Questions to ask an interior designer before hiring
The DADI team was recently asked to compile a list of questions to ask an interior designer before hiring. “First and foremost it is important to make sure you are a good match or a good personality fit, and that your visions are aligned,” says Dane. “Ask questions to ascertain whether the design firm is well-suited for the level of involvement you want to have on a project.“
The best questions are really about having the right conversations and making sure you are really listening and hearing one another. It's always a journey, with ups and downs. Nothing is ever perfect, but you can get through the whole project a little more smoothly with the right personality fit. As homeowners, you should be ready to have a dialogue and ask questions that get the conversation started. Don't be afraid to discuss the budget, timeline, and use of space from the start.
It's about the conversation. We ask our clients revealing exploratory questions at the beginning of the process and listen deeply. The answers help us understand the goals of the project and get to know our clients’ tastes and personality traits.
AREAS OF IMPORTANCE TO CONSIDER
Design Ethos: What are the main tenets of the designer’s firm? What do they value? Well-being? Nurturing environments? Good relationships?
Design Aesthetic: Traditional vs Contemporary. Maximalist vs Minimalist. Antiques vs New. High-Low mix. Every piece has a purpose.
Business Practices & Processes: What is the firm’s mode of communication? What is the current workload, availability and projected timeline? Budget range? What is the difference between design fees vs. furnishings, product, and trade costs? How is conflict resolution or troubleshooting managed?
Collaboration: How do they collaborate with other trade members on the project? Are they value-added members of the team? Assess their willingness to be involved in close collaboration.
Priorities: Do you agree and see eye-to-eye in terms of your definitions of comfort, function, luxury, quality, and beauty?
SPECIFIC QUESTION EXAMPLES
1. How does your team determine which projects are a good fit? It’s important to understand what drives and motivates the team. For us, it’s about the cultural fit as upheld to our Core Culture words: Positivity, A Passion for Excellence, Honesty & Integrity, Collaboration, and Client Experience and Results above all else.
Ask ‘what is your why?’ What are you passionate about when it comes to design? What is it about design that drives you in this profession? What are your motivations? Why do you do what you do? Is it the connection with clients? Creative vision? Profitability? This will reveal a great deal about a designer and their team. Personally, I’m driven to help others live well by creating safe, comfortable, and happy environments in which to thrive. We design homes with safe spaces that are nurturing, and inspiring, and elevate the well-being of the families who live within them.
2. What elements of design define your style? What inspires your work? For example, we see ourselves as artists first, the client is our muse and we collaborate with clients to co-create highly personal environments that are reflective of the clients’ tastes and lifestyle goals. We tend to partner with patrons and those who appreciate the arts and wellbeing.
3. What is your firm’s design ethos? As you get to know the designer, does their behavior match what they claim their company culture is about? The culture of our company is reflected in our core values, and we live those every day: generosity, compassion, and trust.
4. When should I hire an interior designer? We suggest hiring an interior designer before or around the time of hiring an architect, builder, or general contractor. The design team will often act as a trusted advocate to aid in selecting the right architect and builder for your project. Knowledgeable designers are able to enhance the project and ensure that you receive the end result that is in your dreams. It's best to have all contacts on board from the start. We’re here to guide you and be your advocate through the process. Think of us as your trusted advisors, acting on your behalf, to guide you through making all of the design decisions required to build or redesign your home. We draw upon the relationships we’ve fostered with multiple architects and builders over the years and help select the right team for your project.
5. What is your definition of comfort, luxury, and quality? We believe that comfort is the ultimate luxury. Quality can be found at every price point. At Dane Austin Design, we elevate your ideas - through our lens - to a level beyond your expectations and imagination. We don't assign a cookie-cutter look because each client has different tastes and different requirements for the lifestyle they envision. We ask: "Is it special? Is it interesting? Is it unique?" Not every item specified needs to be custom or one-of-a-kind – but we believe a few key pieces should be made especially for your home. We provide the guidance required to allocate your design dollars wisely and strike a balance of ready
6. How do you prioritize the budget? It’s important to understand the renovation and construction budget versus the furnishings and decor budget.
7. How do you address and resolve issues that arise? What’s your Protocol for resolution when items come in damaged or a design element is incorrectly installed?
8. How do you collaborate with other members of the team? Are you a team player? Will you hire the team or should we? As the client, you need to understand the collaborative nature of the process, and not create conflict between the interior designer and other members of the team (builder, architect, landscape architect, etc.) Homeowners need to be able to suss out the situation. Certain people will delay a project if they are disorganized.
9. How do you communicate with clients and how much time and effort is needed from the client? Communication is everything. Expect status updates and progress reports regularly. Our weekly memos allow us to share information in an organized fashion so you have the project status information available at-a-glance. For high-profile clients who prefer only to be involved in the “big picture” ideas, our firm works closely with your Private Family Office Advisors, Management Team, or Relocation Specialists to streamline the process of collaboration.
10. How regularly will we meet? What is the time commitment? How involved do we need to be to see the vision through? How long does the process take from concept to competition? Each project will vary based on the individual scope of work. For interior decoration and minor renovations, the general timeline for project completion is approximately six to nine months from the initial Design Consultation to the Big Reveal. New construction and extensive renovation projects may take one to two years to build. Of course, the pandemic has added to project lead times with shortages in manpower and supplies.
Finally, we recommend that you feel comfortable with your interior design team because you will be interacting with them for an extended period of time on your project. “I am quite proud to say that over the years, many of our clients have become friends,” says Dane.
