How to Apply

The Design Consults program matches property owners with professional designers who provide on-site consultations to discuss property improvement ideas and renovation options. Design Consults are provided for homes and small businesses within a 20-mile radius of the City of Pittsburgh. Any property owner or individual with a signed sales agreement within this geographic area qualifies for a consultation.

Applying for a Design Consult is simple.

• Call the Design Center at (412)391-4144 to discuss your project. The Design Consults program relies on a sliding fee scale, with participants paying between $25 and $250 for a consultation with a professional designer. This scale encourages property owners, at their own discretion, to pay whatever amount they feel they can afford to support the work of this program. We accept check, money order, and payment over the phone via credit card.
• A description of your consult needs is circulated to our network of designers, and a match is facilitated within one to three weeks.
• You will receive an information packet in the mail, which includes a Resource Guide. The Resource Guide provides advice on how to retain the value of your home through good design choices, and outlines important steps to consider during renovation. A ‘resources and suppliers’ section is included, as well.
• The designer will contact you to schedule the on-site consultation, which can last up to two hours. You will sign a Release Form before the consultation.*
• You will receive an Action Plan prepared by the designer. The one- to two-page Action Plan outlines the issues, renovation options, and next steps discussed during your consultation.
• You will be asked to evaluate your experience with the program by completing a short survey.

*Every property owner who participates in the Design Consults program will be required to sign a Release Form before the consultation begins. This form protects the design consultant, their firm and the Design Center from liability. The consultation cannot take place unless this form is signed by the property owner and the consultant at the initial meeting.