Frequently asked questions
Staging
What is property staging, and why does it matter in downtown New York?
Property staging is the editorial furnishing of a home so buyers connect with it on first sight. In Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn — where lofts and apartments compete on feeling as much as floor plan — staging is what makes a listing photograph well, show well, and close at the top of its range.
What staging services does Guildmark offer?
Three: Full Residential Staging for vacant and near-vacant homes, Editorial Direction for photography and open houses, and Developer Creative Direction for new buildings.
How much does luxury home staging cost in Manhattan?
Every engagement is quoted to the residence, reflecting its architecture, the number of rooms, the length of the listing, and the depth of sourcing involved. As a lean studio we take a limited number of engagements each quarter; reach out with the address and listing timeline for a tailored proposal.
How long does a staging engagement take?
A full property staging typically runs three to six weeks from walk-through to install, depending on scope. Editorial direction for photography and open houses can move faster. We schedule around your listing date.
How far in advance should we book?
As soon as you know the listing date. We take three to five staging engagements a quarter, so earlier dates are easier to hold.
What happens at the walk-through?
We visit the residence, read the architecture and the likely buyer, and measure. A scope and proposal follow.
Which neighbourhoods does Guildmark serve?
We work below 23rd Street and across the river — Tribeca, Soho, NoHo, NoLita, the West Village, Greenwich Village, the East Village, the Lower East Side, the Financial District, Flatiron, Chelsea, Meatpacking, Dumbo, Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill and Williamsburg. Downtown New York is the whole of our practice.
Do you stage vacant listings, occupied homes, or new developments?
Our purest work is in the vacant home. We also provide creative direction for developers and new-construction conversions.
Where does the furniture come from?
From our own inventory and from vendors we have tested, in a considered mix of new, vintage, and pre-loved pieces tuned to the building.
Can you style a listing just for photography or an open house?
Yes. Editorial Direction covers photography-day styling, open-house dressing, and listing image direction.
How long does the staging stay in place?
For the length of the listing, as agreed in the proposal. If the listing runs longer, the term can be extended.
What happens when the home sells?
We de-install on a scheduled date, remove everything we brought in, and leave the residence as we found it.
What is the difference between staging and interior design?
Interior design serves the person who lives there. Staging serves the person who will buy; we read the architecture and who belongs in it, then arrange the room so it feels that someone with discernment already lives there.
Do you work with sellers directly, or only through brokers?
Both. Most engagements come through the listing broker, but sellers and developers can reach us directly.
Do you also furnish model units and amenity spaces?
Yes, through the trade side of the studio: FF&E sourcing, procurement, and installation for developers, designers, and architects.
For the trade
What is FF&E procurement?
FF&E means furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Procurement turns a specification into a furnished space: purchasing, expediting, receiving, storage, delivery, and installation.
How much does FF&E procurement cost?
Sourcing is a flat fee by room or package, product is quoted per item, and logistics is billed by activity. Product is paid in full before orders are placed. The rate schedule is available on request.
Do you work with interior designers who have their own clients?
Yes, and that is most of our designer work. You keep the design and the client, and we never contact them.
Can we buy directly from your vendors?
No. Those relationships come from years of testing product, and they stay private.
Can we send you our own specifications?
We select final product from vendors we have tested, working to your vision and budget. Pieces you have already bought can join our receiving and delivery.
Do you have a minimum project size?
No fixed minimum. We will say plainly if a project is not a fit.
How long does a fully furnished model unit take?
Usually 10 to 14 weeks from brief to install. Specifying stock and quick-ship product shortens it.
Do you furnish amenity spaces and sales galleries?
Yes: lobbies, lounges, fitness and co-working spaces, and sales galleries.
Do I need a receiving warehouse?
If product arrives before the site is ready, yes. Damage found at a warehouse is a claim. Damage found on install day is a delay.
What does white-glove delivery include?
Delivery, unpacking, assembly, placement to plan, and removal of all packing.
Who owns the product before it is delivered?
Guildmark does, through freight, inspection, and storage. Ownership and risk pass to you on delivery.
Who is responsible if something arrives damaged?
We are, until delivery. Damage is caught and photographed at our warehouse, claimed with the vendor or carrier, and reordered, and you hear what it does to the schedule.
What happens if a vendor is late or discontinues an item?
We track every order against its ship window and bring you a re-sourced option when something falls through. No procurement company can honestly guarantee vendor performance.
Can we change or cancel an order?
Once an order is placed, vendor terms apply, and many custom pieces are final. We flag which items cannot be cancelled before you approve them.
Is Guildmark insured?
Yes. General liability and inland marine on goods in our custody. COIs are issued before any crew enters a building.
Do you work outside New York?
Yes, through vetted partner warehouses and crews, managed by us.
Do you also stage residential listings?
Yes. Staging is our other practice, and where our product knowledge comes from.