Explore Our Collection Building Services

Collection Building is rooted in the belief that collected interiors emerge through relationships rather than accumulation.

The goal is not simply to acquire antiques, but to create meaningful conversations between objects, places, and the people who live with them.

Project Scoping

  • Intake questionnaire and photo review of existing spaces, objects, and furniture

  • Consultation (virtual or in the Rare & Respair studio) to discuss goals, constraints, aesthetic direction, timeline, and sourcing budget

  • Contract is agreed upon and accepted

Curatorial Service Fee & Object Budget

A non-refundable curatorial service fee is required to reserve dedicated research and sourcing time. An object budget appropriate to the scope is determined during the initial consultation. Both payments are invoiced after project scoping is complete.

Sourcing & Selection

Rare & Respair independently acquires objects that fall within the agreed upon project parameters and object budget. The object budget functions as an acquisition reserve and is used to acquire objects, which may include work from specialized antique dealers, estates, and Rare & Respair's European sourcing. Any unused balance will be refunded following the final presentation.

How it works

A rustic ceramic pitcher with yellow black-eyed Susan flowers, purple lavendar, and green foliage, displayed on a wooden surface with antique items including a brass chain, a verdigris green bell, and a wooden box, set against a plain wall.

Deliverable

Following sourcing, you will receive a curated collection of objects selected specifically for your collection and presented together by appointment in the Rare & Respair studio in Aldie, Virginia.

After the presentation, the object budget is reconciled and any remaining unused funds are returned to you.

Select pieces may include object history documentation exploring historical context, maker evidence, regional traditions, construction methods, and known provenance.

What We Offer

Collection Building is a personalized sourcing service for individuals who want to create a meaningful collected interior but are unsure how to identify, source, and combine historical objects into a cohesive whole.

Rather than purchasing individual antiques one at a time, clients receive a curated collection of objects selected to work together visually and emotionally within their existing home.

Are you a creative professional? We also offer Trade Services →

Service Tiers

A vintage wooden box with a painted floral design, surrounded by green leaves and white lace on a wooden surface.

Focused Collection

  • Project examples include bookshelf or mantel vignettes, seasonal refreshes, and collection building of 5 to 7 objects

  • Curatorial service fee: $650

Close-up of a botanical illustration of the Dutch Apricot, with detailed leaves and a seed diagram. A magnifying glass and antique key are also on the paper.

Curated Collection

  • Project examples include defined areas such as reading nooks or entryways, multi-space seasonal styling, and collection building of 10-15 objects

  • Curatorial service fee: $1,400

Close-up of decorative ceramic bottles with green sprigs, framed tiles, and yellow flowers on a wooden surface. Background shows a blurred wall and part of a painting or photograph.

Bespoke Collection

  • Project examples include full room styling and collection building of 15+ objects

  • Custom proposal

Collection Building Inquiry

If you're interested in working with us, please complete the form with a few details about your project.

We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.

Have questions?

Take a look at our Collection Building FAQs →