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Working with an Interior Designer

How Can a Designer Help You?

Whether or not you plan to tackle a home improvement project yourself, it often helps to consult a design professional who can guide you in translating your ideas into reality. Interior designers have the expertise to plan a unified, flexible space that meets your individual needs—for function, comfort and quality.

Large or complex projects, such as a total kitchen remodel, new room addition or custom home office, can particularly benefit from professional advice—which can actually save money by avoiding costly mistakes. Interior designers can help you plan the space, visualize it with illustrations and models, obtain samples and select materials and furnishings. They can even help with scheduling the construction and monitoring the work as it progresses.

The designer’s job is to plan the space and creatively solve problems, drawing on a wide range of product resources and services. Professional interior designers should be familiar with environmental safety laws, building and fire codes, access design regulations and historic preservation mandates.

Before Your Contact a Designer

Ask yourself the following questions:

• What activities will take place in the new space—now and in the future?
• What “feeling” or atmosphere should the space communicate?
• What is your ideal time frame?
• What is your budget?

Answering these questions will help you accurately convey your needs to the designer. The more information you can provide (including magazine photos of spaces you like), the more successfully your designer will be able to meet your expectations. Your initial meeting is also a good time to listen to the designer’s observations and insights, find out if you are compatible, and review his or her portfolio and credentials.

You may want to ask the designer to provide:

• References, experience, portfolio, educational background and professional affiliations.
• The scope of services provided.
• A contract or letter of agreement that outlines the project specifics and obligations to be performed.

Be sure to interview a number of interior designers. You’ll be working closely with this person, so hire someone who makes you feel comfortable.

The Remodelers Council of the Home Builders Association of Metro Portland reminds you to only trust your dreams for your home to a qualified professional remodeler!