How to Hire an Interior Designer

What Is My Role In the Design Process?
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:

Also, be sure to consider the positive and negative aspects of the space.

If you are 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:

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 have interviewed several designers, take time to compare their estimates.  Do not 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:

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.

Are Contracts Important?
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.

How Much Is This Going to Cost?
It depends on what you want.  There are many variables including the size of the project (one room or whole house?), quality of products selected (custom or prefabricated cabinets?), and the timeframe in which the project needs to be completed (two weeks or two months?).  Developing the budget is a partnership between the client and the designer.  As the client, you should have an active role in developing the budget.  If you are unsure about costs, your designer can help.  Be honest with your designer about your budget.  A professional designer assesses your needs and helps you determine where to spend and where to save, prioritizing expenses while creating an interior that is within your budget.  Also, remember that not everything has to be completed at once.  Your designer can develop a long-range plan, consult with you to establish a list of priorities and determine a time line for accomplishing your project.