What does an interior designer do?

Photo: COR London

As an interior designer we often hear questions sensing surprise in the tone: “Oh, so you have to do all of that too?”

No, an interior designer doesn't just enhance the look of a space or choose fabrics and colour schemes. Working in the field means much more than picking a furniture selection that might look great in a room. We design cohesive spaces that are functional, harmonic and most importantly meet the specific needs of each client. The process is a specialized and organized methodology that incorporates research, analysis, multiple technical skills, mathematics, and creativity. Additionally, it has become increasingly important in this field of employment to understand and put into practice environmental sustainability principles.

Interior designers frequently focus on a particular industry, such as hospitality, commercial, or residential projects. Some professionals who work in the residential sector specialize even further, like in kitchens or bathrooms only.

When to Hire an Interior Designer

There are various situations that lead people to decide to hire an interior designer. It might be that starting a project or a time-consuming refurbishment when life is too busy is an overwhelming thought. In other cases, the reason is the need of assistance to achieve the required storage or multi-functionality of a space, or simply to achieve the look they wish. There are no rules to it, but you should consider a few points before making the decision.

Photo: COR London

How to Go about Choosing My Interior Designer

Make sure you like the previous works of the designer.

This is the first point where your views should be aligned with the designer’s views. Do some research on the designer’s portfolio and previous work that you usually find on their website and social medias and see if your style matches theirs.

Hire someone you trust.

You are paying for your designer's expertise, the time they have spent training, and their industry knowledge. Have faith in their ability to execute the vision they have, make the most of your money and believe in the products you buy.

Understand their process and deliverables.

It’s important to ask them about their process, steps and with that what are their deliverables. For instance, some designers will have the capability of doing 3D models, and photo-like renderings whereas others will provide you with a collage board and so on. Make sure you are aware of the number of revisions included in the package.

Understand how they work

When you start working with a designer, you start a coalition to achieve the design you wish for your home. However, working hours and their availability should be respected and only contact them during working hours. Get an understanding of the systems they use such as platforms for presentations or sending bills to the clients. Different clients have different needs when it comes to design and some need guidance with every bit of it. Clear at the beginning of the process, how many in-person visits and catch-ups are included in the package you buy and what will cost extra.

Understand how their sourcing method is

Sourcing is the process of selecting vendors and suppliers who can deliver (produce, build, or acquire) essential things. Find out if the designer works with partner suppliers only, or if they are open to hearing your thoughts and suggestion on suppliers.

Understand how they charge

It’s a tricky industry where you will potentially come across various ways of charging for their fee as there isn't a set hourly cost or pricing structure for interior design services. Make sure you know exactly how they are structuring their fee and what you will be charged for each part of the process. Remember, you are paying for their expertise, services and time.

Do your homework and share ideas and inspirations.

Before the design process starts do your part and come prepared. Have inspirational photos ready and have a clear goal of how you want the design to be. This will give a better understanding of your style and what you wish to aim for.

Benefits of Hiring an Interior Designer

The most known benefit with hiring a designer is that we make a space aesthetically pleasing. However, if you want to increase the functionality of your space, save money, time and avoid frustrations, these are also core results of working with an interior designer.

The designer should start with a strong space planning. This will increase the functionality of the space whilst coming up with smart and creative ways to accommodate your needs, adding value to the property and return to your investment.

Homeowners can feel overloaded having access to so many different design alternatives and styles. By asking the right questions, an experienced interior designer can help homeowners define their design style and incorporate it into the design plan. Be on the lookout for a designer that can provide you a creative vision and an interior design approach that offers options that fit your lifestyle and personality. 

There are lots of ways that an interior designer help people save money. We may be able to get a trade discount for certain products, and you also receive special treatment from vendors in terms of deliveries, returns, and any unexpected situation you may have - but it doesn’t stop there!

The designer can help mitigating project mistakes and push-backs, which would eventually mean waste of time and money. Based on our experience and knowledge in both the technical aspects of the works and the best step-by-step practices, we guide the clients throughout the process making sure that we stay on the right track. Not to mention how this will help avoiding frustrations and upsetting moments.

Finding reliable sources is a challenge. However, designers already operate in the industry, so they will have the trustworthy connections you may require. By hiring a designer, you'll be able to identify a reliable contr