Hiring a decorator

I was flipping through the pages of domino and ran across these talented designers. I will say that I was pretty clueless as to what the fee's are, etc so the article really shined a light on this subject for me. For those that have not had a chance to read it, below is an example of 4 that were featured.

Sara Story: Rooms from about $25,000; houses from about $100,000;

$150/hour, plus 30 percent markup.

Michael Bargo: Entire houses/apartments only, from about $150,000;

$150/hour, plus 30 percent markup

Kathryn Saunders Design: Entire houses/apartments only, from about $50,000;
$150/hour, plus 25-30 percent markup

Annsley Mcaleer: Rooms from about $10,000; houses from about $125,000;$100/hour, plus 30 percent markup

Ashley Whittaker: Rooms from about $40,000; houses from abou $300,000; works for set fee (not by the hour), plus 50 percent markup

What I didnt know:

"Up from design fee"- This is a non refundable fee that is paid upfron either in whole, or by room. After this fee is paid, then you are able to move on to design.

"Hourly Rate"- Some designers use an hourly rate to calculate the design fee.

"Markup"- Your paying for their time, and them buying you things that you would never has access to. Per domino this is worth it because your getting designer taste and things that you would never find on your own.

What do you think, or was I alone here?

*source, domino magazine