Starting an interior design project can be a fun and exciting moment for any homeowner. You can breathe life into your vision and begin living in your dream house in no time. That said, you may have to find the right interior designer to translate your inspirations and passions into the design you wish for.
In the United States, there are nearly 50,000 professional interior designers, generating approximately $10 billion in revenues annually. Meeting potential residential home designers provides you with an opportunity to ask important questions to determine if they are the right fit.
Here are five questions that you should ask when hiring an interior designer.
1. Which Design Services Do You Offer?
You’ll need to find a top interior designer specializing in the services you require for your project. You may require design concepts, architectural plan consultations, space planning, project management, or procurement services. A holistic design firm can help you address design at every stage. Interior design projects often go on for months, so you may need to ensure that you find a worthy partner to see the project to the end.
2. How Would You Describe Your Style?
This is a great opportunity to get a glimpse of the designer’s personality and inspiration and see if it matches your vision. You may ask about the elements that define their style. Inquire about their favorite project and why they loved it. The designer’s responses allow you to get at the heart of their style and aesthetic. They also give you a peek at how they handle their creative process. What’s more, you’ll be able to find out if the interior designer is ready to step out of their comfort zone to accommodate your needs.
3. What’s Your Design Process Like?
The value of a good interior decorator goes beyond having a “good eye for detail.” Project management and design philosophy are critical parts of a successful project. Understanding how the designer will present their design concepts and ideas to you is important for a seamless partnership. Communication is arguably the most essential part of a designer-client relationship.
4. Have You Worked on a Project Like Mine Before?
You may need to find creative ways to assess the designer’s competency and experience. Looking at past projects can give you subtle hints on the quality of their work. Most interior design firms maintain beautiful websites with great portfolios on completed projects. Your face-to-face consultations present you with an opportunity to go through the designer’s body of work on a deeper level.
5. Who Will Be Working on My Project?
The designer you pick for your project may be the only one working on your home or part of a design team. If you are working with a team, take the time to know more about the expertise and background of each member. Make sure that they understand your vision and communication style.
Finding the right interior designer for your project requires a little commitment from your end. Take your time to research the different potential designers to find one with a keen sense of your style. If you have an interior design project in mind, Janet Brooks Design is here to help. For more information, get in touch with us today.