The first step to finding the right interior designer for your project is to have an idea of what your want, how much you're willing to spend and how involved you want to be in the process.

• Have you established a budget for the project?
• Does the project entail construction or remodeling?
• Are you going to utilize existing fixtures and furnishings or start from scratch?
• Is the interior designer to handle every detail or do you prefer having some part in the process?
• Do you know how interior designers charge for their services?
• Do you understand the difference between a a decorator and professional interior designer?

Once these basic decisions are made you can begin your search armed with the information necessary to make a wise decision.

Designers and the Experience Needed

Interior designers are individuals with a creative flair who have enhanced their unique talents with a thorough education in interior design. Typically, this is accomplished through a 4-year accredited  interior design degree program. The Council for Interior Design Accreditation analyzes and certifies interior design curriculums and educators in North America. Education includes space planning, drafting/CAD, furniture history, textiles, lighting design, building techniques, custom applications and more.

After graduation, designers entering the field seek to gain several years of experience under the supervision of a professional interior designer. Many go on to become certified by The National Council for Interior Design Research (NCIDQ), which provides the highest certification standard in the industry. An important point to remember when making your decision; individuals are licensed, not interior design firms.

In addition, roughly half of the states require licensing in order to practice interior designer to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, requiring continuing education on a regular basis to maintain licensed status. For additional information you may wish to read "NCIDQ...Being the Best You Can Be".

How Much Do You Want to Spend Overall?

It's a hard subject to broach, but critical when planning a large project to know the budget allowed for the project. By sharing this information with your designer, you are able to plan how to most effectively apply your resources. Once you and your designer establish the scope of the services for the project, a plan can be developed to help accomplish your goals within the budget and time frame established.

A very large project can be broken down into phases. Yu may elect to complete all the interior finishes first, then add furnishings piece by piece. Or, you may choose to do it all at once. Whatever method you choose, having a clear master plan insures against impulse buys and helps you achieve the desired results, a project meeting your expectations.

How do Designers Charge for Their Services?

The method by which interior designers charge is as varied as the finished products they produce. Therefore, it is important to have a clear understanding of what is expected on behalf of both parties. It is not unusual for a combination of fee methods to be utilized, depending on the scope of the project. 

Retainers

A retainer fee is paid once an agreement has been reached to hire the designer. This outlines a figure the designer feels will adequately cover both the designer's time and firm's initial time to plan the project. The fee may not be refundable, if the project is canceled, and often it is applied to the final billing when the project has reached completion.

Fee Based

The designer reviews the project and submits a bid to complete the project as outlined at a set price. The fee is paid in increments throughout the life of the project or as items are received and delivered. This is most often used in commercial projects or large residential projects.

By the Hour

The designer assists you on an as-needed basis, relaying ideas which you are free to implement as you see fit. The fees range from approximately $50-$300/hour and can often include travel time.

Cost Plus

The designer handles the design process and is paid to implement the purchase of goods for you on a cost-plus basis. These cost-plus arrangements can range from 15%-30% and usually include mark-ups on all charges including freight and delivery.

Hourly & Cost Plus

The designer charges by the hour for meetings with the client, time preparing specifications and budgeting, but handles the purchase of goods on a cost-plus basis.

Retail/Commission

Often in retail scenarios the services of an interior designer are advertised as "FREE," a promotional tool. However, the designer most often works on commission basis (based on product sales), while offering complimentary design services. Unfortunately, while many individuals in this scenario are qualified, many are not, so it is important to verify the credentials of the individual you select, because you are paying someone to help you in one way or another. 

Furniture, draperies, accessories and interior finishes represent a major investment, one which should last you a minimum of 10 to 20 years, perhaps a lifetime. Therefore, classic proportions accompanied by durable finishes and fabrics will serve you best in the long run for your investment, no matter what style preferences you lean towards. By using the services of qualified interior designers you receive the benefit of their expertise to help you refine your selections and guide you towards the best purchases for your project. Designers help unify selections into attractive, well-functioning environments, be it public or private.