By Design 2 in Baltimore: High-End Residential Interiors with Local Sourcing
By Design 2 is a full-service interior design firm specializing in residential projects across Baltimore and surrounding counties, working with clients on everything from single-room refreshes to complete home renovations at price points that start around $5,000 and scale into six figures depending on scope.
What By Design 2 actually is
By Design 2 operates as a design consultancy rather than a showroom or furniture retailer. The firm takes on residential clients—primarily homeowners in Federal Hill, Canton, Roland Park, and inner-ring neighborhoods—and guides them through space planning, material selection, color schemes, and coordinating with contractors. Projects range from updating a kitchen to redesigning an entire floor plan. The firm does not manufacture or sell furniture directly; instead, it sources pieces and finishes through its network of local and regional suppliers, which shapes how projects move and what timeline clients should expect.
Services and pricing structure
By Design 2 charges for design consultation and project management on a fee basis. An initial consultation typically costs between $200 and $400 and lasts 60 to 90 minutes; this covers a walk-through, preliminary discussion of goals, and a scope assessment. Full-service residential projects start at $5,000 for design fees alone (separate from product costs and contractor labor) and often run $15,000 to $40,000 for homes requiring significant spatial or aesthetic overhaul. Smaller projects—refreshing a bedroom or redesigning a bathroom layout—often fall into the $3,000 to $8,000 range. The firm also offers hourly consultation at $150 to $200 per hour for clients who want guidance without a full design engagement. Material and furniture selections generate additional costs; By Design 2 typically builds a 15 to 20 percent markup into sourced items, standard across the design industry. Verify current rates by contacting the firm directly, as project-based fees can shift based on complexity.
How By Design 2 compares to other Baltimore design options
Baltimore's interior design market splits into three tiers. Chain-affiliated designers at big-box furniture stores (like those at large Ashley Furniture or Rooms to Go locations) offer free or low-cost consultations but push toward product sales at those retailers and often lack flexibility on sourcing or aesthetic direction. Independent freelance designers—many operating solo through platforms like Houzz or Instagram—typically charge $50 to $125 per hour with less formal process and no ongoing project management; they work well for clients who want a second opinion or help with a single room but offer minimal accountability. By Design 2 sits in the middle: it maintains formal project structure, local roots, and direct relationships with Baltimore-area craftspeople and suppliers, but at lower fees than Philadelphia or Washington interior architects who specialize in historic homes or high-net-worth clients. Choose By Design 2 if you want a contained budget, local knowledge, and someone who will coordinate the full vision; choose a freelancer if you want hourly guidance on a tight budget, or a big-box designer if you're ready to buy furniture immediately.
Who it suits and who it does not
By Design 2 works best for homeowners with budgets between $15,000 and $100,000 who have time to work through a deliberate process and live in or near Baltimore. It suits people with a single clear problem (kitchen feels dated, bedroom lacks function, living room needs a cohesive look) as much as those doing a full home rethink. It does not suit clients who need a quick cosmetic fix for under $3,000, want to buy and install everything within four weeks, or prefer to work with a national firm with a showroom and in-stock inventory. It also does not fit clients planning a $500,000+ renovation who need an architect licensed to manage structural changes; those projects require a designer-architect partnership or a full architectural firm.
What the first visit involves
Contact By Design 2 to schedule an initial consultation, typically held at your home. The designer will walk through the space, ask about daily use, aesthetic preferences, timeline, and budget constraints. Photos and notes follow. Within a week, you'll receive a preliminary proposal outlining scope, fee structure, and next steps. If you move forward, the design phase begins with mood boards, floor plans (if spatial changes are needed), material samples, and furniture options. Most clients meet with the designer two to four times during the design phase before implementation. The firm then coordinates orders, delivery, and installation with contractors or the client's own team.
Hours, parking, and logistics
By Design 2 operates by appointment only; there is no walk-in showroom. Consultations take place at your home in Baltimore or by video call. Confirm availability and scheduling at least one week in advance. The firm typically accommodates appointments Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday availability; verify current hours before booking.
By Design 2 fills a gap between quick-fix furniture shopping and high-end architectural design, making it a practical anchor for Baltimore homeowners who want professional direction without megafirm overhead.
