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designers
finding a designer
interviewing a designer
fee structure
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| How
to hire and work with an interior designer |
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Homeowners are turning to professional
help when it comes to creating homes that reflect their own
tastes and comforts. More than 53 percent of young affluent
homeowners (those under 40 with homes valued at $1 million
or more) surveyed by Architectural Digest in 2000 say they
used the services of an interior designer to help find and
select quality furnishings for their homes.
While those with above-average incomes tend to use
interior design services, a growing number of homeowners are
finding that interior design can be a smart investment, particularly
when they are looking to create an environment and select
furnishings that will reflect their individual lifestyle.
Professional interior
designers help clients visualize the home interior that reflects
their personal tastes and lifestyles. They are trained in
the aesthetic and functional elements of designing spaces
and are experienced at creatively resolving issues that lead
to practical and beautiful interiors.
With direction from the client, designers help pull together
the furnishings, fabrics and colors to make the space come
to life. And, as professionals, they have access to design
centers and showrooms that sell the highest-quality, customizable
furniture, fabrics and designs.
But selecting the right interior designer for your job is
just as important as selecting the right furnishings for a
home. Here are some tips for hiring and working with a professional
interior designer:
- Prepare notes about
your goals for your space.
- Take some time to
think about the space and the end result you desire. What
activities will take place in the space? What image are
you looking to create? For whom is the space being designed?
Do you want to keep the space "as is" or do you
plan to remodel?
- Start a file of
visual images from magazines, books and photographs that
reflect your aesthetic and functional needs.
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| Finding
a designer |
In addition to asking
friends for referrals of designers they have worked with on
successful projects, there are other local resources that can
provide designer referrals.
Seattle Design Center has a designer
referral program that links local interior designers with
potential clients. In addition, trade associations such as the
American
Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the Northwest
Society of Interior Designers (NWSID) have designer
referral databases that link local interior designers with homeowners. |
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| Interviewing
a designer |
Once you have the names
of designers, interview several to find the person you feel
most comfortable working with. Ask the designer about his or
her educational background, professional credentials and licensing.
Request a review of their portfolio to see samples of previous
work and ask for referrals you can contact. Ask about other
services and established relationships the designer can offer
such as referrals to painters, custom drapery makers, carpenters,
etc. It is also recommended to ask for references from these
types of contractors. Discuss your anticipated timeframe and
budget and the designer's availability during that time.
Choose the designer who has both the professional experience
you are seeking and with whom you feel you can most easily develop
a comfortable rapport. |
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Fee
structure |
Kravet
/ Lee Jofa |
Designers
work with a variety of fee structures that are based on several
variables such as the complexity of the job, its location and
the designer. Most designers use one or a combination of the
following fee structures:
Fixed fee - a specific sum to cover the cost of the project,
with allowances for furniture and expenses
Hourly fee - based on actual time spent on the project
and coordinating details
Percentage fee - based on a percentage of the construction
costs and furnishings
Cost plus - The designer purchases the furnishings, materials
and services for the client then marks up the final bill to
include an agreed upon percentage to include the management
of the order
Once you have discussed time, cost and your ideas for creating
your dream space, your designer will assess your needs and develop
a list of priorities and a long-range plan to suit your budget
and accomplish your project. |
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