Thank you, we have belabored every single detail as, I am sure, everyone does. No, we still have the deck to be laid, sprinkler re-route, cleanup and then plaster last. I am right outside of Dallas, so we are still having spring showers and it might be a bit. Plus, the travertine we ordered for the deck is honed and the decking place only carries tumbled, so I am not sure how we figure that out.

I have the Paramount PV3 system. There are 10 heads along the floor of the pool. Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about the in floor system- we have a Polaris 280 which does most of the cleaning, I think the main benefit of the in floor system is to circulate heated water more evenly. If I had to do it again, I'm not sure I'd get it. I've heard it makes winterizing more costly and of course it provides more potential points of failure. Our in floor set up does not have a sep pump....it uses the 1.5 hp pump for the pool. So far we have been very happy with our build. Hope this helps!

you could put a simple screen in the corner to hide the pumps. the "Improvements" catalog has some nice screens. You certainly need some plants to screen them, and in those planting areas. You could also paint your "boring wall" to add some color and interest. You say you have planted many things without success. What things? Are you planting native and adapted plants, or are you trying to plant east coast things which don't do well in the climate. What do you think is causing your failures? Not a good watering system? Is there caliche under there? what? You might ask for some plant recommendations here in the Arizona Gardening forum. YV, I think "steel cactus" is . . . exactly that. Garden art made of steel in the shape of a cactus -- saguaro I presume. Lots of steel garden art in the desert.

No one can hazard a guess. Interior designers structure their fees based on experience, and this could be years or decades Also their markets, their costs of doing business . You could be near the center of Boston, or in the woods of Springfield. Personally, I know none who work on a flat "whole project " fee for anything residential. You will ask why. I will answer in one word. Emotion. Emotion is the word that defines residential work. It is why architects generally specialize in EITHER residential or commercial, and the same holds true for interior designers. Homes are simply more personal - the same owner who'd be speedily decisive/ fine with a pleasing, functional result in a corporate setting could spin and twist him or herself into knots regarding their own home! I can only tell you what you want. You want someone to work in tandem with your architect/ contractor/subs. The informed go between/ the guru between you and them. You want a built in? A mud cubbie area? He/she designs it - contractor executes. As it applies to your kitchen? A good interior designer generally has a pro KD on speed dial. I often "design" a kitchen/bath layout, spec all finishes, select appliances, lighting, tops, et al with a client, but no possible way am I writing a cabinet order- hours and hours FRAUGHT WITH MISTAKE POTENTIAL! You want the interior to flow. That means as it applies to all the elements in whatever your end desired style /flavor shall be. From trims, to flooring to you name it. All the permanent aspects and their colors, materials, finishes. You will need some furnishings.? Rugs, seating, tables, lighting , accessories.....the elements that make your home, yours. Some you undoubtedly own and want to keep. some will be new. What's your budget? How decisive are you? Do you need to see two options? Or will you need to see six? ( Not recommended btw ). Which is why you need a very clear idea of what you want or expect from any designer, and must understand that the more attention and service ? Hence follows the "price". You aren't just paying for a designers time. You are paying for the art, the science, the skill, the experience. As I say to clients? "This all sounds abstract, does it not? It is in fact abstract, UNTIL.....you arrive at a destination that thrills you. The result that you never imagined could be so lovely, functional, comfortable and y.o.u. You pay for that reality; that is the point and only purpose, any designer, anywhere" Bottom line? Find the "one" . Talk to friends who've done work. Talk to a few designers and clarify your expectations with regard to scope of work and your budget. Get a clear contract, make sure you fully understand it, before you sign it. Is there another way? No. Working with any designer is an ongoing relationship. It's a dialogue , ideas, and more. It is mutual trust as well. You have to find that fit.