Assembly Design Studio

Designers themselves don't pull permits in Boston — the general contractor does, through the Inspectional Services Department (ISD). But scope matters: anything moving a wall, relocating plumbing fixtures, or adding circuits triggers building, plumbing, or electrical permits respectively, and a designer planning a kitchen or primary-bath redo will coordinate those filings with the GC. In Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Bay Village, and the South End landmark districts, the Boston Landmarks Commission reviews anything visible from the public way, which can include interior fixtures in front-facing windows. Most condo associations require their own architectural-review submission as well — a layer designers handle as part of the project schedule.

Boston designer fees run higher than the state median by roughly 20 to 35 percent. Hourly rates from established Back Bay and South End firms typically fall in the $200 to $400 range, with principal designers at the top boutiques charging $500 to $700+. Flat-fee single-room projects (living room, primary bedroom) typically run $5,000 to $12,000 in design fees alone, with kitchen-and-bath selection packages in the $6,000 to $12,000 range. Whole-floor or whole-brownstone projects move into percentage-of-project pricing, commonly 15 to 25 percent of the construction and furnishings budget. Cost-plus markup on procured furniture runs 20 to 35 percent over the trade discount.

Massachusetts requires a written contract and a Home Improvement Contractor registration for most residential interior design work; ask for the registration number and check it before paying a deposit.

More on permits, costs, rebates and common questions, plus every other interior design contractor serving the town, on the Interior Design in Boston page.