By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer
Every good relationship starts and is built on trust. That includes the relationship you have with your interior designer.
While it’s important to know and like your designer, trusting them to do what they do best and to always act in your best interest is key.
Here’s my recent blog titled How Working with a Designer Can Prevent Your Next Design Project From Becoming a Nightmare, which can give you more insight on how the right designer can prevent you from committing design mistakes.
What’s even more important is that since there will be times you need to totally rely on their knowledge and experience, you need to have confidence that they know you, what you want and don’t want.
- To implement the vision you created together.
- To take your project to the next level.
- To successfully implement your project.
As an interior designer for over 35 years, one of the best compliments I receive from my clients after I get to know them is, “Rita, whatever you think!”.
To me, that implies they know how much I care about them and they know I will always speak up on their behalf to ensure the results we envisioned together are met.
How Do You Get to Know, Like, and Trust a Prospective Interior Designer?
1. Start by asking your friends, family, and colleagues.
If they have used an interior designer, ask them about the experience they had in working with them.
Ask what type of project it was, what work did they perform, how satisfied were they with the experience and the end result?
A glowing review about a particular designer would be a great place to start.
2. Check out their credentials, website, blogs, articles they may have written, and other testimonials.
What is their education, experience, years in the field? Are they an influencer within their own field and subject matter?
What is their specialization? Residential, commercial? Renovation, new construction? Kitchens, baths? Senior living, public spaces?
Obviously, it’s best that they have experience within the realm of your particular type of project.
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3. Meet and speak with the prospective Designer.
Ask lots of questions:
- Their preferred aesthetic and type of project.
- Their ability to work within your budget and timeline.
- Their willingness to work with your existing furniture, incorporating it into the overall design.
Ask them about their business experience and resources
- Do they use written contracts, proposals, and best practices?
- Do they have project management experience?
- Do they have a design team?
- Do they have a team of contractors and tradespeople that they have vetted?
- Do they have access to unique resources?
- Do they have the ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve, create solutions and offer options? Ask for specific examples
4. Creativity and new ideas.
In your conversation, ask specific questions about your proposed project and ask them for creative ideas and unique solutions that push you out of your comfort zone in a good way and have you comment, “I hadn’t thought of that before!”.
Check out the recent blog post How Designers Keep Coming up With New Ideas.
These are just a few ways to determine…
- If they would be a good fit.
- If you could develop a great working relationship.
- If you could come to know and trust that designer.
When you know, like, and trust the person who has the talent and expertise to make your project come to fruition…
When that designer is also someone you enjoy being with working with, has great ideas, and is willing to continue to develop them to help your vision come alive.
AND when you trust that designer to give it their all, to help you bring your projects to life, then that is the best kind of relationship to have!
If you want to know more or if you want to inquire about our interior design services, schedule your complimentary 30-minute call with me to discuss. Click here.
Or visit my website: www.designservicesltd.com
