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Before contacting
an interior designer, take some time to think about what you want and what
you need. The first step in this process is to consider some questions
that an interior designer will ask regarding your project:
- For whom is the space being
designed?
- What activities will take
place there?
- How long do you plan to
occupy the space?
- What is your time frame?
- What is your budget?
- Are you relocating or
remodeling?
- What image do you want to
project?
- What is the approximate
square footage to be designed (for commercial projects)?
Also, be sure to
consider the positive and negative aspects of the space.
If you're feeling
overwhelmed, don't worry. Your interior designer will lead you through the
design process. Keep in mind the more information you provide, the more
successful your designer will be in meeting your needs and expectations.
You may want to reference other visual images (photos, postcards, corporate
logos, magazine photographs) or environments that reflect your aesthetic
and functional criteria.
The second step
is to interview designers. Interview several designers to become familiar
with differences in personality, style and business methods. Take this
opportunity to acquaint the designer with your project ideas. Keep in mind
you will be working closely with the designer and you will want someone
that you feel will make the right choices according to your specifications
and will listen to your ideas and concerns. Ask to see the designer's
portfolio and request a list of relevant experience and client references.
During an interview, you may want to:
- Inquire about the
designer's education, training, experience, professional affiliations
and other credentials.
- Ask about other services
the designer can provide and what can be done to help you optimize
your understanding of the cost of the project.
- Discuss project duration or
deadlines and what the designer's availability is for taking on the
project within the desired timetable.
- Establish parameters for
updates and on-going communication between you and the interior
designer.
- Discuss the designer's fee
structure.
Overall, look for
educated and accredited interior designers who can demonstrate their
creativity and talent.
The third step
is to hire the designer. Once you've interviewed several designers, take
time to compare their estimates. Don't base your decision on price alone.
Keep in mind that differences in each proposal reflect variables such as
level of service and quality of merchandise. After the designer is hired,
you need to address specific project needs and goals. You will share ideas
and the designer will lend insights and observations to your ideas to
identify the overall scope of the project. During this process, your design
professional will:
- communicate concepts and
help you understand the design process,
- articulate your ideas, and
- help you to visualize the
finished product.
The more input
you provide, the easier it becomes for an interior designer to respond with
additional ideas and to create spaces that will meet your aesthetic,
functional and budgetary goals.
Contracts are very important because they allow both you and the designer
to define the scope of your project. A contract allows you to specify who
will be responsible for what, how long the project will last and what the
budget limits will be. It is in your best interest to have a signed
contract before any work begins or any money is exchanged.
For more information
on ASID, please click on their logo: 
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