procurement Management

    Delivery Coordination

    Order Tracking & Oversight

    Vendor Issue Resolution

    Installation Support

    Contractor Design Assistance

    Project Closeout Package

    Warranty & Care Documentation

Process over proximity

Our streamlined digital process keeps projects moving smoothly with flexibility and convenience, no matter where you are in the world. Whether you're furnishing a new home or completing a full-scale remodel, every detail is thoughtfully considered, documented, and coordinated to help your project move forward with confidence and success.

Recognized for Excellence

As the first Hawaii-based designer listed in the Architectural Digest Pro Directory, we are committed to thoughtful design, exceptional client experience, and beautifully executed projects.

We are proud to be included among an exclusive, curated network of design professionals serving discerning homeowners seeking elevated, personalized interiors.

Why Our Clients Choose Studio Shaolin

  • Form and Function

    We create functional spaces that feel effortless and practical for your everyday life.

  • Timeless, Not Trend-Driven

    We source intentional materials to create spaces that represent who you are.

  • Seamless and Digital

    We design interiors with a remote process that feels personal and connected.

Investment + Payment Structure

Every project is unique, but our approach to billing remains clear and consistent.

We've designed our payment structure to be simple, transparent, and easy to navigate, so you can focus on the excitement of creating your home.

Project Retainer

Your project begins once the design retainer is received. This secures your place in our schedule and allows us to begin the discovery, planning, and design process.

Monthly Time Billing

Design services are billed monthly based on time spent on your project. Detailed invoices are provided each month, giving you complete visibility into the work completed.

We bill in 15-minute increments at the following rates:

  • Principal/Senior Designer: $275

  • Senior Designer: $235

  • Junior Designer: $175

  • Design Assistant: $150

  • Monthly Admin Fee: $250

*If you want to stop/pause your project, at any point in the process, we just need a 30-day notice. Once notified, we will tie up all loose ends and hand the project back over to you.

Purchasing Phase

Once the design is approved and you're ready to move forward with procurement, payment for furnishings, materials, and décor is collected in full.

This includes all product costs, freight, delivery, and applicable taxes, allowing us to place and manage orders on your behalf without delays.

The Emotional Timeline of a Design Project

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Absolutely.

    Our design process was intentionally built to support remote clients. Through virtual meetings, detailed presentations, and organized project documentation, we're able to work with homeowners across the country while delivering the same level of service and attention to detail.

  • As involved as you'd like to be.

    We guide every major decision and present curated options, allowing you to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed by endless choices.

  • Yes. We provide detailed design documentation and specifications that help contractors execute the design accurately and efficiently.

  • Yes. We work on everything from furnishing and styling projects to full-scale renovations and new builds. If you're looking for guidance on a smaller project or need help making a few key decisions, our virtual design consultations offer expert advice without the commitment of full-service design.

Next Steps

We are so excited to work with you! Here are the options for next steps. Let us know which step works best for you, and we look forward to working with you soon!