Does your to create a home, office, or business need a refresh? Interior design can be a great option to turn your home, restaurant, store, or commercial property into a beautiful and functional space. But, the search can be overwhelming, and choosing someone for the job is intimidating. When you pick an interior designer to trust with your vision, budget, and space, you want to know that you’ll be satisfied with the completed work. When looking for someone that can help make your vision a reality, here are a few things that you should keep in mind.
Communication is Key
Communication can turn your project from nightmare to day dream. The designer that you hire needs to be able to communicate—not only during the initiation of the project, but throughout its competition. Do they follow up quickly? Can they efficiently relay logistics about your project? Are they open about changes to the design, budget, and schedule? Do they communicate what they need from you?
Not only should a professional designer be able to answer your basic questions, but they should listen to your wants and needs. Whether you know a lot, or a little about interior design, you likely have a vision of what you want your space to look like. An interior designer should be able to listen to your vision and understand your needs. If you meet with a designer and don’t feel like they understand what you are telling them, it might not be a great fit for your project.
Do You Like Their Portfolio?
Even the most understanding and empathetic interior designer will put a little of their personal style in their projects. A designer’s portfolio is a glimpse, not only into their previous work but into their personal style. After all, interior design is a science, and an art form, and every artist has a style. While every good designer will understand basic design principles and be able to incorporate their client’s tastes, they will also showcase their own style in every project. Choosing a designer whose personal style fits in with your will make the entire design process much easier.
Planning & Technical Skills
Can your designer plan a space and then show you a representation of that plan? This is one of the most essential skills a designer can have. They should be able to either draw or model their design for a space so that you can understand their plans. Additionally, an understanding of blueprints and building codes will ensure that your project is done safely. While there isn’t always an easy way to determine if your interior designer has these technical skills, you can always ask questions. It can help if you have them explain their process, like how they present their designs to clients. Any questions that might help give you a sense of your designer’s experience will help you gauge their design know-how. You can also ask about their credentials.
Education and Credentials
While requirements for interior designers vary from state to state, most do not require a license. In fact, anyone can become an interior designer, and some don’t even have special education. However, to become a certified interior designer, most states require that you pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam. To be eligible to take this exam, designers must have a combination of higher education and supervised design work hours. This credential is a good thing to look for when selecting a designer because it means they have a solid basis of design knowledge. Additionally, designers who pass the exam are eligible to become members of the American Society of Interior Designers, this membership shows that a designer has an interest in continuing their design education and is adhering to high standards.