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What Is My Role In the Design Process?
Before contacting an interior designer, take some time to think about what you want and what you need. The first step in this process is to consider some questions that an interior designer will ask regarding your project:
- For whom is the space being designed?
- What activities will take place there?
- How long do you plan to occupy the space?
- What is your time frame?
- What is your budget?
- Are you relocating or remodeling?
- What image do you want to project?
- What is the approximate square footage to be designed (for commercial projects)?
Also, be sure to consider the positive and negative aspects of the space.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't worry. Your interior designer will lead you through the design process. Keep in mind the more information you provide, the more successful your designer will be in meeting your needs and expectations. You may want to reference other visual images (photos, postcards, corporate logos, magazine photographs) or environments that reflect your aesthetic and functional criteria.
The second step is to interview designers. Interview several designers to become familiar with differences in personality, style and business methods. Take this opportunity to acquaint the designer with your project ideas. Keep in mind you will be working closely with the designer and you will want someone that you feel will make the right choices according to your specifications and will listen to your ideas and concerns. Ask to see the designer's portfolio and request a list of relevant experience and client references. During an interview, you may want to:
- Inquire about the designer's education, training, experience, professional affiliations and other credentials.
- Ask about other services the designer can provide and what can be done to help you optimize your understanding of the cost of the project.
- Discuss project duration or deadlines and what the designer's availability is for taking on the project within the desired timetable.
- Establish parameters for updates and on-going communication between you and the interior designer.
- Discuss the designer's fee structure.
Overall, look for educated and qualified interior designers who can demonstrate their creativity, and ability to design spaces that functionally meet your needs.
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DESIGN SPECIALTIES
Designers often specialize in one or more specific types of interior design. Some designers specialize in only residential or commercial (or, contract) projects, but many designers do both residential and commercial projects of various kinds.
Residential
Residential interior design focuses on the design, professional design team coordination, planning, budgeting, specifying/purchasing and furnishings installation of private homes, including the specialty areas of the kitchen, bath, home theater, home office, and custom product design. Interior projects include new construction, renovation, historic renovation and model homes, with expertise in universal and sustainable design.
Commercial/Contract
Commercial or contract design focuses on space planning, professional design team coordination and project management, budgeting, specifying/purchasing and installation of products for interior environments used for commercial, government or educational purposes.
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