Questions
Answers to what we’re asked most.
Working with Folium
What does Folium do?
Folium is a plant design studio serving Chicago and the North Shore. We design, source, install, and maintain specimen plants paired with vessels for private homes and commercial spaces. Folium works alongside interior designers, architects, builders and realtors on trade projects.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily Chicago and the North Shore, but we’ll work anywhere in the greater Chicago area. We work in surrounding states with a project minimum.
Do you have a showroom?
For now, every Folium engagement happens in your space. Consultations/site studies and installations take place on site, so plants are chosen for the light and rooms they will actually live in.
How does a Folium project work?
Every engagement follows five steps: inquiry, a by-phone or in-home consultation and site study, a written proposal, sourcing and installation, and ongoing care. Some installations come together in a few weeks, others over a season.
Pricing & consultations
How much does a consultation cost?
An on-site consultation is $350 for up to four pieces or $650 for a whole home. It includes an in-home site study and a detailed design proposal. The full fee is credited toward your commission. Smaller projects are often handled entirely by phone and text, at no charge.
How are projects priced?
Folium works bespoke, by commission. Each project is priced on its scope and the specimens and vessels selected.
Plants & vessels
Can tropical plants do well indoors through a Chicago winter?
They can, with the right choices and the right care. Winter humidity drops sharply and light shifts with the seasons, so we specify specimens with those conditions in mind and read the light at every placement before recommending a plant. Outcomes can still depend on conditions outside anyone’s control, which is what maintenance is for.
Where do your vessels come from?
Vessels are chosen for the specimen and the room: a mix of vintage and collectible pieces and new-made work. We also work with some of Chicago’s most talented ceramicists.
Do you work with homes that have pets?
Yes. Pets come up during the site study, and we specify plants and placements with them in mind.
Maintenance
Do you offer plant maintenance?
Yes. Currently, Folium’s maintenance program only covers Chicago and the North Shore. Our maintenance membership covers watering, pruning, seasonal care, pest management, and light, humidity, and placement adjustments, with visits up to weekly.
Will you maintain plants Folium didn’t install?
Yes, as part of a Folium installation. Plants you already own can join the membership alongside the pieces we install. We evaluate each one first and may decline any that can’t reasonably be brought back, such as a severe pest infestation or a spot the plant can’t recover in.
How much does maintenance cost?
Pricing is tailored to the size of the installation and how often visits are needed. Terms, including scheduling and access, are agreed in writing at the start of every membership.
Rentals, staging & trade
Do you rent plants?
Yes. Rentals are priced by the week, not the day. Rental fees can be credited toward buying the piece.
Do you stage homes for sale?
Yes, accompanied by a Folium maintenance membership to ensure plants stay in exceptional shape. Staging is not offered on its own.
Do you work with interior designers and architects?
Yes. Folium works with interior designers, architects, landscape designers, builders and realtors across Chicago, from a single hero specimen to a whole-home installation. Trade engagements have separate terms, including designer pricing and discretion on attribution.
Getting started
How do I start a project with Folium?
Send an inquiry through the contact page or email [email protected]. We respond within two business days and, if it’s a fit, schedule a consultation.
Have a space or project in mind?