You have questions?
We always have the right answers.

We believe in transparency and guidance. Below are answers to the most common questions we receive from hoteliers and developers. If you don’t find what you are looking for here, please contact us directly - we are here to help.

Working with Monarch versus other design studios >

Hotels and property types we work on >

Our process and the Monarch Method >

Our services and creative capabilities >

Budget, timeline and project management >

Brand coordination and approvals >

Pricing, savings and long-term value >

Getting started and ongoing support >

Working with Monarch versus other design studios

  • Monarch is family-owned and built intentionally lean. Unlike many design studios acquired by private equity, we prioritize quality, accountability, and long-term relationships over volume and profit extraction. You get senior-level expertise, proven systems, and big-firm caliber results without the overhead, bureaucracy, or inflated fees.

  • We deliver the same depth of expertise and brand fluency as large firms, but with greater speed, agility, and cost efficiency. Large firms often rely on layers of middle management and junior design staff; at Monarch, industry veterans manage your project directly from start to finish.

  • Our pricing reflects our lean structure - no excessive overhead, no private equity demands, and no unnecessary layers of management. Your investment goes directly into design quality, not corporate infrastructure. This allows us to typically deliver projects for less than traditional firms without compromising outcomes.

  • Yes. Our streamlined processes, modern technology, and decades of hospitality expertise allow us to tackle projects both big and small effectively, while maintaining senior-level oversight and personal attention.

  • No. Every client receives the same VIP-level attention, whether it’s a small renovation or a large-scale, ground-up development.

Hotels and property types we work on

  • We design all hotel types, including limited-service, select-service, full-service, extended stay, lifestyle, boutique, resort, and mixed-use properties. Our portfolio includes new construction, renovations, conversions, adaptive reuse projects, dual brands and more.

  • Yes. We work extensively with both. Independent hotels benefit from our storytelling, originality, and custom concepts, while branded hotels benefit from our deep knowledge of brand standards and approval processes.

  • Absolutely. We have decades of combined experience working with all major hotel brands and are deeply familiar with their standards, submittal portals, and approval requirements.

  • Yes. We regularly manage the complexities of dual-brand projects, ensuring each flag’s identity and standards are met without compromise.

  • We handle Property Improvement Plans (PIPs), renovations, conversions, and new build developments.

  • Yes. Historic properties and distinctive sites are a core strength. Our research-driven approach ensures designs respect architectural heritage, local culture, and context while meeting modern operational needs.

  • No. We work in all 50 U.S. states, with particular focus on California. Our systems and communication tools allow us to work on projects effectively anywhere in the country.

Our process and the Monarch Method

  • The Monarch Method is our proprietary framework built on three pillars: Research, Design, and Coordination. It ensures every project is intentional, brand-aligned, budget-aware, and smoothly executed from concept through approval.

  • We begin with a comprehensive discovery process covering goals, budget, timeline, brand requirements, target guests, operations, architecture, and market context. This prevents misalignment and eliminates costly surprises later.

  • We build in structured milestone reviews where feedback is expected. Minor refinements are handled seamlessly, while larger and post-completion changes are handled separately and transparently in terms of scope, budget, and schedule before moving forward.

  • As involved as you choose. We adapt to your preferred level of engagement while ensuring you are always informed and confident in the direction.

Our services and creative capabilities

  • We offer extensive hotel interior design services, as well as creative services like branding and brand identity, graphic design, signage, custom artwork, photography, copywriting, marketing collateral, social media content, photorealistic 3D visualization and much more. Get in touch to discover just how much we can do for you.

  • Yes. As an additional service, we can produce high-end, photorealistic 3D renderings and virtual walkthroughs to support decision-making, stakeholder alignment, financing, and brand approvals.

  • Yes. We offer comprehensive branding and creative services to ensure a cohesive guest experience across all touchpoints.

  • We specialize in a comprehensive range of selection, specification, matrix creation, value engineering and other FF&E services.

  • We collaborate seamlessly with any of your existing preferred vendors for procurement, installation, etc.

Budget, timeline and project management

  • Budget control is built into our process through upfront planning, careful value engineering, and transparent communication. We present clear options and proactively address cost implications before they become issues.

  • Timelines vary by scope. Prototypical branded projects typically take less than custom projects. By strictly adhering to schedules, we are known for delivering faster than traditional firms without sacrificing quality.

  • Our lean structure and technology-driven workflows allow us to move significantly faster than traditional studios while maintaining accuracy and design integrity.

Brand coordination and approvals

  • Very familiar. Brand coordination and submittals are a core competency. Our documentation is consistently accurate, which results in faster approvals and fewer revision cycles.

  • Yes. We prepare and manage all brand submittals, communicate directly with brand representatives, and efficiently address feedback.

  • Yes. We collaborate seamlessly with franchise consultants, ownership groups, developers, and all project stakeholders to keep projects aligned and moving forward.

Pricing, savings and long-term value

  • We typically cost less than traditional design firms while delivering equal or superior quality.

  • Payments are milestone-based, aligned with project phases. Terms are customized to fit your project scope and timeline.

  • Yes. We offer Referral, Loyalty, and High-Volume programs that reward repeat clients and developers managing multiple properties.

  • Yes. It’s designed for two or more concurrent projects.

  • By strategically combining our High-Volume, Referral, and Loyalty programs and consolidating project timelines where possible.

Getting started and ongoing support

  • Yes. We offer initial consultations and feasibility discussions to help you evaluate options before moving forward.

  • Yes. We remain available during construction and after opening for refinements, refreshes, and future projects.

  • Yes. We are always eager to meet you where you need us. Contact us to discuss further.

  • Simply contact us to schedule an initial conversation. We’ll discuss your goals, answer questions, and outline next steps clearly and efficiently.