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.

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