How to Work with an Interior Designer
By Mary Cusack, ASID
The article in April (To Hire or Not to Hire) discussed whether or not to hire an interior designer. This month’s article will discuss - what I consider - the best way to work with a designer. Remember that getting the best job possible is the main objective. A good team of professionals with quality craftspeople that work well together creates an atmosphere for success.
Contractors and builders prefer to have details worked out in advance so that his/her crew can complete the job in a timely fashion. This not only helps to keep the cost down as there are fewer changes and delays. It also minimizes frustrations and mistakes. This is where the designer can be a tremendous asset. His or her job is to select and facilitate these details (and there are many). Experience, education and resources are the basic tools of a designer.
A team is selected and ready to start. What next? Good communication is crucial. Without good communication, no one knows what you the client want. It can be as simple as “I don’t have a clue” which translates to “I’ll like whatever you do” to extreme details where the designer’s job is to only facilitate. Almost always the job is somewhere in the middle. Regardless, the designer’s job is to ask the critical questions. This will be the basis for which a plan will be developed so it is crucial to be direct and honest.
How far do you want the designer to take the job? For example, do you want a one hour consultation or would you like for the designer to develop a plan, specify, order the materials and work directly with the construction people. Most designers will work at whatever level the client desires. Many times the level of involvement evolves as the job progresses. This is fine.
The budget is a major part of the equation. Most people aren’t aware of actual costs. This part of the communication will make sure both parties are together. The designer now has a direction about product – High, middle or low end. Never be embarrassed to ask price.
Developing the ideas into a solid design is the most exciting partof the process as this can truly be creative. Designers are basically creative creatures – truly right brained. So be patient with the designer who is dependent on the calculator and the assistant. But do get price estimates.
Would you like the designer to shop in retail stores (consultation)? If the designer has resources, this may possibly be a way to save on consultation time. If there is a concern, ask the question. Sometimes the budget helps to determine how to best facilitate the job.
Working with the designer, contractor and craftspeople must be very above board. The client must never criticize or undermine a member of the team to others; this is a sure fire way for the job to fail. If there is a problem or a concern, be direct and go to the source of the problem. Sometimes the client doesn’t know where to turn. The designer should be able to discuss the issue and give the client direction. Our jobs are very confidential. Everyone wants the end result to be successful, but good honest communication is absolutely critical.
You’ve hired us - allow us do our job. Our talent and expertise has to be worth something. Now don’t take this to the extreme. Always feel free to ask and discuss anything that is causing stress or doesn’t make sense or that you don’t like. As always it comes down to good communication.
Hopefully these insights will help to dispel the mystery behind an interior designer’s work. We truly love what we do. You’ve heard it before – it is a passion. We work to see our designs become a reality. And most importantly, we work for the client. Their desires - their needs are paramount.