What To Expect When Working With An Interior Designer
So you’re ready to hire an Interior Designer for your project? Yay, welcome! I know it can be difficult trying to find an expert to design your space but don’t worry, that is why I am here. This post is to help you navigate your search and help you understand what an Interior Designer does and what to expect when working with one.
WHAT DOES AN INTERIOR DESIGNER DO?
So first things first, let’s define what an interior designer is and is not.
What is an Interior Designer?
An Interior Designer creates functional spaces within a building/structure. Often people confuse Interior Designers with Interior Decorators. Although an interior designer can style and decorate a space, that is not all they do. Interior Designers use creative and technical solutions to make interior spaces aesthetically functional. Interior Designers work with architects, contractors, and industry vendors to create design, architectural, and styling plans for their clients. Designers adhere to building codes and regulatory building requirements when designing a space. Lastly, interior designers consider the intended function of a space and create plans to improve the effectiveness, accessibility, and aesthetics of the space. For more information on interior designers and how much my services are, go here.
Now that we know what an Interior Designer is, let’s look at what an Interior Designer is not:
An Interior Designer is not…
A contractor. Interior Designers are not the team that paints your house. Although your design team will select the paint for your space, they do not paint.
A decorator only. “Decorating” and styling is part of an Interior Designer’s job. The Designer’s duties are not solely to select pillows and paintings. An Interior Designer’s job goes beyond just decorating.
An architect. Although there are exceptions to this rule, most Interior Designers are not architects. They can review architectural drawings and plans but they don’t draw up the entire structural plans for your space.
Hopefully, you now have a decent idea of what an interior designer is and is not. With that said, let’s move on to the topic of this post, what to expect when working with an interior designer.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
Hiring an interior designer is a difficult decision, especially if it is your first time booking a premium service. That is why I am here- to make the process easier for you so your time with me will be worthwhile. Read on to find out how I do things here at House of Boat-Design Studio.
THE HOUSE OF BOAT-DESIGN STUDIO PROCESS:
DISCOVERY
KICKOFF
DESIGN PHASE
SOURCING & PROCUREMENT
IMPLEMENTATION
OVERVIEW OF EACH PHASE
DISCOVERY PHASE
You discover us through any of our marketing channels- Instagram, Pinterest, Google. In this phase, you’ll send us an inquiry form via our website or email. In this phase, there is the Discovery call, review of initial documents/needs, contract and proposal signing, deposit payment, and a welcome email and package detailing what is going to happen throughout the duration of this project.
KICKOFF PHASE
Welcome Call to discuss project details, timeline, and expectations. Site visit is included in this phase as well as any questions/concerns you may have. In this phase, I require that all necessary documents needed to start designing be handed over. The next phase comes the fun part..
DESIGN PHASE
Design concept and presentation. Selection of materials such as tile, paint, cabinetry, hardware, lighting, etc. Creation of floor plans, room elevations, and necessary documentation. Design presentation to clients plus any revisions needed. Design and budget approval. Construction budget complete and handed off to contractors. Site visits and any construction adjustments made.
SOURCING & PROCUREMENT
Selection of furniture pieces, and custom and specialty decor items. Ordering of materials such as tiles, paint, lighting, cabinetry, hardware, etc. Ordering and tracking all items purchased as well as inspecting them to make sure they’re in great condition.
IMPLEMENTATION
Project completion. Installation of designated rooms. The project is photographed as stated in the contract. Final walkthrough and project handover to clients. Offboarding email sent and celebration begins.
And that is it. A brief overview of what to expect when working with an Interior Designer. Of course, every project is different so therefore somethings will be different but this is our overall process of how we work with our clients. For more answers to your question, go here!
If you’re ready to start on your project, don’t hesitate to reach out here.
Still dreaming and planning? Book a design consultation to gain more insights and clarity. And also make sure to bookmark this post for later.
