How to Hire an Interior Design Professional

Today a growing number of homeowners are finding hiring an interior design firm can be a smart investment, particularly when it comes to creating a look or an environment to express their individual personal tastes and lifestyles. Interior designers are trained in the aesthetic and functional elements of designing environments and are skilled at creatively resolving issues that lead to useful and stunning interiors. Designers are experienced to find the right craftsmen furnishings, hard surfaces, textiles and the proper use of color to make your vision come true.

Selecting the right interior designer and craftsmen for your job is as important as selecting the right color for a home.

Here are some tips to use to help you along this new exciting journey.

Research and learn what you like!

Go to model homes, open houses, design centers and read design magazines. Don’t forget to search the web. Collect photos and colors you like. Photos could come from anywhere and your colors could be from automobile brochures to fashion magazines.
Take some time to think and prepare notes about your goals for your space. What will you be using this space for?

Compile a list of designers in you area

Call or email designers in your area
Keep track of their response time

Meet the designers you have chosen

Interview several to find the person you feel most comfortable working with.
Ask questions about their experience and background
Ask about any qualifications, affiliations and licenses
Ask for a list of past clients, and if there’s a portfolio to see.
Ask about other services and established relationships the designer can offer such as referrals to Marble & Granite installers, Painters, Finish carpenters, etc.
Communicate what you like and describe what you plan to achieve
Discuss any special situations about your project
Discuss your anticipated timeframe and budget and the designer's availability during that time.
Ask about scheduling and fees

Do your diligence

Check references
Know your budget
Work with your designer and be open to their ideas.

Fee structure

Designers use a variety of fee structures. This can be based on a number of variables from the complexity of the job to your timeline and many other factors. Some designers use one or a combination of the following:

Fixed fee - a specific fee agreed upon to complete the contract between the owner and interior designer.
Hourly fee - based on actual time the interior designer spends to complete the project and coordinating all details of the contract.
Percentage fee - based on a percentage of hard cost of all furnishings and labor.
Cost plus - The interior designer will markup the total of the following by an agreed upon percentage. This markup could be for all purchases all labor and all services.