10 Questions to Ask an Interior Designer : dvd Interior Design Newsletter
What to know before hiring an interior designer.
Designing the interior of your home should be enjoyable. It can be challenging however, without the expertise of an Interior Designer who has an understanding of interior spaces and how they flow, suiting the needs of your individual space. Hiring an Interior Designer will remove the learning curve and allow you to reconstruct and buy the right investments to improve your home.
But how do you decide on an Interior Designer that you can trust? Someone who is going to understand your desires and respect your budget?
It is best to start with the most common interior design questions.
People often ask:
What questions should I ask an interior designer?
When should I hire an Interior Designer?
What to Know Before Hiring an interior designer?
I am often surprised by how many times people spend their sizable budget on building or renovating their home without first considering the requirements of the interiors or consulting a Designer in the early stages of their project.
Many times I have started working on a bedroom, only to find it doesn’t fit a bed, or have the required lighting for the bed setup. Another situation I see often is a kitchen with the windows off-center because the architect designed from the outside in, and we live on the inside! Moving the windows to align with the view and balance of the interior is the most important start to a beautiful space. Windows should be placed on a wall based on how we live inside.
Bring your Interior Designer on board early in the process, so you won’t have to pay for potential change orders and revisions to the drawings. This is super important for saving time, especially if you have a strict review board for your town.
What are some questions that you should ask a designer when you are meeting for the first time?
A Designer will provide practical ideas for the use of your space in addition to designing interior cabinetry, lighting, moldings, hardware, and more to enhance the house and make it more enjoyable and livable. They will also select and coordinate the right furniture in the best layout for your life, with colors and materials that will enhance your sense of comfort.
Designers can also help maintain budgets and circumvent change orders or mistakes that can cause added costs that may occur during construction. They do this by planning your space with you before construction starts. They also have extensive background knowledge of resources and tradespeople that the homeowner may not have access to. They can provide the best pricing on furniture and services that will ultimately increase the value of your home.
If you are considering working with an Interior Designer or Decorator, you may wonder what to ask them when interviewing different candidates. It is important to get to know each professional and listen to their responses to your questions.
Remember, this is not HGTV - this is reality.
I am sharing my insider perspective on what you should ask a designer before hiring them for your project.
When a design professional visits you in your home, I want you to have the right questions to ensure you have the best possible experience, allowing you to know what you can expect going forward into the project.
On the phone:
How long have you been working as a designer? Do you have a portfolio to share with me? Take a look at the Designer’s website and consider their time and experience in the industry.
Why did you become an Interior Designer? How did you start This is just a friendly conversation, but listen to the answers to see what they reveal.
What are your fee structures and how do you bill? Is it a project fee, or is it time plus purchasing fee? This is a structured conversation and each designer works differently. Actual numbers and fees as they relate to your project will be developed as you meet in person and discuss the overall project.
What is not included in your contract? It is important to ask and consider the answer.
Do you have a license? A degree in Interior Design? Just so you know, this is not always a requirement for doing the work. For example, Ralph Lauren did not go to interior design school. But if they have some certifications you can feel better about their knowledge and training.
In-Person:
Ask if they offer a complimentary meeting to discuss your project and allow you to meet in person or is there a fee? Most designers will charge to meet, but if you were referred by a mutual contact sometimes this fee will be waived.
Review their work portfolio. How detailed is their work, do you like the feel of the environments? Do they successfully reflect their clients’ tastes and styles?
Ask for 2-3 references that you may call: builders and/or previous clients, for example.
Are they good listeners? Easy to work with? Clear and concise? Watch how they listen and respond to you.
How do you like to communicate? Some like email, others prefer text. Be consistent with your documentation throughout the project. Some designers will have a Project Management program to talk through together.
What is your process? Depending on the size of your project, there are usually 5-8 processes from start to finish. Listen to how these are described and make sure you understand each of them.
Money. How will billing and purchasing be processed? Many clients are uncomfortable discussing the overall budget and a designer does not have enough information to provide pricing until the expectations are communicated clearly and a budget developed on your wish list of results. As you discuss the project in the face to face meeting these answers will be defined.
How will purchasing occur? A designer is not your shopping partner. Traditionally they provide you with solutions for your space and will purchase and coordinate the product delivery and installation.
What is the designer's policy of selecting your own items? This is important to discuss at the outset.
dvd Interior Design
Lastly, ask yourself, do you feel you can speak easily with this individual? Do they seem to understand you and do you feel understood? This is a service relationship, and you need to feel comfortable with your designer as you express your interests and furnish your home. You want the best possible communication for a successful project.
"When a Designer and Client know what to expect from each other the result is a project that will be rewarding and enjoyable." - Deborah von Donop
Credits: gudrunolof.com / bakerfurniture.com / dimorestudio.eu
Hiring an Interior Designer can be one of the most rewarding experiences for you to make. Creating a home that reflects your personality, having someone to review and discuss ideas with and to initiate the purchases and coordinate deliveries, and providing the support you need to furnish your home elegantly. It is a wonderful journey and your home will reflect this relationship with all the added details, unique pieces, and solutions incorporated into your space.
Good luck!
Please join us on LINKEDIN where we chat about all things Interior Design! You can find it right here. Thank you for stopping by!
From dvd Interior Design Lately.......
To catch up on our recent activities, here are a few links:
KITCHEN REFRESH: 5 WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN
THE BEST FARMHOUSE LIGHTING FOR YOUR HOME
KITCHEN TRENDS SPOTTED AT KBIS (KITCHEN AND BATH INDUSTRY SHOW) IN LAS VEGAS
Hot Sales in Home Decor
10 Questions to Ask an Interior Designer dvd Interior Design Newsletter