Brennan and Company in Baltimore: Full-Service Interior Design with Residential and Commercial Work
Brennan and Company is a full-service interior design firm based in Baltimore that handles residential remodels, commercial office buildouts, and custom millwork projects. The practice works at multiple budget levels and project scales, from single-room updates to whole-home renovations, distinguishing itself through in-house project management and direct relationships with local contractors and suppliers.
What Brennan and Company actually does
The firm operates as a traditional design consultancy, meaning clients hire the designers first, and the designers manage the construction and sourcing process. This differs from design-build firms, where one entity holds both the design and construction licenses. Brennan and Company typically takes on projects ranging from $50,000 residential kitchen renovations to six-figure whole-home transformations and commercial tenant improvements in downtown Baltimore office buildings. The firm also produces custom cabinetry and built-in furniture through partnerships with local shops, reducing the lead time that often comes with ordering pieces from national manufacturers.
Services and pricing structure
Brennan and Company charges design fees either as a percentage of the total project budget (typically 10 to 15 percent for residential work) or as a flat fee for smaller consultations. An initial consultation to assess scope usually runs $500 to $1,000, applied to the design fee if the client moves forward with a full engagement. For a $100,000 kitchen renovation, expect design fees in the $10,000 to $15,000 range; for a $300,000 whole-home project, fees would be $30,000 to $45,000. Clients should verify current rates, as fee structures vary by project complexity.
The firm provides 3D renderings, detailed material specifications, and sourcing for furnishings and finishes. Project timelines typically run 4 to 6 weeks for design development, then 8 to 16 weeks for construction depending on scope and contractor availability. Brennan and Company coordinates all vendor selections, manages the bid process with contractors, and provides on-site supervision during installation.
How it compares to other Baltimore interior design options
Baltimore has several interior design practices operating at different price points and with different specialties. Clemons Design Studio focuses on high-end residential work with a modern aesthetic and charges at the upper end of the market (15 to 20 percent of project budget). Sage Design Group emphasizes sustainable and transitional styles and often works with clients on tighter budgets, charging flat fees for smaller rooms (typically $2,000 to $5,000 per room). Brennan and Company positions itself in the middle market, willing to work on projects across aesthetic ranges and budget levels, making it a reasonable choice for homeowners who want professional design without the premium pricing of top-tier city firms.
Choose Brennan and Company if you want a local firm that will manage the entire process, including contractor coordination and custom millwork sourcing. Choose Clemons Design if budget is not a constraint and you want a designer known primarily for high-end residential aesthetics. Choose Sage Design if you are working with a modest budget and want a flat-fee engagement for a single room.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
Brennan and Company works well for homeowners planning significant renovations who want professional design but prefer not to manage contractors separately. It also suits commercial tenants renovating office space in Baltimore's Federal Hill and Inner Harbor corridors. The firm is less suited for clients seeking a single piece of furniture or artwork, or for those who need design services delivered entirely remotely; the practice emphasizes in-person site visits and local sourcing.
What the first visit involves
An initial consultation typically takes place at the client's home or commercial space and lasts 45 minutes to an hour. The designer assesses the existing conditions, discusses the client's needs and aesthetic preferences, clarifies the budget, and outlines the project timeline. After the meeting, Brennan and Company sends a written scope of services and fee proposal. If the client signs the agreement, the design phase begins with the designer presenting a preliminary concept, including material samples and 3D renderings, usually within 2 to 3 weeks.
Hours, location, and logistics
Brennan and Company operates by appointment. The firm is located in Baltimore and does not maintain a showroom, which keeps overhead down and allows more budget to be allocated to design hours and sourcing. Meetings occur either on-site at the client's location or at the office; confirm availability when scheduling.
Brennan and Company operates within Baltimore's established interior design market by combining local contractor relationships and custom millwork access with a mid-market fee structure, making professional design management accessible to homeowners and commercial tenants who would otherwise either manage vendors themselves or pay premium rates for high-end firms.
