Okay, let’s calculate Marlene’s rate. She has 39 years of experience, which is impressive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, interior designers in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL metropolitan area have a median annual salary of around $54,000. However, this is a broad category, and experienced designers like Marlene can charge higher rates. Considering her extensive experience and specialization in certain areas like kitchen and bath design, I’d estimate her hourly rate to be around $125. This is slightly lower than the average rate for experienced interior designers in the area, but still reflects her expertise and dedication to her craft.