Finding the Right Interior Designer
Whether you're planning a full renovation, refurbishing a single room, or building a home from scratch, choosing the right designer can have a huge impact on both the process and the final result.
As a designer myself, I know there are many talented designers and studios out there, all with different approaches, fee structures, personalities, and levels of service. Finding the right fit is about finding someone whose approach, expertise, and personality align with your project and the way you'd like to work.
In this article, I'll share my thoughts on how to find a designer, what questions to ask, and what to look for before making your decision.
Is It Better to Work With a Large or Small Interior Design Studio?
This is something I'm asked quite often, and the honest answer is that it depends on what you're looking for.
If you work with a smaller studio or independent designer, you'll often be working directly with the owner throughout the project. This means you'll benefit from their experience and have a consistent point of contact from the initial concept through to completion.
Larger studios can offer the support of a bigger team, which can be beneficial for larger or more complex projects. They may have dedicated project managers, technical designers, procurement teams, and additional resources available.
As a small studio owner myself, I see one of the advantages as being able to stay closely involved in every stage of a project. Decisions can often be made more quickly, communication is more direct, and clients know exactly who they're speaking to.
If you're considering a larger practice, I would always recommend asking who will be managing your project day-to-day. Sometimes the person you meet during the initial consultation isn't the person you'll be working with once the project begins.
How Do I Go About Finding an Interior Designer?
There are several ways to find a designer, and I usually recommend starting with personal recommendations.
If friends, family members, or colleagues have completed a renovation recently, ask about their experience. A recommendation from someone you trust can be incredibly valuable.
If you're already working with an architect, builder, or planning consultant, ask whether there are designers they enjoy collaborating with. Projects tend to run more smoothly when professionals have worked together successfully before.
You can also search online based on your location or the style you're looking for. Whether you're drawn to contemporary design, warm minimalism, period renovations, or luxury interiors, most designers showcase their work online.
AI tools such as ChatGPT can also be a useful way of identifying designers who align with your project requirements and aesthetic preferences.
Another often-overlooked approach is simply paying attention to projects happening in your area. Many designers display their company name on site boards and hoardings.
Professional directories can also be useful for exploring portfolios and finding qualified designers.
How Do I Know If a Designer Is the Right Fit for Me?
For me, this is one of the most important parts of the process.
Interior design is highly collaborative and often involves working closely together for many months, sometimes years. That's why I always encourage clients to speak to a few different designers before making a decision.
Beyond looking at portfolios, pay attention to how the conversation feels.
Do they listen carefully?
Do they understand what you're trying to achieve?
Do they ask thoughtful questions?
Do you feel comfortable being honest with them?
It's also worth considering whether their design style aligns with your aspirations, whether they've completed similar projects before, and whether their communication style suits you.
Ultimately, trust and personal connection matter just as much as experience and design ability.
What Questions Should I Ask When Interviewing a Designer?
When speaking with potential designers, I would recommend asking about their process first.
A good designer should be able to clearly explain how they take a project from the initial brief through to completion and what you can expect at each stage.
I'd also ask:
Have you completed similar projects before?
Can I see examples of your work?
Can you provide client references?
Do you have trusted contractors and suppliers you work with?
How are your fees structured?
What services are included?
What timeline would you anticipate for a project like mine?
Who will be my day-to-day point of contact?
And finally, spend some time simply getting to know them. You'll likely be making hundreds of decisions together throughout the project, so it's important that the relationship feels comfortable and collaborative.
Can I Expect to See Design Concepts Before Committing?
In my experience, it's uncommon for residential designers to produce design concepts before a contract has been signed and initial fees have been paid.
Developing concepts takes a significant amount of time, experience, and creative energy.
Instead, I would encourage homeowners to assess a designer through their portfolio, references, previous projects, and the quality of the initial consultation. A strong portfolio and a thoughtful conversation should give you confidence in their ability to deliver.
How Do Interior Designers Charge?
There isn't a universal approach to design fees, and every studio works slightly differently.
Some designers charge a fixed fee based on a clearly defined scope of work. Others charge a percentage of the project value, while some charge hourly rates or earn fees through product procurement. Many studios use a combination of these fee structures depending on the nature and complexity of the project.
Typically, a designer will need to have a detailed conversation with you to understand the scope of the project, your objectives, budget, and the level of service required before they can provide an accurate fee proposal. It's rarely a simple question with a quick answer, as each project is unique and requires time to assess properly before a bespoke fee can be prepared.
A professional proposal should clearly outline the fee structure, what services are included, the project scope, and any additional services that may incur further costs. Transparency at the outset helps ensure everyone has a clear understanding of expectations and responsibilities throughout the project.
When comparing fees, it's important to understand not only the cost but also the level of service being offered, as two designers may appear similarly priced while providing very different levels of involvement and support.
So, In Summary...
My advice would be to spend some time defining what's most important to you before you begin your search.
Look at portfolios, ask for recommendations, explore online resources, and try to speak with at least two or three designers.
Pay attention not only to their work, but also to their communication style, process, experience, and personality.
The right designer isn't necessarily the one with the biggest portfolio or the largest studio. It's the person who understands your vision, communicates well, and feels like the right partner to guide you through the journey of creating your home.