What services do you offer?
Havilande Whitcomb Design is a full-service residential interior design firm specializing in luxury new builds, large-scale renovations, remodeling and "right-sizing" projects. We provide a seamless transition between interior architectural planning and interior finishing.
Our services include:
Design Strategy: Concept development, programming, space planning, including color and materials.
Technical Drawings: Detailed floor and furniture plans, elevations, and custom millwork/built-in design.
Project Management: Construction management and collaboration with architects and builders.
Curation & Procurement: Sourcing high-end and vintage furniture, textiles (rugs/fabrics), and art consultation.
Sustainable Design: Guidance on eco-friendly materials and sustainable luxury choices.
Final Styling: Full installation, white-glove delivery, and art placement.
How do you approach a new project?
Our process is rooted in functional beauty. We begin by listening—performing a discovery phase to understand your preferences and how you want to live in your home. We believe a space should be an inspired reflection of its inhabitants, blending "quiet luxury" with personal, sometimes whimsical, touches.
Programming: We define the scope and goals, often identifying spatial solutions you may not have realized were possible.
Concept & Budget: We communicate the vision through imagery and plans, ensuring our creative concepts align with your financial investment.
Implementation: We manage the moving parts, from regular site visits, meetings, to ensure the design is executed with precision.
How do you charge for your services?
We prioritize transparency in our fee structure. Depending on the project's complexity, we typically utilize a combination of a flat design fee and a cost-plus model.
Flat Fee: Covers design development and construction management, typically billed monthly over the project’s duration.
Cost-Plus: Applies to the procurement and management of furniture, finishes, and textiles.
Hourly: Available for smaller consultations, though most clients prefer the predictability of a flat fee.
.
Where do you do your work?
While we are proudly based in Connecticut, our work often follows our clients to their favorite destinations. We have a wealth of experience designing second homes in locations such as Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Aspen, and the Caribbean, as well as urban and coastal retreats in NYC, Florida, South Carolina, and Texas. Whether local or long-distance, we ensure a seamless experience through technical drawings and dedicated on-site visits, making "distance" a non-issue for a smooth installation.
Do you do construction management?
Yes. With 40 years of experience and a strong background in "ground-up" building, Havilande Whitcomb excels at construction management. We act as the bridge between the homeowner, architect, and builder. Our organized systems of communication and supervision ensure that trades and artisans stay on schedule and the design integrity is maintained throughout the build.
.
Do you do kitchen and bath design?
Absolutely. We view kitchens and baths as the most intensive "functional" areas of the home. Because Havilande loves to cook, her kitchen designs are approached from a cook's perspective—focusing on appliance integration, ergonomic flow, and specialized storage. We believe these high-use spaces should be warm, inviting, efficient, and beautiful.
Can you incorporate my existing furniture into the design for my new home?
Yes. We specialize in "right-sizing"—helping clients transition into a new phase of life without losing their history. We frequently integrate cherished vintage furniture and quality pieces into our new designs. We often utilize our network of trusted artisans to reupholster or refinish these items to fit your updated aesthetic. These finished rooms are more interesting and layered and work well with newly chosen items for a curated, fresh start.
Do you do commercial and hospitality projects?
Havilande Whitcomb has completed numerous commercial projects, seamlessly integrating the the complex requirements of a facility for spaces that inspire creativity and collaboration for its users. Her diverse portfolio spans professional office environments, boutique hotels, spas, restaurants, and retail shops.
Do you do aviation projects?
Our firm is very active in design for private aviation through our affiliate Aviation Aesthetics, offering complete design services for interior cabins and exterior paint design. We invite you to visit our aviation website at www.aviationaesthetics.com