As I’ve mentioned in my previous posts,
trust is a critical component of a designer-client relationship. You need to be able to trust not only in their design skills, but also around all monetary issues. The interview will give you a sense of the designer’s personality and trustworthiness. You should feel free to ask for a few recent references to call. You can ask for these either before, during, or after the interview. The references can help you confirm your feelings about the designers you’re considering for your project. As a bonus, I’ve added a list of important questions to ask the designer’s references when you call them ☺ see below. The more details you get about a interior designer you’re considering to hire, the more equipped you’ll feel about making the best decision for your home project.
Now you know quite a bit about what the interview/initial consultation consists of and what this time should be used for. What the interview time should NOT be used for is to glean lots of design advice, ask for design plans in advance, paint colors, furniture sources, or any other design related ideas for your home. These are the expert skills and sources that good designers have worked long and hard for years to hone and aquire, and it’s what you’re hiring them for! Please don’t expect to “test” a prospective designer during the interview as to what they would do in your home. You can view their portfolio to see if you like their work, call their references, and ask lots of questions about their process to ensure you’ll be a good match. A good, experienced interior designer may give you a tip or two, but then would let you know that they need to follow their design process first to give you any real design plans or advice. Lots of thought, creativity, and expert planning goes into great design! This work would begin once the designer’s contract is agreed upon and signed.
Ok, so here is my super comprehensive list I’ve compiled for you of important questions to ask your prospective interior designers during your interview, as promised! Feel free to pick and choose which ones you feel would be most helpful to your specific home project…
1 Comment
Thank you for the example questions, I will definitely keep them in mind when I am interviewing a designer! Thanks!