Top Tips For Hiring A Designer
01 | It’s never too early in the process to get a designer involved!
If you’re starting a new construction or renovation project, include your designer in the planning stages with your architect and contractor. This way, your entire team is involved and on the same page and can iron out any potential discrepancies. Sometimes an interior designer will catch things that an architect or contractor won’t because we bring in another perspective. It’s a lot less expensive to reorient a toilet or widen a doorway on paper than to have to fix the issue after construction.
If you don’t already have a contractor, ask your interior designer — they usually have a strong network of highly vetted and recommended people in the trade. You want someone your interior designer can trust – at the end of the day, your designer is the one who works with them the most. You can utilize your interior designer to manage all of the individual parties involved in your project: Architect, General Contractor, Subcontractors, etc.) — trust us: you’ll be thanking your designer later.
02 | Avoid “shopping” your designer
We spend a lot of time developing concepts, designs and pulling selections, so please keep that in mind. At Designology Studio, we are transparent about all our markups in our contracts and we've found that looking for the cheapest deal usually equates to lower quality, and can cost you more in the long run (whether that’s because it took longer to source the lowest priced item and cost you more in design time, or because the item didn’t hold up as well and had to be replaced sooner). We always keep your budget in mind and work with vendors that we know are of good quality and will fit within your budget.
03 | Decide in advance which pieces you’re not willing to let go of
The process will go more smoothly if you share that information with your designer during the initial site visit and consultation. That way, they can plan around the items that you don’t want to part with. It’s also good to be open to change and understand that some items you had originally thought of holding onto may not work in the new space. We absolutely understand the sentimental aspects but we want you to have a cohesive space. We promise we will be honest with you if we think certain items won’t work.
04 | Designing on a budget is possible
At Designology Studio, we are happy to work on a consultancy basis. We can arrange a few hours of consulting and will help you find material selections, furnishings, and decorative accents for an hourly rate.
Finally, make sure you have FUN! After all, we’re talking about your home – the place you likely spend the most time in (especially these days…), where you feel most comfortable, and share the most memories in. Our team promises to keep you smiling and laughing along throughout the process.
