My last article discussed the dilemma of do-it-yourself vs. do- it- for- me decorating. Let's assume you made the decision to hire a professional designer: Congratulations! You've taken the first step in starting a partnership with someone who will lead you through the design process.
But where do you look for a competent, experienced designer? What type of questions should you ask the designer during the interview? Once you hire a designer, what type of questions should you be prepared to answer? Don't be discouraged, because the following information will help you through the whole process.
Organize your thoughts and be well prepared before hiring a Designer:
-Your budget:
Only you know how much money you're willing to spend on your project. Pre-determine your budget range and discuss it with your designer.
-Your style:
Start collecting pictures from magazines or books that reflect your style. Gather images of products that you would like incorporated in the functionality of your design.
How to make sure you Designer is Well Qualified:
-Ask People you know:
The best reference is from someone you know and trust. If you have a friend or relative that has used a designer for a project recently, and is pleased with the job, you will probably be happy with that designer's work. The only exception is if your friend's home falls out of the realm of what your personal taste may be. Most designers can work well in a variety of styles, but others may be very limited. In any case, the interview with the designer and ask to see their portfolio. If all the work is the same, or not see, the style, your taste, then you might not have the right designer.
Magazine:
Most local newspapers have different interior designers of each month. These projects are almost always well defined and experienced. Contact the designers whose work you most admire.
Show Case:
A couple of timeseach year most areas sponsor show houses. You will usually find show houses advertised in the home and garden section of the local paper. Typically there is a charge for entering the show house but usually they benefit a charity. Local crème of the crop designers bid for the opportunity to decorate a room or an entire house. Here you can view their work first hand.
-Professional Association Referrals:
Professional Associations such as The American Society of Interior Designers operates a national designer referral program to members in your area. All ASID members are not the same. Professional members are different from allied members. Professional members must submit references, have a certain amount of experience and pass a rigorous national exam called the NCIDQ. You can feel confident that any professional member is well qualified to decorate your home.
After checking references and tapering your search to around three candidates, you are ready to conduct interviews.
Questions to ask during the Interview:
-Ask to see the designers portfolio:
Most designers take pictures of their work. The portfolio should give you a good idea of the styles in which the designer works best.
-Ask about the designers credentials:
Inquire about their education, experience in the business, professional affiliations and other projects which they are currently working.
-Ask about your project duration:
It's important to know how many projects the designer has contracted while undertaking your project. Some designers may not be able to start your project immediately because of their work load. Let the designer know your deadlines and make sure they will be available to have your project completed by the desired timetable.
-Ask about the working arrangements that fit your needs:
Some designers work strictly turnkey or full service and do everything for you. Most designers though, are willing to be hired for limited service or for consultation. You and your designer should agree up front on the type of working relationship which suites both of you.
-Ask about fees:
Discuss the designer's fee structure. There is not just one way designers charge. Usually, there is an hourly fee involved. These fees vary based on the area and the experience of the designer. Most designers offer to pass on their discounts plus a slight mark-up. For a very large project sometimes the designer charges per square foot.
Now that you've made your choice, the designer should give you a contract to sign. The contract is very important and protects both parties. The contract defines the scope of the project. It specifies who will be responsible for what and what the budget limits will be.
The most challenging part is over. Sit back and relax, you now have a professional leading the way for you. Although there will be many decisions to make and a few unexpected obstacles, you'll now have someone in your corner.
No comments:
Post a Comment