It seems to be quite normal to hear of "interior designers" telling potential clients that the cost of the design will be RMXXk but if you hire us to do the build then we'll waive the design fee. Most times, all you get is a 3D rendering of a design without specs.

Most do it because the opportunity for revenue is so much greater on the build side rather than design. A few good ID fellas I know will never waive the design fee and for a simple reason, you've requested for a professional service and that is what they provide their clients as professionals.

I applaud these fellas as it is not easy to explain over and over again why you charge a design fee when another company does not.