Do you have a “Designer Disaster”?
Have you worked with an Interior Designer before and had a negative experience? Have you felt like you are hitting your head against a wall trying to get through the “design process”? Don’t worry, you are not alone! Designers are “right brained” creatives who are flexible in their thinking and thrive in caotic environments. These are great qualities when coming up with a unique design solution and managing a construction site. However, they can make the client experience not so thrilling.
I’m here to help you with these expert “insider” tips on how to select the right interior designer for your project, because just like any partnership, you need to choose wisely!
1.) Experience & Portfolio
It’s not online stalking if you are technically interviewing someone for a job, right? Make sure to find your potential designer’s website and any other online presence (social media, link’d in, expert articles, etc..) that will give you an understanding of their experience.
Then come right out and ask:
How many years of experience do you have as an interior designer?
Can you show me some projects similar to mine that you have completed?
Can you walk me through how you solved the client’s problem?
Are you able to do interior renovations AND furnishings?
How do you charge for design fees?
Are you a liscened Interior Designer?
This means they have passed an exam and are able to stamp interior construction drawings in some states
Designers are problem solvers! Get a better understanding of how complicated a project they can handle.
2.) Design Process
Ask for an overview of the design process including deliverables and timelines? How do I communicate feedback?
Some good things to look for that will set you up for success:
A structured system of deliverables for each project phase
Project timeline
How to Access to files and other design documents
A cloud software you can access 24/7 is best
How does purchasing and delivery work?
What does your design fee include ?
Where do you source your products?
If your prospective designer does not have a good answers for these type of pointed questions, it’s time to look for someone else!
3.) Do you have a contract?
You MUST have a contract between both parties for your project to be a success and for you to be protected financially. Make sure it outlines the following:
How to submit payments
Payment schedule / timeline
Return policy
Product damages
Storage and delivery policy, fees
Canceling or pausing the contract options
Is there a limit on the type, scale or scope of work you can coordinate
This answer should be YES! Interior Designers are NOT General Contractors and should NOT be managing liscened trades such as electrician, plumbers, HVAC, etc…
4.) Ask for references
Do not skip this step! Make sure to check out the google reviews and ask for references for similar projects that have been completed in the last year. Then make sure to follow up and contact those references.
5.) Collaboration with the team
What experience does your potential designer have in collaborating with outside team members like art consultants, general contractor and trade labor (wallpaper hangers, painter, etc…) Interior renovations can be messy and have alot of surprises, so you need to make sure there is as little drama as possible. Your designer needs to back you up and effectively get his or her design installed the way you both envisioned it!
Book a FREE Discovery call to find out our answers to ALL of these questions and how we can partner with you on your next home improvement project or new build!
