12 reasons why you should hire an educated, professional interior designer

I spend a lot of time and energy demystifying the profession of interior design because there are many misconceptions about us:

1. “Interior designers are only for wealthy people.”

2. “What skills do they have that I don’t have or can find from various retail sales staff?”

3. “I’m afraid they’re going to make my home in their taste / vision, not mine.”

4.  “I’m afraid they won’t listen to my needs and won’t adhere to my budget.”

5. “I think I can find all the items I want and can do it all myself.”

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NO!… Interior design doesn’t have to be mysterious, expensive, or intimidating.  Interior designers are curators who deliver an experience and an outcome that can only be offered to you and your project because of our education and expertise.

Here’s what we really do:

1. Save your hard-earned money.  

  • Selecting the wrong product for your interior renovation or remodel can cost you money and unnecessary anxiety.
  • Some fabrics and products are much more durable than others.  Selecting the best ones for your needs will save you money in the long run.
  • Some finishes, treatments, and design elements are more energy efficient, causing a huge potential for cost savings in your energy bill.
  • We’ve done heaps of research on products and sources and know where to look for more information.  We know and stay up to date on the products on the market.  Save your time by using our knowledge.  Your time is money.
  • Many subcontractors cut corners and this can cost you.  I only work with reputable subcontractors I trust and know.  And if you’ve already hired a contractor I’m not familiar with, I will discuss with them their approach and techniques.  Having decades of experience in construction, I know talent and expertise in the field.

2. Save your valuable time.

  • Coordinating and managing the logistics of multiple products and installations require a considerable amount of skill and patience, a process that can be a frustrating experience for people.
  • As a value added service, designers recommend contractors and vendors that come highly recommend and with which we’ve nurtured relationships with.
  • Often in new construction and remodeling projects, one encounters unanticipated or unrecognized problems.  We broker solutions to those issues, making sure the project is done correctly and you’re always in the communication loop regarding the problem solving process, possible solutions and their costs.
  • Together, we will save you time and eliminate any mental anguish for you.

3. Some are members of professional organizations: I’m a member of ASID and LEED.

  • Organizations such as AIA, ASID, NKBA, and LEED require standards that are stringent for continued membership.  Continuing education requirements must be acheived and reported every two years, keeping designers up to date on the latest trends, products, and techniques.
  • LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) accreditation requires a substantial amount of specific training and education, as well as having to pass a LEED AP (Accredited Professional) exam.  LEED offers various specialties, mine being in Building Design and Construction (BD+C).

4. Recommend only trusted professionals.

  • Countless unscrupulous contractors and installers go in and out of business every year, changing business names, and delivering a warranty that may only be as long as your driveway.  By selecting professional design services, you will not have to wonder if you’re giving your hard-earned money to a dishonest contractor.

5.  Provide professional design expertise through a Comprehensive Needs Assessment Analysis.

  • We begin every project by asking lots of questions and listening closely to your answers, revealing your design wishes, likes, dislikes, uncovering and defining your individual design goals.
  • Careful analysis provides a better understanding of the needs and wants of the project by taking the entire family’s view of the project into consideration.

6. Trade-Only Access.

  • Hiring a professional designer allows you access to countless showrooms available only to design professionals.
  • Retail ‘free design services’ aren’t free.  They are sales people trying to sell you their product, even if it’s not the product or vendor that’s right for you and your needs.
  • Professional designers receive discounts on the whole gamut of vendors and I pass discounts on to you.

7. BUDGET!

  • Budgeting is always a major challenge in home building and renovation.  Projects can far exceed budget if not properly managed.  Design professionals manage scope creep, and eliminates or minimize the unknown costs.

As a professional interior designers, it’s our goal to provide you with a thoroughly satisfying experience through our design and project management skills, and the contractors and installers we recommend.  If you have a project you’re considering, it’s never too soon to bring an interior designer into the project.  As a critical member of the design team, we ensure that consideration is placed on design from the inside out, making a beautiful space that works for you!

BB