What to look for in an Interior Designer
Have you considered engaging an interior designer to assist you with your new home or renovation, but not sure where to start looking or what to look for? Here are some key points you need to consider when you are speaking with potential designers to work with.
A designer who has completed projects you like.
This goes without saying. Have they completed projects that you like and that are a similar design aesthetic to what you like? Do the research, look at their website, check out their instagram page and see what is there. Most interior designers have their preferred style.
A designer you get along well with.
To find this out, you need to meet your potential designer in person and see how you get along. Initial meetings are a great way to do this, even if there is a small fee to pay, you will get a lot more out of this meeting as you’re both invested in it. You get to meet your potential designer in person and start the relationship building process. You need to feel comfortable communicating with them as this is a critical part of the design process. Providing constructive feedback is important to get the interior design ideas you desire, but if you’re not comfortable talking to them for what ever reason, then it’s probably best to keep looking for your ideal Interior designer in Brisbane & Gold Coast.
A designer with formal qualifications.
This should go without saying, but unfortunately you don’t need formal qualifications to practice as an Interior Designer. There are many so-called designers out there that have not completed any formally recognised training and don’t understand the fundamentals of home design, design standards or rules and regulations. Make sure you do your homework and research your designer and ask them directly if you’re still not sure.
A designer who is knowledgeable.
Check out the designers page, do they have a blog? Do they have published works? Have they won design awards or have industry recognition. Again, meet with your potential designer; are they able to provide you with product information and talk about design standards and specifications? This is usually a good way to determine if your designer can talk the talk. It is easy to put up plenty of pretty images on instagram, but do they actually know good home design ideas and can explain why something is good (or bad)?
A designer who can help solve your design problems
Do you have a specific design problem? For example, your kitchen has no storage space? In the initial meeting with your potential designer, let them know your design problems and see what solutions they can offer. An experienced designer should be able to suggest a couple of different options on the spot that could solve your problems. Yes, there are occasions where there is a very demanding design issues, that may take some time for the designer to solve, but mostly, they should be able to offer practical solutions on the spot.
A designer with Industry Connections
Industry connections are important when looking for a good designer. If a designer is a member of an industry body, they will be regularly updated on the latest products, regulations and trends, which will help your design. They will have a network of people they regularly meet with and discuss interior design ideas with. If a designer has cabinet makers, trades people and builders they can recommend, this will certainly assist you when it comes to the execution of the design. You can trust that a designer will only recommend people they know to do the job for you.
To find a designer that will best assist you, make sure you do your research and look up design organisations like KBDi, DIA, HIA etc, to see if they’re registered members. Feel free to call and chat to the designer on the phone, and then meet with your designer to really see if they are the one. The investment in a good designer will be the best value that you can add to your project, not matter what it is.