Working Well With an Interior Designer: Finding the Right Fit and Being a Great Client

Interviewing a design professional is important in finding the best match for you and your family. This is a lot like matchmaking, it is a matter not just of skills and talents but of a personality fit as well. Some of the best questions to ask in this process include the following:

Do I have to start from scratch? The best designers realize you have cherished items, sometimes heirloom treasures, and will work these into the master plan. You should never feel you have to throw it all out, (unless you want to!)Do I have to do the entire house, or can we work room by room? Some designers do require a full house investment, so ask. Many others will work with you by the room. It is still always advised to have a master plan created so you have a blueprint of your progress.

Do you have a portfolio? If not, how will you gauge the type of work the designer is capable of? If so, does it represent a broad range of styles, indicating the potential to be flexible and meet your personal taste and style, or is it limited to one style.

Do you work with a budget? Everyone has a “spending plan,” whether it is $1,500, $15,000, or $150,000+. It is important to be upfront with this information so you both know the level of investment expected. Some designers have minimum project fees. Others will provide hourly consultations, with a typical minimum of 3+ hours.

Will you provide me with options? Each designer is different. Some work as dictators, insisting and telling you what you need. While others are more diplomatic, and provide the best options with pros and cons for all, and guide you to a decision. The type you choose is up to you.

How do you charge? All designers have their own fee plans, many work on an hourly basis with a cost plus combination. Others work on a project cost or square footage basis. You need to know. Many designers will provide you with an estimate at the project initiation, to avoid any unpleasant surprises later.

Do you have a contract? Many designers work by contract or letter of agreement. This protects both the designer and client from any surprises and should confirm and clarify the scope of the project and all fees. It should include an estimate of project cost and time expected.

How long will my project take? This varies widely depending on the size of the project and client dictate, but it can often be helpful to have an idea in advance of the time frame anticipated. This is also important to learn if the designer has enough time to devote to your project, and to establish realistic expectations (beyond yesterday!)Since this is about the right fit, it is appropriate for the design professional to find out as much as possible, about you, your family, your tastes and preferences, your anticipated project investment, your expected time frame, and how you want to work. Allow the professional you hire to do their job effectively. Some tips on how are here:

On shopping, a true design pro can find extraordinary elements in ordinary places. I often have clients comment that they went to the same place but never saw what I did! This is knowledge and experience. Allow your pro to use their resources, rather than telling them where to shop. If you plan to shop yourself, tell them upfront, and what you are looking for, don’t duplicate efforts. Also, if you are direct about what you plan to spend, you can avoid a pro bringing you items that aren’t a good fit with your budget (if they continue to do this, let them go!) Don’t shop your professional. Shopping your pro is an indication that you don’t trust their judgment and are not using their skills to advantage. If you are uncomfortable and they cannot provide reasonable justification by quality, name brand, or style for the price of a particular piece, perhaps this isn’t the best fit.

Work with them as you would any other professional, with regular hours. Expecting a designer to work nights and weekends because it is convenient for you, indicates that you do not take the design process seriously and are not a committed client. Be reasonable in your expectations, time beyond the regular framework can be charged at a hirer rate.

Expect to be educated by your design professional in the best selections to make, most appropriate pieces to purchase, and how it will all come together. Make lists of your questions and ask when you meet, rather calling daily and late night with questions that can wait. (It is rare to have a design emergency!) If you are more comfortable, keep a list of these questions and the answers received to refer to them, so you can avoid asking the same thing repeatedly.

Once you have made a decision with your design professional on furnishings, fabric, draperies, paint colors etc., avoid checking with others for their opinions and waffling on the commitment made. Commit to the plan. Clients who cannot commit, waste a tremendous amount of time, design fees, and rarely get what they want, but instead a mishmash of their friends and loved ones opinions. Your interior is your own, not your neighbor’s, best friend’s, or mother-in-law’s, make it yours!With the guidelines here for hiring a design professional, and tips for being a great client, you have the best opportunity for a successful long term relationship with an interior designer/decorator and an inviting, comfortable home, or productive office environment.