How to Hire an Interior Designer for your Home
“Hi Jill, I wonder if you have time to take on a new project? We hired someone to help us on our new house and I don’t think it is working out that well.“
I received an email the other day from someone who needed help - she didn’t feel that she was being listened to. Building a new home was a dream for her and her husband, but it was not going smoothly. The project had been started and she felt lost and under water on decisions, overwhelmed by an opaque process and was struggling to be heard with her designer. The dream was becoming a nightmare. Luckily, she had seen our work at a friend’s cottage and reached out to her for our contact information. Soon she was back on track as we were introduced to her project and construction team - it was already underway, but we were happy to help.
This happens more than you might think!
Not all designers are the same, they don’t all have the same expertise, credentials or skillsets. Hiring a designer and building a home or renovating your cottage - is not the same as buying something from a store. There is a lot more to it! Having confidence in your team is important, and knowing you made the right choice can prevent many sleepless nights.
There are several ways to short list your designer - ask your friends for referrals, look at social media or publications for work that you might like, ask who designed your favorite shop or restaurant, or friend’s cottage! Once you have a few names - consider the following when you are gathering information;
Have a look at their website or social media - do you like their work? Most interior designers have a look or style they like to work in - make sure your aesthetic works with your desired look. Don’t forget Pinterest and Houzz as well to educate yourself about style choices and professionals in your area.
Do they have any reviews / can you speak to a past or current client for references? It is always a good idea to get references or read the reviews - working with a designer for a significant project can be a long term prospect.
Do they have any credentials? Interior design is a specific profession and has qualifying exams and professional accredidations just like an engineer or accountant. Some of the ones you may want to look for at IDC (Interior Designers of Canada), ASID (American Society of Interior Designers), NCIDQ (National Committee for Interior Design Qualifications), and any local state or provincial organizations. Sometimes companies or individuals represent themselves as designers but do not have any credentials or education in the profession - this is more important as projects become more complex and expensive.
Interior designers have a range of talents and abilities just like any other complex profession - in new build and larger renovation projects they form part of a team of design and construction professionals that may include engineers, architects, builders and contractors as well. In other projects the designer may be the only professional you need. Think a little about the scope our your work and talk to a designer as you begin to assemble your team. We all work with other consultants and may have some good suggestions for you.
See also our blog - Common mistakes people make when hiring an Interior Designer - For more information - Good luck!