How we work

    • DESIGN STRATEGY Our team will work with you, engaging in thoughtful discussions and gathering inspiration to meet the preferences, goals, and project vision. During this phase, we start the creative process by curating mood boards, combining colors, textures, and elements to set the tone for the project. This allows us to craft a design strategy that aligns seamlessly with the unique project style and objectives. 

    • CONCEPTUAL DESIGN During this phase, we focus on developing general layouts and sketches, ensuring every aspect of the design meets the project requirements before moving into hard material selections

    • DESIGN DEVELOPMENT Building upon conceptual design, we dive into creating a fully coordinated presentation package for the project. Our team will produce final layouts, select materials and curate samples.This phase is where we transform concepts into tangible designs through presentations and renderings.

    • PROCUREMENT We manage the full procurement process - from ordering all furniture, materials, and custom items to coordinating with trusted vendors. Our team oversees every detail to ensure quality control, timely delivery, and seamless installation.

    • PROJECT MANAGEMENT
      We provide hands-on project management from concept to completion, collaborating with your chosen general contractor—whether local or out-of-state. Our team oversees every phase of construction, ensuring that design intent is faithfully executed and building requirements are met. Through consistent communication, detailed coordination, and regular site visits when possible, we act as your advocate throughout the process, keeping your project aligned, on schedule, and true to the vision.

    • STYLING
      In addition to our standard furniture procurement, we offer optional styling services that include sourcing vintage finds and one-of-a-kind pieces. We collaborate with experienced curators and stylists to bring layered, personalized character to your space. These curated additions can be purchased separately following project completion.

    • PHOTOGRAPHY
      Upon completion and styling, we coordinate with our photographer to thoughtfully document your finished space.

House of Hive offers full-service interior design, managing every detail from concept to completion. Our services are tailored for highly custom projects. We accept projects Nationwide for both Residential and Commercial interiors. We also offer turn-key design for clients with homes in the Southern California area, managing projects while they are away so their spaces are fully finished upon return.

Our services include:

  • Space planning and layouts

  • Material and textile sourcing

  • Custom cabinetry and millwork design

  • Design presentations and renderings

  • Antique sourcing and bespoke detailing

  • Custom furniture design and fabrication

  • Build Book preparation for General Contractors

  • Styling and finishing touches

Common questions

  • Yes, we offer virtual project design nationwide, and we are happy to travel for projects upon request. This can include site measurements, in-person meetings, installation oversight, and photography.

  • We do both! While many of our projects are whole-home remodels or new builds, we also take on single-room projects when the scope is a good fit for our process.

  • Yes! Our portfolio is primarily residential, but we also take on commercial projects such as boutique hospitality, retail, and creative offices.

  • Yes, we collaborate regularly with architecture firms and have strong relationships with several across the Western region. This allows us to recommend partners that are best suited to your specific project needs. Working in tandem with an architect ensures that the design vision and the architectural plan are fully aligned from the earliest stages.

general + services

  • The design phase, covering everything from concept development to the final presentation, typically takes 2-9 months depending on the project’s size, scope, and level of customization.

    Construction, procurement, and installation timelines vary based on contractor schedules, lead times, and the complexity of the build.

  • We strongly recommend hiring us before hiring a contractor, ideally at the same time you bring on an architect. This allows us to develop a design plan that informs the construction process from the start, rather than adapting the design around pre-determined construction choices.

    Early involvement helps avoid costly changes and ensures every detail is intentional.

  • We have a network of trusted contractors across Southern California and can recommend the right match for your project.

    If your project is out-of-state or you have a contractor you’d like to work with, we’re happy to collaborate with them directly - especially if you opt for our project management services, where we handle site coordination, quality checks, and problem-solving throughout the build.

  • That’s entirely up to you. Some clients want to be involved at every stage, while others prefer to hand us the reins entirely. Our process is flexible enough to accommodate both. We provide clear touchpoints and approvals so you’re always informed, whether you prefer to be hands-on or completely hands-off.

  • We use a project management platform called Basecamp to keep all communication, files, and updates in one place. You’ll receive a detailed Friday update each week outlining what was accomplished, what’s coming next, and any decisions that need your input. We also hold Zoom meetings and send Loom video walk-throughs of our 3D models so you can review and respond at your convenience.

process + timeline

fees + budget

  • OPTION 1 | FLAT FEE DESIGN

    Best for clients seeking a guided, streamlined process

    Our flat fees are thoughtfully calculated based on:

    • project scale

    • level of architectural detail

    • complexity of scope

    • anticipated design hours

    Flat fee projects include:

    • A predetermined number of design meetings

    • A set number of revisions per space

    • Design selections and specifications

    • Curated design presentation

    • Build book/documentation

    • Vendor coordination related to approved selections

    Then:

    • Additional revisions or redesigns outside the agreed scope are billed hourly.

    OPTION 2 | HOURLY DESIGN

    Best for projects requiring flexibility or evolving scope

    Hourly work is ideal for:

    • exploratory projects

    • phased projects

    • ongoing revisions

    • evolving construction conditions

    • consultation-based work

  • Our design fee covers the complete creative process, including:

    • Kickoff meeting to define goals, scope, and expectations

    • Review of your inspiration and style preferences

    • Detailed questionnaires to understand how you use each space

    • Mood boards to establish the aesthetic direction

    • Space planning and furniture layouts

    • Material, finish, fixture, and furnishing selections

    • 3D renderings

    • Pricing collection and procurement proposals

    • Custom furniture and cabinetry work orders

    • A detailed Build Book with specifications for your contractor

    • Coordination of orders and installation oversight (travel billed separately for out-of-state)

  • We use a “good, better, best” budgeting method during kickoff to identify where you want to invest and where you’d like to save. This allows us to tailor sourcing and selections to your priorities while keeping your target budget in mind.

design + custom work

  • Absolutely. We understand the sentimental and practical value that certain pieces hold. When design constraints allow, we can integrate these items into your new space. This might mean reupholstering, refinishing, or designing the space around a meaningful piece.

  • Yes. All of our cabinetry is fully custom-designed for your space, and we frequently create custom furniture pieces to ensure a perfect fit and a truly unique result. These designs often become the focal points of our projects.

  • Absolutely! We frequently source antiques and vintage finds.

  • We use a detailed discovery process that includes reviewing your inspiration images, completing in-depth questionnaires, and creating mood boards that reflect your aesthetic. For some projects, one cohesive mood board works for the entire home; for others, we create a distinct board for each space to capture different moods and uses.

  • Yes! Every space we design includes detailed 3D renderings so you can see exactly how the finished design will look before any work begins.

  • Yes! We style your space prior to photography, and you have the option to purchase any styling pieces we bring in.

  • Absolutely. If you hire us for project management, we conduct regular site visits, weekly or bi-weekly depending on the project stage, to review progress, answer contractor questions, and ensure the build is aligned with the approved design.

  • Yes! Many clients live elsewhere during renovations or travel frequently. We offer full turn-key services, managing everything from construction oversight to furniture installation so your home is move-in ready upon your return.

project management

purchasing

  • We manage all procurement of materials, furnishings, and custom items. This includes placing orders, tracking shipments, inspecting quality, and coordinating delivery and installation to ensure everything arrives in perfect condition and is placed correctly.

  • We handle all purchasing for the project to maintain quality control, ensure warranty coverage, and guarantee that each selection aligns with the design plan.

    This approach ensures a cohesive, high-quality final result without unexpected issues during installation.