flexible support for design teams

when client expectations are high and your team’s bandwidth is low — an experienced freelance designer can help bridge the gap

ALL WITHOUT THE LONG-TERM COMMITMENT AND DELAYED ONBOARDING OF A FULL-TIME HIRE

EXPERTISE

  • Offers Design Director-level leadership as an independent partner — empowering teams to bring their best ideas forward, stay inspired, and deliver work that exceeds client expectations.

  • Collaborating closely with internal teams to ease the workload and contribute key pieces to the larger design vision.

  • Contributing to or leading visioning workshops to gather input from diverse stakeholders, set high-level goals, and ensure alignment across the team before moving forward with design solutions.

  • Developing detailed programming documents that outline and quantify clients' spatial and square footage needs, while incorporating benchmarks and planning metrics to guide design decisions.

  • Creating test fits in the early design phases to help clients evaluate real estate options and assess program requirements within space constraints.

  • Developing thoughtful spatial and aesthetic design concepts that align with client goals, using imagery, 3D studies, and mood boards to set the tone for the project.

  • Creating thoughtful space plans that balance program requirements, adjacencies, code compliance, ADA guidelines and user experience all while supporting the overall design concept.

  • Creating detailed 3D models of interior environments to assist in design decision-making and help clients visualize the final space.

  • Producing semi-realistic 3D visuals and walkthroughs that bring a space to life and support design decisions.

  • Selecting and specifying furniture, fixtures, and equipment that enhance both the design vision and functionality of a space.

  • Planning shot lists and collaborating with architectural photographers to ensure the design story is thoughtfully captured in every image.

  • Contributing to the preparation and review of technical drawings, including construction and permit documents, to ensure the design is executed as intended.

choose your engagement

PUT THE HUMAN TO WORK!

Select the package that best aligns with your project needs and timeline. Whether you need flexible support for a few hours or dedicated design focus over an extended period, there’s an option to match your workflow.

Availability is limited. Please reach out to check current openings.

ENGAGE WITH AN HOURLY RATE

HOURLY

  • Standard Rate: The standard hourly rate is ideal for clients with short-term needs or occasional design support. This option offers flexibility without a long-term commitment — perfect for quick design tasks, revisions, or strategic consulting.

    Discounted hourly blocks are available for longer-term, project-based engagements.

    • Pay-as-you-go flexibility for unpredictable workloads

    • No long-term commitment or required hour minimums

    • Ideal for quick-turnaround tasks, light design support, or strategic input

    • Billed at the standard hourly rate

    • Time is tracked and billed in 30-minute increments

    • Invoiced weekly or when a predefined number of hours is reached

    • Payment due within 30 days of invoicing

    • Travel and other expenses billed separately if applicable

    • Inquire below for detailed rate information

ENGAGE WITH A DAILY RATE

DAILY

  • Teams that need short-term focused design support for a full workday or series of days — without an ongoing commitment. Ideal for workshops, collaborative sessions, or project days that require an extra layer of experienced design support.

    • Pre-booked days ensure availability and streamline scheduling

    • Focused support on your project for the full day

    • More cost-effective than the standard hourly rate

    • Ideal for deep dives, design charrettes, or collaborative working sessions

    • Billed at a flat daily rate for up to 8 hours of work

    • Any additional hours billed at the standard hourly rate

    • 50% deposit due at booking, remaining balance invoiced upon completion

    • Payment due within 30 days of invoicing

    • Travel and other expenses billed separately if applicable

    • Limited availability — early booking is recommended

    • Pre-booked days do not need to be consecutive but must be scheduled in advance

    • Inquire below for detailed rate information

ENGAGE WITH A WEEKLY RATE

WEEKLY

  • This rate offers a full week of focused design support, ideal for short-term project sprints or temporary increases in workload. Available for a pre-defined week or series of weeks, it provides greater continuity and attention while offering a cost savings compared to the daily rate.

    • Consistent, high-touch design support aligned with your team’s goals

    • Cost-effective compared to daily or standard hourly rate

    • Provides continuity and stronger alignment throughout key project phases

    • Prioritized scheduling for weekly clients

    • Billed at a flat weekly rate for up to 40 hours of project-based work

    • Any additional hours beyond 40 billed at the standard hourly rate

    • 50% deposit due at booking, remaining balance invoiced upon completion

    • Payment due within 30 days of invoicing

    • Pre-booked weeks do not need to be consecutive, but must be scheduled in advance

    • Limited availability—early booking is recommended

    • Travel and other expenses billed separately if applicable

    • Inquire below for detailed rate information

Custom-tailored packages are available to meet specific project needs

FOR ONGOING SUPPORT

Retainer packages provide consistent, project-based design support over an extended period of time. By booking a monthly retainer, you secure a set number of hours at a preferred rate - with priority access to availability and scheduling. Retainers are ideal for design teams seeking ongoing support across one or more projects over several months, without the commitment of a full-time hire.

Availability is limited. Please reach out to check current openings.

retainer packages

SHORT-TERM ENGAGEMENT

3-MONTH RETAINER

  • For clients seeking consistent, project-based design leadership or support over a 3-month period — ideal for shorter projects, specific phases, temporary workload surges, or interim support during team transitions.

    • 5-20% savings based on the hours you commit each month

    • Guaranteed availability for a 3-month period

    • Prioritized scheduling for retainer clients

    • Flexible with adjustments based on evolving project needs.

    • Provides steady, reliable design support over a predictable timeframe

    • 3-Month minimum commitment

    • 10 hr/mo minimum retainer

    • Maximum hours varies depending on availability

    • Unused hours can be rolled over to the next available month

    • Additional hours billed at standard hourly rate

    • Payment due within 30 days of invoicing

    • Travel and other expenses billed separately if applicable

    • Limited availability - early booking recommended

    • Inquire below for rates

MID-TERM ENGAGEMENT

6-MONTH RETAINER

  • Clients seeking ongoing, project-based design leadership or support throughout the duration of a full project, or those in need of additional design capacity to complement in-house teams over an extended period.

    • 10-25% savings based on the hours you commit each month

    • Guaranteed availability for a 6-month period

    • Prioritized scheduling for retainer clients

    • Flexible with adjustments based on evolving project needs

    • Provides steady, reliable design support over a predictable timeframe

    • Collaborative design support aligned with your internal workflows and project vision

    • 6-Month minimum commitment

    • 10 hr/mo minimum retainer

    • Maximum hours varies depending on availability

    • Unused hours can be rolled over to the next available month

    • Additional hours billed at standard hourly rate

    • Payment due within 30 days of invoicing

    • Travel and other expenses billed separately if applicable

    • Limited availability - early booking recommended

    • Inquire below for rates

LONG-TERM ENGAGEMENT

12-MONTH RETAINER

  • Clients seeking long-term, dedicated design leadership or support over an extended period, such as 12+ months. Perfect for companies or agencies in need of a flexible design partner who can work closely with internal teams and provide consistent, high-quality support without the commitment of a full-time hire.

    • 15-30% savings based on the hours you commit each month - the most cost-effective option for sustained, long-term collaboration

    • Guaranteed availability for a 12-month period

    • Prioritized scheduling for retainer clients

    • Flexible with adjustments based on evolving project needs

    • Provides steady, reliable design support over a predictable timeframe

    • Seamless design support as a collaborative partner to your team

    • An ongoing partnership that evolves with your brand

    • Scalable and adaptable to evolving project demands

    • 12-Month minimum commitment

    • 10 hr/mo minimum retainer

    • Maximum hours varies depending on availability

    • Unused hours can be rolled over to the next available month

    • Additional hours billed at standard hourly rate

    • Payment due within 30 days of invoicing

    • Travel and other expenses billed separately if applicable

    • Limited availability - early booking recommended

    • Inquire below for rates

“Savanna brought immense talent and patience to the team. She was able to navigate the brand, the ever-changing needs of the users, and building infrastructure challenges all while staying positive through multiple iterations throughout the entire design and construction process.”

— Former Client During Previous Employment | Confidential Coffee Company

technical tools

  • For test fitting, space planning, 3D modeling and construction documentation.

  • For preparing floor plans for 3D modeling and documentation in Revit or SketchUp.

  • For conceptual 3D studies or 3D modeling for event + exhibit design projects.

  • For 3D renderings, virtual walkthroughs and animations (as a plugin to both Revit and SketchUp)

  • For client presentations and diagramming.

  • For diagramming.

  • For final touches on Enscape renderings and flat lays / mood boards.

  • For charettes, visioning, team collaboration, concept development, FF+E ideation and client presentations and feedback gathering.

  • For project management, time tracking and team collaboration.

  • For team coordination, client presentations and feedback gathering for teams working in Google workspace.

  • For team coordination, client presentations and feedback gathering for teams working in Microsoft 365.

  • To offer our clients a secure portal for billing, sharing contracts and files.

“Savanna was fast to create rapport with the client and it was evident they trusted her with her design approach and recommendations.

She was a trusted member of the team and her leadership was critical in our ability to deliver excellent service to our client. Savanna is such a talented designer!”

— Glenna Tyndall | Design Manager and Former Colleague During Previous Employment

HAVE QUESTIONs?

FAQ

  • Twenty Six Robots provides freelance design support exclusively to businesses, working as an extension of in-house design teams rather than operating as a traditional design firm. Unlike full-service architecture and design firms, which take on projects independently, Twenty Six Robots integrates directly into existing teams through a flexible, independent contractor relationship.

    Rather than competing with design firms, Twenty Six Robots complements them—offering an alternative for teams that need experienced design support without a long-term commitment.

    Twenty Six Robots does not work directly with end-clients, except when engaging with corporate brands that have their own in-house design teams. In those cases, the role remains the same: providing seamless, embedded support as an extension of their internal team.

  • Yes! The majority of work is conducted virtually, supporting clients across various time zones.

  • At the moment, Twenty Six Robots is a one-human agency, and when you engage 26R, you are engaging Savanna Barker as a solo independent contractor. Clients will always have the option to work exclusively with Savanna. The long-term vision is to deepen the support provided to clients by bringing on subcontractors if and when the project calls for it. This will be achieved by gradually building a small, curated network of trusted freelance interior designers and creatives. Any collaboration with other freelancers will always be transparent, with their work overseen by Savanna to ensure design quality and consistency.

  • While Twenty Six Robots currently operates as a solo independent contractor - and clients will always have the option to work exclusively with Savanna - the long-term vision is to gradually build a small, curated network of freelance interior designers and creatives to enhance support for design teams. Any collaboration with other freelancers will always be transparent, with their work overseen by Savanna. At this time, there are no collaboration opportunities, but freelancers are welcome to check back for future updates.

  • Work is primarily conducted remotely using digital tools for seamless collaboration. When necessary, in-person support—such as site visits or key meetings—can be accommodated on a case-by-case basis, depending on availability and location.

  • Absolutely. The goal is to complement your team’s workflow, not disrupt it.

  • Each project is carefully considered in relation to existing client work to prevent any potential conflicts of interest. Transparency, communication, and confidentiality are always prioritized. If any potential concerns arise—such as working with competitors—it will be addressed upfront to set clear boundaries and expectations. Non-disclosure agreements can be provided as needed to further protect sensitive information, ensuring peace of mind for all involved.

  • Please submit an inquiry form to receive information regarding rates, which vary depending on the engagement length.

  • Please see the Availability Calendar for a look at our current availability. While every effort is made to keep it accurate, project schedules often shift. If your project timeline appears to conflict, don't hesitate to reach out—availability is flexible, and accommodations may be possible.