FAQ
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What services does Garcia Marques Design offer?
We specialize in interior design, home renovation, and architectural projects. Our interior design services include selecting color palettes, furniture, and accessories tailored to your style, lifestyle, and aspirations. For home renovations, we transform outdated spaces into functional and beautiful environments while preserving the history and character of the building. We also handle architectural designs, such as blending cultural elements in office spaces or modernizing historic apartments. Whether it's a full renovation or targeted styling, we provide end-to-end solutions from concept to installation.
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Who is behind Garcia Marques Design?
Garcia Marques Design is led by a founder with over three decades of experience in Communication Design, now channeling that expertise into interior design and architecture. Our team is passionate about creativity, craftsmanship, and transforming spaces into living works of art. We believe every detail counts and strive to honor the unique stories of each space and its inhabitants.
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What is your design philosophy?
Our philosophy centers on the importance of details, geometry, texture, and substance. We see demolition as an opportunity to reveal a space's true soul, and we approach every project with meticulous attention to create environments that are functional, familiar, and reflective of your personality. Whether blending historical elements with modern functionality or incorporating cultural inspirations, we aim to turn your vision into a remarkable reality. Our style blends contemporary aesthetics with timeless elements, often drawing from Portuguese heritage while adapting to client preferences.
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Where are you located, and do you serve specific areas?
We are based in Portugal, with notable projects in locations like Lisbon (e.g., the Graça neighborhood) and Setúbal. Our work includes rustic, Greek-style renovations and modern family homes in these regions. While our focus is on Portugal, we're open to discussing projects internationally that align with our expertise, including virtual consultations for remote clients.
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How does the design process work?
We start by understanding your vision and needs through an initial consultation, then collaborate to create tailored designs. This includes site assessments, concept development (e.g., technical drawings, mood boards, and material selections), and execution with attention to every detail. We view the process as a partnership, from initial ideas to final transformation, ensuring the result combines style, function, and your unique story. Revisions are included to refine the design, and we handle procurement, installation, and styling as needed.
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When should I hire an interior designer?
We recommend engaging us early—ideally before or alongside hiring an architect, builder, or contractor. This allows us to integrate seamlessly into the project, avoiding costly changes later and ensuring your vision is realized from the ground up. For renovations, bring us in during planning to reveal and enhance the space's potential.
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How much does an interior design project cost, and how do you handle budgets?
Costs vary based on project scope, size, and materials, but we work with a range of budgets to deliver value. We charge a flat fee or hourly rate depending on the service, with transparency from the start. During our consultation, we'll discuss your budget and provide realistic estimates, aiming to allocate 10-35% of your home's value for design, furnishings, and fees. We prioritize cost-effective choices and pass on trade discounts where possible.
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What is the difference between interior design and interior decoration?
Interior design involves comprehensive planning, including space layout, renovations, and technical specifications to create functional spaces. Decoration focuses on aesthetics like furnishings and accessories without structural changes. At Garcia Marques, we offer full interior design services but can also provide decoration for lighter updates.
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How long does a typical project take?
Timelines depend on scope: smaller designs may take 4-8 weeks, while full renovations or builds can span 6-12 months or more, including planning, procurement, and installation. We book projects 4-6 months in advance, so contact us early. We'll provide a customized schedule after our initial consultation.