6 Tips for Hiring an
Interior Designer
Over dinner, the other night, a client and good friend of mine suggested that I should share some tips for hiring an interior designer on our blog. I thought, why not? – it could be a useful guide.
So, here are my 6 tips for hiring an interior designer – share it with anyone who might find it helpful…
1. Make sure you love their style
Like choosing the perfect dress or suit, it’s important that your aesthetic matches up. Browse their portfolio carefully, follow them on Instagram and Pinterest to be sure you LOVE what they do. Consider what is it about their style that you like. And most importantly ask yourself, (like that dress I mentioned), would we be a good fit?
2. Check out their credentials
Hiring an interior designer is an investment. Projects that require building work require expertise and experience to ensure things go to plan. And like any investment, you need to do your research. How long have they been in business? – Do they have any testimonials?
Do you know anyone who has worked with them before? Are they reviewed on any trusted websites such as houzz.co.uk? Make sure you invest your money in the right person or company.
3. Choose your designer before you start a build project
Getting your designers creative eye on a build project before you approach architects and builders can save you time and money. You don’t want to back-track later on. You are likely to spend most of your time (during a build) with your interior designer, so they will have the clearest understanding of what you want. A designer may also suggest ideas that you would have never thought possible. They often come with their own reliable and highly qualified workmen – which in the long run, can save you time and headaches.
4. Meet them in person
Illustration credit: Aiden Jones
Like any job interview, you will want to make sure you have the right woman or man for the job. Meeting someone in person will help gauge if you will get on with each other and if you both communicate well. You will spend a great deal of time with your designer, so personality is a factor. In instances where you can’t meet face to face, arrange a Skype or Facetime call. It’s important to connect.
5. Ask what’s your Designers process?
How do they take a project from concept to completion? – Do they project manage? – Do they draw up the plans for a build? – How do they work with their suppliers?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make notes if necessary. You don’t want to be unsure of whose responsibility is who’s during the process. There are many decisions the designer will need from you to help keep things moving along so ask for a timeline.
6. Budget
Don’t be persuaded to hire a designer who seems able to give you everything you want and more. Trust a more experienced designer who can give you realistic expectations. Ask questions (see above in tip 5) and make sure you understand what you will need to spend to achieve your desired result. Most importantly, make sure you are both crystal clear on what is your maximum spend.
So, there you have it, 6 tips on hiring an interior designer. That’s all from me for now, I hope you are enjoying some time off, reading this whilst hanging from a hammock I hope!
Til’ next time,
Geraldine & Pia xx
6 Tips for Hiring an
Interior Designer
Over dinner, the other night, a client and good friend of mine suggested that I should share some tips for hiring an interior designer on our blog. I thought, why not? – it could be a useful guide.
So, here are my 6 tips for hiring an interior designer – share it with anyone who might find it helpful…
1. Make sure you love their style
Like choosing the perfect dress or suit, it’s important that your aesthetic matches up. Browse their portfolio carefully, follow them on Instagram and Pinterest to be sure you LOVE what they do. Consider what is it about their style that you like. And most importantly ask yourself, (like that dress I mentioned), would we be a good fit?
2. Check out their credentials
Hiring an interior designer is an investment. Projects that require building work require expertise and experience to ensure things go to plan. And like any investment, you need to do your research. How long have they been in business? – Do they have any testimonials?
Do you know anyone who has worked with them before? Are they reviewed on any trusted websites such as houzz.co.uk? Make sure you invest your money in the right person or company.
3. Choose your designer before you start a build project
Getting your designers creative eye on a build project before you approach architects and builders can save you time and money. You don’t want to back-track later on. You are likely to spend most of your time (during a build) with your interior designer, so they will have the clearest understanding of what you want. A designer may also suggest ideas that you would have never thought possible. They often come with their own reliable and highly qualified workmen – which in the long run, can save you time and headaches.
4. Meet them in person
Illustration credit: Aiden Jones
Like any job interview, you will want to make sure you have the right woman or man for the job. Meeting someone in person will help gauge if you will get on with each other and if you both communicate well. You will spend a great deal of time with your designer, so personality is a factor. In instances where you can’t meet face to face, arrange a Skype or Facetime call. It’s important to connect.
5. Ask what’s your Designers process?
How do they take a project from concept to completion? – Do they project manage? – Do they draw up the plans for a build? – How do they work with their suppliers?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make notes if necessary. You don’t want to be unsure of whose responsibility is who’s during the process. There are many decisions the designer will need from you to help keep things moving along so ask for a timeline.
6. Budget
Don’t be persuaded to hire a designer who seems able to give you everything you want and more. Trust a more experienced designer who can give you realistic expectations. Ask questions (see above in tip 5) and make sure you understand what you will need to spend to achieve your desired result. Most importantly, make sure you are both crystal clear on what is your maximum spend.
So, there you have it, 6 tips on hiring an interior designer. That’s all from me for now, I hope you are enjoying some time off, reading this whilst hanging from a hammock I hope!
Til’ next time,
Geraldine & Pia xx
6 Tips for Hiring an
Interior Designer
Over dinner, the other night, a client and good friend of mine suggested that I should share some tips for hiring an interior designer on our blog. I thought, why not? – it could be a useful guide.
So, here are my 6 tips for hiring an interior designer – share it with anyone who might find it helpful…
1. Make sure you love their style
Like choosing the perfect dress or suit, it’s important that your aesthetic matches up. Browse their portfolio carefully, follow them on Instagram and Pinterest to be sure you LOVE what they do. Consider what is it about their style that you like. And most importantly ask yourself, (like that dress I mentioned), would we be a good fit?
2. Check out their credentials
Hiring an interior designer is an investment. Projects that require building work require expertise and experience to ensure things go to plan. And like any investment, you need to do your research. How long have they been in business? – Do they have any testimonials?
Do you know anyone who has worked with them before? Are they reviewed on any trusted websites such as houzz.co.uk? Make sure you invest your money in the right person or company.
3. Choose your designer before you start a build project
Getting your designers creative eye on a build project before you approach architects and builders can save you time and money. You don’t want to back-track later on. You are likely to spend most of your time (during a build) with your interior designer, so they will have the clearest understanding of what you want. A designer may also suggest ideas that you would have never thought possible. They often come with their own reliable and highly qualified workmen – which in the long run, can save you time and headaches.
4. Meet them in person
Illustration credit: Aiden Jones
Like any job interview, you will want to make sure you have the right woman or man for the job. Meeting someone in person will help gauge if you will get on with each other and if you both communicate well. You will spend a great deal of time with your designer, so personality is a factor. In instances where you can’t meet face to face, arrange a Skype or Facetime call. It’s important to connect.
5. Ask what’s your Designers process?
How do they take a project from concept to completion? – Do they project manage? – Do they draw up the plans for a build? – How do they work with their suppliers?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make notes if necessary. You don’t want to be unsure of whose responsibility is who’s during the process. There are many decisions the designer will need from you to help keep things moving along so ask for a timeline.
6. Budget
Don’t be persuaded to hire a designer who seems able to give you everything you want and more. Trust a more experienced designer who can give you realistic expectations. Ask questions (see above in tip 5) and make sure you understand what you will need to spend to achieve your desired result. Most importantly, make sure you are both crystal clear on what is your maximum spend.
So, there you have it, 6 tips on hiring an interior designer. That’s all from me for now, I hope you are enjoying some time off, reading this whilst hanging from a hammock I hope!
Til’ next time,
Geraldine & Pia xx
