Essential Questions to Ask an Interior Designer

Hiring an Interior Designer is similar to working with any other specialist or professional. Knowing what questions to ask an interior designer at the start can make all the difference in starting off on the right foot. We recommend asking these questions to better understand what to expect and feel confident you’ve found the right designer.

#1 What interior design services do you offer?

Interior Design services can vary greatly, so it’s a good idea to learn about the specific services the designer offers. Do they work on new builds or remodels? Will they source all of your finishes and furniture? Can they provide your builder with the right construction documentation? And will they be responsible for managing the project itself? The scope of your project will determine the services you need, so establish those up front to avoid any omissions down the road.

#2 What qualifications do you have?

While decorators and stylists can certainly help freshen up your home with a new look, trained interior designers can provide a more comprehensive approach to design on a variety of projects. They bring a solid understanding of design principles and technical knowledge required to ensure the inhabitants’ health, safety, and wellness – as well as navigate any twists and turns along the way. Especially for more involved projects, considerations like code compliance and clear documentation are essential, and neglecting these areas of design can result in costly mistakes and wasted time.

Of course, no amount of training will ensure a designer is the right fit for your project. We always recommend perusing their portfolio and past work experience to get a good feel for their design style and capabilities.

#3 What are your processes like?

With the hundreds of decisions, details, and hours needed to complete a successful project, clarity in the design process is crucial. You want to be confident that the designer you work with will manage these responsibilities effectively, avoiding any costly delays or mistakes. Don’t be afraid to delve a bit into what a designer’s typical project might look like. What does your designer’s process look like? How do they handle orders and purchasing? Will they source everything for you? How will payments be made? And what if you wanted to change something along the way? Have your designer paint as clear a picture as they can up front so you always know where the project is headed.

#4 How will you incorporate my style?

While most designers develop a style over time, your home is personal and should be an expression of everything you love. It’s perfectly natural to wonder how an interior designer will honor that space when you bring them onto your project. Again, it’s a good idea to look through a designer’s portfolio to get a sense of their past work experience. If you like their previous work, you can be more confident you’ll like what they can do for your home.

But don’t stop there! During your initial consultations, ask about specific examples from their previous projects and how they incorporated their client’s wishes. Did they face any challenges along the way? How were any disagreements resolved?

#5 What if I don’t like your design proposal?

Typically, your design is developed in phases, with early options inspiring the next. This cascade of choices helps keep the design progressing in the right direction as the designer gets a better feel for your tastes and preferences. Still, even when working with a professional, you will sometimes disagree with the suggestions proposed by your designer. Understanding the best way to communicate these feelings, how many revisions are allowed, and how your designer will adjust to feedback is always good to discuss upfront.

#6 How involved in the design process should I be?

This question is a big one. In hiring a designer, you’re handing over a portion of the design to someone else, but how much control are you hoping to give? Establishing expectations concerning the designer and client involvement at the start will make the process much smoother. Ask yourself how involved you want to be. Are you hoping to be there for every decision? Or would you rather rely on the designer’s expertise to filter through more of those decisions? Once you understand your preferences, speak up about how often you’d like to touch base with your designer and which decision you’d like to be a part of. Often your designer will schedule regular meetings or correspondence at major milestones in which you can make those pivotal decisions together.

There are dozens of other questions to ask an Interior Designer we could have included here, but the key is to get a conversation going. Don’t be afraid to ask your designer questions if you’re still on the fence about some things. Clear and honest communication between client and designer is a hallmark of any great design.

Have an upcoming project or have any additional questions? Why not schedule a consultation with one of our designers? We’d love to answer your questions and help you feel prepared for your next project.