1. WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED DESIGN STYLE?
First things first, ask interior designers about how they define their personal design aesthetic. Even if you've given their website and socials a peruse, there's always more to discover – and you may even find that your tastes are more aligned than you thought! After you've narrowed your list down to a few top designers, speak with them more about what they love to design so you're both invested in the project you take on together. 'Ask them about their preferred design style! Previous projects aren’t always the best representation of a designer’s true aesthetic. Maybe they worked with a highly opinionated team on a project, or maybe their design language has evolved over time. It’s a worthy conversation to ensure you’re on the same page,' says Annie Downing, interior designer and founder of Austin-based Annie Downing Interiors.
2. ARE OUR GOALS FOR THE SPACE IN ALIGNMENT?
You'll also need to consider the project you have in mind, and make sure you and the designer are on the same page about your goals and overall vision. Beyond the aesthetics, think about what you'll use the space for and how it will serve your lifestyle. By communicating these facts to the designer and making sure they're on board, you'll be setting the project up for success. 'I would recommend having a really honest and deep conversation with the designer about your goals for the space and what your needs are in daily life – do you have children or pets? Do you work from home? Do you cook and entertain a lot? – and make sure you feel genuine alignment. The design project needs to be about you feeling safe, loved, and nurtured in your space – it should not be about the designer's ego or them imposing their own style on you,' adds Kathy.
3. WILL WE BE ABLE TO COLLABORATE PROFESSIONALLY?
Beyond the practical details, it's important to remember that you'll likely be working with a designer for months (or sometimes, years) on a project, so you'll need to get along. Jessica Cinnamon, principal designer and founder of Jessica Cinnamon Design, suggests following your intuition, paying attention to how your personality melds with that of the designer. 'Whether it a residential project or a larger commercial or hospitality project, establishing a comfortable professional relationship will help the project moving forward,' says Jessica.
Abby Hetherington, principal designer and founder of Abby Hetherington Interiors, agrees, saying that alignment is key when embarking on a design project. Build a rapport with the designer before setting anything in stone to ensure you'll both be happy throughout the entirety of the project.
4. HOW WILL WE COMMUNICATE WITH ONE ANOTHER THROUGHOUT THE PROJECT?
Make sure to understand how the designer communicates throughout a project ahead of time so you know what to expect – that way, you'll never left in the dark. Annie suggests asking about their work style, keeping a keen eye on how they like to keep you in the loop. 'A good designer is willing to adapt to the unique needs and dynamics of your project. Still, it’s important to understand the way that your prospective designer likes to work! Ask them how they communicate with their clients, especially regarding critical information like deadlines. Effective communication is vital to a project’s success,' she says.
5. HOW DO YOU LIKE TO COLLABORATE WITH CONTRACTORS, ARCHITECTS AND CLIENTS?
Often, a design project doesn't just involve you and the designer – third parties like architects, contractors and suppliers are vital to the process. Annie says that figuring out how a designer collaborates with these third parties is key. Some designers work directly with architects and contractors, and facilitate the whole process, while others only offer design services. Make sure you know where your responsibility lies, and what the designer can provide as support. Arezoo suggests asking how involved the design team is during construction, and if the designer doesn't automatically provide contacts, asking for a list of recommended contractors they've worked with in the past.
6. WHO WILL BE MY MAIN POINT OF CONTACT DURING THIS PROJECT?
Though quite a simple question, make sure to ask who your main point of contact will be throughout the design process. If there are multiple points of contact, make sure you understand who those people are and how they prefer to communicate. Knowing this vital information ahead of time will ensure that in times of stress, you're able to ask the right people the right questions, and in the right way.
7. WHEN WILL I NEED TO BE AVAILABLE DURING THE PROJECT?
It's also important to understand when you'll need to be available throughout the project. From early planning to the finishing touches, many parts of the process will move more quickly and smoothly if you're present and ready to help. Make sue you have a general idea of what's expected of you beforehand so you're not left and scrambling to let contractors in or losing sleep over a last-minute meeting. 'During the early design phases, we have regular meetings (some virtual and one or two in person) where we show design options and materials. Therefore, clients need to be able to set aside some time and be available for these meetings ... We will need to have access to their home initially to measure everything and periodic access after that to check things, meet with potential contractors and other consultants, and more,' says Arezoo.
8. WHICH ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT DO YOU HAVE CONTROL OVER, AND WHICH ARE OUTSIDE OF YOUR CONTROL?
Though knowing the answer to this question likely won't impact the outcome of your project, Arezoo says you can save yourself quite a bit of stress and frustration by making sure you understand which aspects of the project are within the designer's control, and which aspects are not. Getting upset with the designer because a shipment hasn't arrived isn't productive, and will only strain the design process (and relationship) going forward.
9. WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN TRAINING, EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND?
'A client should ask first about the training and experience of the designer. Find out if their experience aligns with the scope of your project,' says Jessica. Have a bit of a look into the experience that's led the designer to work with their current firm, and any education they use in their current role. Arezoo also suggests asking about specific projects that are similar to the one you'd like to embark on. While a designer might be award-winning and great at their job, it's still possible that your project is well outside of their comfort zone.
10. CAN YOU SHOW A WALKTHROUGH OF A PREVIOUS PROJECT, OR GIVE ME REFERRALS?
After checking out the designer's past, it's also smart to have a closer look at their finished projects. Arezoo suggests asking for a walk-through of a finished project, or one that's under construction, so you can get a first-hand look at how they handle design projects.
11. HOW DO YOU HANDLE PRICING AND BILLING?
Not every designer handles pricing and billing in the same way, so whether you're a first-time renovator or have quite a bit of experience under your belt, it's always smart to take a second look. Some designers factor additional services into a single tab, while others factor in costs in other ways.
12. HOW WILL WE ENSURE THE PROJECT STAYS WITHIN BUDGET?
Be clear about setting your budget at the beginning of the process, and be sure to ask how the designer will stick to that budget throughout. You'll likely discuss this at the very start, but asking the right questions about how they'll handle the money is key. 'Ask them how they honor budget throughout the project for both construction selections and furniture. If they don’t have a system in place, that could be a red flag,' says Annie.
13. HOW DO YOU SOURCE MATERIALS, FURNITURE AND OTHER DESIGN ELEMENTS?
It's also vital to ask where all the materials included in the project will come from. Will you be responsible for purchasing those items? Will the designer purchase them within your overall budget? Or will the designer purchase them and add an extra cost? Ensure you know the ins and outs of sourcing materials, furniture and accessories before giving anyone the green light with your money.
14. WHAT WILL THE ENTIRE DESIGN PROCESS ENTAIL?
'I always encourage individuals to ask their prospective designers about project planning and phasing strategies. Choosing a designer isn't just about aligning visions; it's about ensuring they have the capacity to fully realize that vision and dedicate the necessary attention your project deserves,' says Becky Shea, interior designer and founder of Becky Shea Design.
15. HOW MUCH TIME WILL THIS PROJECT TAKE TO COMPLETE?
Renovation or redesign projects always seem to take just a bit longer than originally planned, but you can reduce this element of surprise by having a candid conversation with the designer about a realistic estimate of the timeline. Arezoo recommends asking how long a renovation like yours will take before starting out. 'If clients have a specific timeline they need or would like to adhere to, they should communicate that with us as early as possible, so we can try to accommodate this (or let them know if it's completely unrealistic),' she says.
Trish adds that often, people expect the timeline to be much shorter than it is in actuality. She suggests going in with an open mind and planning it out alongside the designer to get a clearer picture.