Natalie Weinstein, Allied ASID
Working with an Interior Designer – Frequent Questions
Do you give up control and relinquish your right to choose what you want when you work with an interior designer?
Most people fear that an interior designer will take over and design a project that is not of their choosing. In truth, that is up to the client. Some hire designers whose distinctive style is what they are looking for (for example, Mario Buatta, for his English chintzy prints). They might give them the key to their residence and go off to vacation in Europe for the duration of the project.
Many people, however, want to be a part of the selection process, and opt to remain present, as well as on site during the actual installation. The professional designer can and should provide what is needed for both types of clients. The first type of client requires a competent and professional reproduction of a style the designer has popularized. The second and more prevalent type of client requires an understanding of the client’s wants and needs, as well as their lifestyle, color preference and budget constraints. Through careful questioning and mutual dialogue, the designer can elicit this information from the client. Through the use of visual aids such as floor plans and furniture arrangements to scale, fabric presentation boards and renderings, the client can “see” the space before proceeding to order it. A budget analysis prior to the placement of orders will detail the cost of the project as well.
These standard procedures amongst professionals in the design field allow for researching a great variety of choices on the part of the client, as well as an understanding of the costs. In truth, it is the client who decides how much input is comfortable for them. Once this is agreed upon with their designer, there is usually no problem.
If a person wishes to “go it alone” after the initial presentation is made, many designers will sign a release or agreement to that effect and are then compensated for their work. Most clients, however, after they have approved the design concept, color schemes and budget, realize that it may be too big a job with possible pitfalls and welcome the security in working with a professional through completion, particularly when one of the most important parts of the design project is accessorizing.
The true art and skill of a fine professional designer is in educating and developing the client’s own best taste and providing an environment in which they can live and work comfortably, beautifully and happily.
What should you expect from your interior designer?
Your designer should have the skills to provide you with all the design services you require. Ask about their credentials, check references, see examples of their work, visit their office and shop and most of all, see if your personalities are compatible. If you have a particular design style in mind, discuss this and see how the designer would approach it for your dwelling and lifestyle. Your designer should also present you with a contract detailing the scope of their work and the fee to do it, as well as an approximate time frame for completion. Before beginning a project, all of these items should be provided and approved.
Designers are most happy working with people who are realistic about time frame, pay promptly on request and offer positive reaction to ongoing work and final completion. They appreciate being enlightened about a problem in a manner that encourages a solution. In short, they desire a positive relationship that will continue for years after the design project is successfully completed, for their reputation and future business depends on it and their need for artistic fruition can be satisfied in no other way.
Working with an Interior Designer – Frequent Questions
Do you give up control and relinquish your right to choose what you want when you work with an interior designer?
Most people fear that an interior designer will take over and design a project that is not of their choosing. In truth, that is up to the client. Some hire designers whose distinctive style is what they are looking for (for example, Mario Buatta, for his English chintzy prints). They might give them the key to their residence and go off to vacation in Europe for the duration of the project.
Many people, however, want to be a part of the selection process, and opt to remain present, as well as on site during the actual installation. The professional designer can and should provide what is needed for both types of clients. The first type of client requires a competent and professional reproduction of a style the designer has popularized. The second and more prevalent type of client requires an understanding of the client’s wants and needs, as well as their lifestyle, color preference and budget constraints. Through careful questioning and mutual dialogue, the designer can elicit this information from the client. Through the use of visual aids such as floor plans and furniture arrangements to scale, fabric presentation boards and renderings, the client can “see” the space before proceeding to order it. A budget analysis prior to the placement of orders will detail the cost of the project as well.
These standard procedures amongst professionals in the design field allow for researching a great variety of choices on the part of the client, as well as an understanding of the costs. In truth, it is the client who decides how much input is comfortable for them. Once this is agreed upon with their designer, there is usually no problem.
If a person wishes to “go it alone” after the initial presentation is made, many designers will sign a release or agreement to that effect and are then compensated for their work. Most clients, however, after they have approved the design concept, color schemes and budget, realize that it may be too big a job with possible pitfalls and welcome the security in working with a professional through completion, particularly when one of the most important parts of the design project is accessorizing.
The true art and skill of a fine professional designer is in educating and developing the client’s own best taste and providing an environment in which they can live and work comfortably, beautifully and happily.
What should you expect from your interior designer?
Your designer should have the skills to provide you with all the design services you require. Ask about their credentials, check references, see examples of their work, visit their office and shop and most of all, see if your personalities are compatible. If you have a particular design style in mind, discuss this and see how the designer would approach it for your dwelling and lifestyle. Your designer should also present you with a contract detailing the scope of their work and the fee to do it, as well as an approximate time frame for completion. Before beginning a project, all of these items should be provided and approved.
Designers are most happy working with people who are realistic about time frame, pay promptly on request and offer positive reaction to ongoing work and final completion. They appreciate being enlightened about a problem in a manner that encourages a solution. In short, they desire a positive relationship that will continue for years after the design project is successfully completed, for their reputation and future business depends on it and their need for artistic fruition can be satisfied in no other way.