So you’ve decided to hire an Interior Designer! Congratulations! That is a big first step in a successful project. You also now have the task of finding a designer and interviewing them. Not all designers are the same and that’s a good thing. Some are adept at specific rooms or with drapery, or with the construction process. You may also find that you are making your decision based on the designer’s style fit or for their get-it-done personality. I hope that my suggestions here will help you find the right designer for you and your project.

Question #1: “Have you worked on projects like mine before?”

I get asked this on pretty much every phone call with a prospective client. This is a great question to ask so you have some comfort with the designer’s experience. Hiring a kitchen or bath designer from a cabinet showroom is not going to get you the beautiful bedroom sanctuary you desire. Even if a designer doesn’t have the exact experience for the room you need help in, doesn’t mean that they cannot execute it successfully. For example, you want to make your basement an entertaining space with a wet bar. Well, the designer that has space planning experience, furniture specification experience, and kitchen design experience would likely be a great candidate for your project. Her experience designing living rooms and kitchens transfers perfectly to an entertainer’s basement project.
Rates for designers do vary and are usually commensurate with experience and with the area that you live in. More experienced designer’s rates may be higher than someone just starting out. You will need to determine what feels right to you for your specific project.

Our Answer…

If you asked us, I’d say, yes, we’ve worked on numerous projects very similar to yours. We’ve taken a client’s problem space and transformed it into their dream home.

Question #2: “What is your approach to a project like mine?”

Interior remodeling projects aren’t inexpensive in time or money, so hiring an Interior Designer that has a specific process to get from your idea to completion is important. This isn’t the time you want someone to be winging it. You should also determine your desired level of involvement in your project. You may have the money, but not the time. You may have had a dream of collaborating with a designer holding your hand every step of the way. Knowing how a designer works is important so you also get your needs and wants met.

Our Answer…

If you asked us, I’d say, we have a specific project management process that result in happy clients and gorgeous results. We are shifting this a bit to add some flexibility starting this year, but for the most part, the milestones and targets are the same. Every project starts off with the paid Essential Consultation and then if we decide we want to work together, we execute a design agreement. On a call and during the consultation, I go into more detail but highlight that we meet to review the preliminary design and budget, again for the design presentation, and finally for the reveal. We keep the communication flowing during our time together but required in-person time we keep to a minimum since we know you’re busy.

Question #3: “Can you tell me about the other professionals you collaborate with?”

Every designer works with a variety of other professionals to complete your project. Every project is a little different, so the same pros may not be on all her jobs. Asking about how long she’s worked with her contractor might be important to your project. You may also have a specific aspect of your project that requires a specialist. Ask about that. The designer may have to bring in a pro she’s never used before, and that is okay if she vets them very well. That is how I have met many of the contractors that I use.

Our Answer…

I’d tell you the designer is the hub of the wheel pulling in the right people for the job. I regularly assess how successful project results and my experiences with vendors are because I want the best people on my projects. Many of my vendors and contractors I have worked with for years, and because of that, I trust them to produce and to be in your home. If I need someone I don’t have in my Rolodex, I start inquiring with other designers on who they use for this or if they had a good experience and results with someone. I always run my scope by them, try to visit a job they’re on, find out how busy they are, and share how we work with clients.

Final Thoughts on Hiring an Interior Designer

Explore several designers’ websites to see if you like what you see. Fill out an inquiry form or give their office a call to discuss your project with them. Write down the above questions and any others you may have. Get those answers. We’re used to being interviewed, so it’s worth taking a little time on the front end to make sure you get a good fit. If everything sounds good, hire her for a consultation. Not only is this meeting pretty fun, an in-person consultation is a great opportunity for a second gut check before moving ahead. You’re going to be working and communicating with this person for the next three months or more so you want to make sure you feel solid about your decision.

It’s your home! Make sure the person you’re hiring to embark on your next big project aligns with your vision. If we might be that for you, reach out!

Cheers,
Emilie

Lush Interior Design LLC is a Hospitality, High-end Residential, and Commercial interior design firm located in the Washington, DC area, serving here and beyond. Lush specializes in elevating brands through beautiful and functional interior design to make the most impact on guests and users of each space. If you are a restauranteur, hotelier, creative brand, or association and want the Lush team to manage your interior design project, book a complimentary Discovery Call to discuss how we can help!

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