For some of you it might seems very simple finding the right designer: Google –> Best designer in town –> Paying a bunch of $$ and awaiting results that reflect your inner dreams.
Exactly, your inner dreams and desire of your space!
We are designers, but not magicians.
To be clear from the start, we are talking about creative work. Design is intelligence having fun. No doubt, but there is so much more to it.
Finding the right designer and working together in a way, that we can produce a positive outcome in a timely manner. This is a checklist, knowing what to do and what to expect when hiring a designer.
Those are your first steps hiring successful your designer.
Find below 5 bulletproof points on your checklist you should know about before hiring a designer (or while you’re looking for one!):
- Know your Budget
Many times I have been to consultations where potential clients knowing what they want, but they have no budget in mind. 0.
I understand that the whole process can be very overwhelming and many steps are unknown, but we do know how much money we have in our pocket and are willing to spent. Trust me, it’s nothing scary to communicate your options. It will be much easier within the process to start with a clean slate.
When it comes to that question, we are asking to figure out your overall budget. How far can the design go in quantity and material of the furniture, millwork etc. We will base our choices and recommendations on that budget, which will make it much easier returning with a style guide and ideas, knowing the client will be able to afford it. Nothing worse then showcasing furniture that won’t be accessible, due to money aspects. This also occurs to a much faster result, where we come to our next point of view.
2. Time is Money
Depending on your communication with the designer, design service may include 4-6 revisions based on the options you would like to see, maybe it include only 2-3 revisions? All depending on your inquiry. But please keep in mind that more work means more time which means = it will cost you more.
Some Designers are working off a design service flat fee – which works – but only if it outlines for example how many revisions this flat fee includes. Any additional work done outside that agreement, will be billed as usually per hour. There is no way around it. Work is work.
Tip: If you’re unsure what you want, communicate that to the designer and take the time to look through your Pinterest with your Designer finding helpful information you like and dislike.
3. Recognizing that our Job is a JOB
You may think by now – I have the best idea – I call my friend, she is a great designer and would love to help. How often have we called friends and family member for help in whatever they are good at? Asking my aunt for her great recipe, asking my dad for help with the PC trouble. Lot’s of time we call the people we know. Calling you designer friend for some tips and tricks may happen, too. And I am pretty sure they would love to take some time out of their busy designer life for you. But, many times, it takes a lot of time. It results in many hours, bringing up ideas, communicating with manufactures, furniture stores, making sure you’re getting the designer discount, taking some phone calls etc etc.
It may look like it’s “just a quick consultation for tips and tricks”, but as we all know – some tips and recommendations may lead into further questions or requiring additional assistance. Your friend will automatically do what it takes to not disappoint. All this work is time consuming. That said, it’s hard work. Please recognize that. If you have a friend or family member that is a designer, please value their work and if they keep offering their help finishing a project with you, thank them and pay them!
This is not a Hobby – It is a JOB!
4. Plan way ahead
Many Designers having a wait list. Get on it! As soon as you know you are going to built, renovate or whatsoever which include a designer in the (near) future – plan ahead of time. Save your frustration being on a wait list that will not make the deadline.
Besides, if your designer of your choice would be available sooner then later, furniture or millwork might not be on time. Keep in mind, that some furniture will take it’s time to be manufactured. For example Office Furniture from Knoll is taking an approx. time of 8 Weeks including manufacturing, shipping, delivery and installation.
Also, please allow the designer proper time to figure out the concept and do revisions before ordering can begin. It’s totally doable, but plan ahead.
5. Talk to us
Always talk to us. We are a service industry and we may or may not have everything designed the way you 100% like it. Before moving on for example ordering the final parts per area – please speak up! It’s ok to ask for changes. It would be much worse to not say anything and the final order is submitted, that can’t be changed or cancelled – especially items made to order.
I hope this helps on your exciting journey working with a designer! If you have any questions, please let me know.
Feel free to leave a comment below.
Ready to book your free design consultation today?
Let’s meet on site. Find here more about my services.
Can’t meet on site within the Greater Vancouver Area, Squamish or Whistler? No worries – we can work easily together
through “E-Design”. A Design Service offered through the world wide web.
Cheers,
Sina