How Do You Identify Who Is A Designer?

• By Word of Mouth: Ask neighbors, friends, family or work associates if they have any suggestions. Word of mouth is the best recommendation.
• By Internet: Search the ASID designer referral website www.interiors.org and/or www.designerNET.com
• From Showcases and Model Homes: Go to designer showcases and model homes and decide which designer you like.
• From the Yellow Pages: Online and local phone directory, check under "Interior Designers and Decorators."

Interview The Designer Over The Phone

Now that you have identified the designer, prepare a brief description of your project; and, a list of questions you want answered. If you are going to interview several designers, ask them all the same questions so you can compare their answers in order to make your final decision.

Questions to Keep In Mind:

1. Determine if the person is a designer or a decorator, and, if that is important to you.
2. Describe your venture. Ask if this is something the person would be interested in; and, if the person has familiarity with this type of venture.
3. If there is a deadline, ask if the person can meet it.
4. How does the designer charge for products and services?
5. Don't be afraid to enlighten the designer about your budget. Can he/she work within this budget?
6. Does the designer work with a staff? If so, who will handle your project and can you be assured that the same person will work with you throughout the term of the project?
7. Does the designer use sub-contractors (painters, paperhangers, tilework, etc.) and are they all insured and licensed?
8. Does the designer belong to professional organization such as ASID, the American Society of Interior Designers?
9. Can references be provided?
10. Is there a portfolio you can see?

When the Designer Visits

1. Is the designer on time? This is an important indication of the esteem the designer has for you, your time; and, if your project schedule will be kept on time.
2. Does the designer listen to your needs? Listening is of the utmost importance.
3. Are you happy with the answers you are getting?
4. Is there good "chemistry" between you and the designer?
5. Will there be a letter of agreement, contract or other written explanation of the relationship, which will include design fees?
6. Do you both have a lucid understanding about what will happen and when?

How Do Interior Designers Charge?

Every designer determines their own formula for how they charge for their services and products. It is important for you to understand your designers' method of charging and the terms of payment. Following are a general overview:

Fees

Fees vary according to locality, region and designer to designer. It is important to understand what the fees will cover. It is important to know that the design fees are for services and not products. It is important to know when the fees are due and how.

• Hourly Rate - fees normally charged for time the designer spends working with you and doing the research necessary to design your project. You are paying for the designers' time; experience; expertise; creativity; network of contacts, resources; scheduling, supervision of sub-contractors; deliveries and installation of products; and, a assurance of the quality of the work.
• Fixed Rate - the designer estimates the amount of time necessary to design and execute the project and quotes a fixed rate for the entire project. Usually a retainer will be charged and then a schedule of additional payments is determined, ending with final payment at completion of the project. This method is generally not used in residential projects.
• Percentage Above Cost - the designer receives a commission for products sold to you. You may go to a showroom to purchase furniture. The designer has an agreement with the showroom that allows the designer to purchase at a "designer discount". The designer sells to you at a percentage above that cost. That percentage will vary from designer to designer locally, regionally and often by product.
• Retail - the designer may buy at wholesale and sell to you at the wholesalers suggested retail (SMRP) or some variation thereof. Designers are free to determine their own retail price, although that is not usual.
• Combination Of Any Or All Of Above - depending upon your project, you and your designer may work out a custom agreement. The agreement may combine the above and any other items that are unique to your situation.