Harris John & Dee in Oklahoma City: Full-Service Interior Design with Commercial Expertise

Harris John & Dee is a full-service interior design firm operating in Oklahoma City that handles residential and commercial projects, from space planning and material selection through project management and installation coordination. The firm positions itself between independent decorators and large design-build companies, managing scope without the overhead markup of firms handling construction.

What Harris John & Dee actually does

The practice offers three primary service tracks: residential interior design, commercial office and hospitality design, and kitchen and bath remodeling. Projects range from single-room refreshes to whole-home overhauls and multi-unit commercial spaces. The firm handles conceptual design, specification of finishes and furnishings, vendor coordination, and project oversight. Unlike some Oklahoma City design consultants who work exclusively with local contractors, Harris John & Dee sources materials and vendors regionally, which expands finish options but requires longer lead times on custom orders.

Services and pricing structure

Harris John & Dee charges by hourly consultation ($150 to $200 per hour, verify current rates), flat project fees for defined scopes, or a percentage of project cost for full design-build coordination. A typical residential room redesign (furniture layout, paint, new window treatments, accessory styling) runs $3,000 to $8,000 in design fees alone, not including purchases. A full kitchen design with cabinetry, countertops, and appliance selection costs $5,000 to $15,000 in design services, depending on complexity and whether installation oversight is included. Commercial projects are bid individually based on square footage and customization level.

The firm does not sell furniture or materials itself; clients purchase through the designer's vendor relationships or retail channels, which means you pay retail prices but benefit from professional selection and discounting available to designers at certain showrooms. This differs from full-service design-build firms like those operating in the Bricktown and Midtown areas, which bundle design fees into a project total and sometimes mark up purchases.

How it compares to other Oklahoma City design options

Oklahoma City's interior design landscape divides roughly into three tiers. Independent decorators and staging consultants (typically $50 to $100 per hour) handle styling and quick updates but often avoid structural or technical design work. Mid-market firms like Harris John & Dee take on renovation projects and handle both aesthetic and functional planning. Large design-build companies (often tied to major local builders or architecture practices) manage full remodels with in-house project management, charging higher fees but absorbing vendor relationships into their cost structure.

Choose Harris John & Dee if you want professional design guidance and vendor access without committing to a full renovation contract or paying a design-build firm's overhead. Choose an independent consultant if your budget is under $2,000 and you need styling help only. Choose a design-build firm if you're doing major structural work (moving walls, relocating plumbing) and want one entity responsible for design and construction coordination.

Who it suits and who it should not suit

This firm works best for homeowners undertaking kitchen, bath, or whole-home updates; small business owners planning office or retail interiors; and clients who value professional guidance but want to control purchasing decisions. It suits people comfortable with a design-heavy process and willing to wait for special orders. It does not suit clients seeking a quick makeover on a $500 budget or those who need immediate installation without design consultation. It is not ideal for clients uncomfortable providing design direction or those who need a single point of contact for both design and construction.

What the first visit involves

An initial consultation typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes and covers project goals, budget parameters, timeline, and existing conditions (measurements, photos, lighting assessment). The designer evaluates the space, discusses style preferences, and identifies functional constraints. You will be asked for Pinterest boards, magazine clippings, or descriptions of spaces you admire. After this meeting, the designer prepares a scope and fee proposal. If hired, the next phase involves detailed space planning, mood boards or digital renderings, and a specification document listing all materials, finishes, and vendors. Expect two to four rounds of revisions before final approval.

Hours, location, and logistics

Harris John & Dee maintains a showroom and office in Oklahoma City with appointment-based consultations (verification of current address and hours recommended before visiting). The firm works by appointment rather than walk-in, which allows dedicated time for client meetings and site visits. Parking is available on-site. Travel to client homes or commercial spaces is included in the service; there is no additional site-visit fee.

Harris John & Dee's combination of commercial and residential expertise and its position outside the design-build markup structure make it a substantive choice for Oklahoma City clients who want professional design without overbuying construction services.