Frequently Asked Questions

With a conversation about the property: what it is, where it is, what stage it is in and what you need from a design team. From there we agree on which phases of our process you need and prepare a proposal.

Send the property type and location, drawings if you have them, a list of the spaces in scope and the current project stage. Tell us whether you need FF&E procurement and installation. Include any brand or finish standards the design has to follow.

No. You can bring us in for the phases your project needs, such as early design direction, construction documents, or procurement and installation. We set the scope around the work your team already has in hand.

The person who approves design and budget decisions, and the person who runs the property day to day. We need approvals at the end of conceptual design, design development and FF&E selection. Operations input early keeps the design in line with how the building is used.

Conceptual design ends with a detailed mood board and a digital presentation. Both are built on research into comparable properties and the people the property serves. Later, construction documents can include realistic photo renderings and video walkthroughs.

Yes. We plan the interiors inside the building your architect has designed. Our floor, electrical and reflected ceiling plans are drawn to line up with theirs.

During construction we respond formally to RFIs, review submittals, coordinate with subcontractors and walk the site as necessary. Revisions go to the contractor in writing so the crew builds from current drawings.

Yes. Our construction documents include a biddable spec package with the drawings. General contractors and subcontractors can price the interior scope from that set.

We expedite orders and coordinate shipping, storage and inspection, so pieces are checked before they reach the site. Delivery is then timed to when the rooms are ready.

Furniture, art, wall decor and accessories assembled and placed where the plan shows them. Our designers are on site through the install. Trash and packing materials are removed before we leave.

Yes. We plan selections and install sequencing with your property team, so areas residents or guests are using stay usable while other areas are updated.

Yes. Elate in Rancho Cucamonga is a 55+ active adult community model home program we completed. Our principal designer began her career in model home merchandising.

No. We are based in Irvine and have completed projects in thirteen states, from California and Arizona to Texas, Colorado, Florida and New York. On projects outside Southern California, procurement and install coordination are handled remotely, and our designers are on site for installation.

Our focus is commercial interiors for multi family, student housing, senior living and active adult, hospitality and model homes.

Laura Velasco, Owner and Principal Designer. She holds a BS in Interior Design from The Art Institute. She started in model home merchandising, then worked as a project manager on multi family and senior living design before founding Level Up Interiors.