Questions to ask when hiring an interior designer
A complete list to start the conversation
Hiring an interior designer can be a great investment for your home, but it’s important to find someone who is a good match for your style and needs. At Jeid Studio, we would encourage you to consider three areas of questions: interior design acumen, business-professional practices, and what we call “good vibes.”
Interior Design Acumen
Interior design acumen refers to a person's knowledge, skills, and understanding of the principles and techniques of designing the interior of a space, including the layout, furniture, lighting, and decor.
Do you have a style that guides your work? It’s important to know what inspires and drives your interior designer, as this can give you a sense of their design aesthetic and approach.
Can you provide examples of your past work and client testimonials? It’s always a good idea to see past projects and read client testimonials to get a sense of the designer’s style and how they work with clients.
What is your process for handling changes and modifications to the design plan?
What training or education have you acquired? How many years of experience do you have?
Business-professional practices
Of course, hiring an experienced interior designer comes at an expense. So, you definitely want to make sure that your investment is being spent with a true business professional and handled properly. These questions can help you assess how their business is run and whether they have the proper licenses to operate.
What is your process for working with clients? Knowing the designer’s process for working with clients can give you an idea of how involved you will be in the design process and how much input you will have.
How do you ensure that the project stays within budget? Budget is an important consideration when working with an interior designer, so it’s important to know how they will keep the project within budget.
What is your timeline for completing the project and are you able to accommodate any specific deadlines? It’s important to know the timeline for completing the project and whether or not your interior designer is able to accommodate any specific deadlines you may have.
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded for this type of work? It’s important to work with an interior designer who is licensed, insured, and bonded to protect yourself and your investment.
“Good Vibes”
The “good vibes” questions may be the most important to reflect on when hiring an interior designer. Ultimately, the interior designer you decide to work with is your best friend when embarking on a project. They are your go-to navigator and link to making your dream vision a reality with all trades involved. And this can be stressful. When something goes wrong, you want to have someone that you trust and enjoy being around.
How do you communicate with your clients throughout the design process? It’s important to know how your interior designer will keep you informed and up-to-date throughout the design process.
Do you have experience working with clients who have similar design preferences or needs? It can be helpful to work with an interior designer who has experience working with clients like you, as this can help ensure that your vision is understood and realized.
Why do you enjoy working in interior design? What motivates your desire to help clients like me?
Beyond these questions, ask yourself, “Do I feel comfortable and welcomed by this person? Are they listening to my thoughts, ideas, and concerns? Am I being treated with the utmost respect and consideration - no matter my budget?”
Final Considerations for hiring an interior designer
When you’ve asked your potential designer all of these questions, your gut should help guide your decision on whether to move forward or not. Some answers are black and white, while others you have to reflect on and assess if they align with your project’s vision and your personal values.
Of course, you may have more questions than this short list encompasses. If there are some unanswered, give us a shout and we’d love to chat it up with you.
