hixon interiors blog

Working with an interior designer involves some give and take.  You will share ideas, and the designer will contribute insights and advice based on his or her talents, knowledge and experience.  You will have many details to consider and many decisions to make.  Your concept may grow and change as you undergo this process. 

Communicate and Maintain Records

The key to a successful project outcome is good communication.  The more direct and specific you are, the easier it will be for the designer to successfully meet your needs and expectations.  Never hesitate to ask questions about any aspect of the project.  Keep notes of your discussions with the designer, and confirm any and all instructions, decisions or changes before they are acted on.  If you agree to make changes to the contract, always make sure to put them in writing and have them signed and dated by both parties.  Maintain a folder with copies of all plans and contracts, receipts, invoices and other documents. 

Before authorizing the designer to begin work, take time to discuss fees, as well as other charges or expenses you may incur.  Ask for a cost estimate in writing.  The cost estimate should specify the scope of work and the type of fee structure the designer uses.  (Bear in mind that the designer is not responsible for the costs of other professional services.)  If the designer charges extra for other services—such as reviewing plans or attending meetings with an architect or contractor—these should be listed as well, both by type and rate.

Practice Good “Clienthood”

Take your responsibilities as a client seriously.  If you are going to be very busy or on travel during this process, consider delaying the project until later or getting someone to manage it for you.  Remember, if you delegate the decision-making to the designer, you are agreeing to live with those decisions. 

To avoid disappointment or unwelcome surprises, follow these guidelines:

       Minimize changes to your plan.  Each part of the design will affect the whole.  Changes or special requests can require any number of adjustments that will add time and expenses to your project.

       Consider carefully and make notes before you call your designer.  Repeated calls are inefficient, expensive and can slow down progress.

       Stay flexible.  Decide beforehand where you are willing to compromise and where not.

       Trust your gut.  Do not agree to a decision that does not “feel” right to you, no matter how urgent it may seem to be.  Take time to request more information, do some research or just reflect.

       Avoid open-ended requests.  Tell the designer up front what you are willing to pay in total for a particular item or service.

©2009 American Society of Interior Designers

Protecting health, safety and welfare is the professional responsibility of every interior designer. Every decision an interior designer makes in one way or another affects the health, safety and welfare of the public. Those decisions include specifying furniture, fabrics and carpeting that meet or exceed fire codes and space planning that provides proper means of egress. Additionally, designers deal with accessibility issues, ergonomics, lighting, acoustics and design solutions for those with special needs.

       Interior materials play a major part in supporting flames or toxicity. Statistics prove that more people die in fires from inhaling fumes and smoke than the flames themselves. Interior designers are specially trained in interior materials and properties, including flammability and toxicity, and are uniquely qualified to select interior finishes that meet or exceed local, state and national fire codes. They also are charged with establishing and maintaining proper means of egress that meet or exceed code.

       Trained and qualified interior designers study and implement accessibility codes and guidelines. In space planning, interior detailing and interior specifications, the implementation of accessibility codes and guidelines is essential.

       The issue of public welfare, within the realm of professional interior design, includes the responsibility of considering the greater whole, which involves, among other things, employing “environmentally friendly” materials and practices to ensure a sustainable environment for future generations.

       In addition to designing environments that reduce stress, promote healing and are safe, interior designers need to apply their skills to create spaces that foster self-realization and unleash human potential. Designers also must ensure the ecological soundness of the interior environment and the “ripple” effect on the external environment.

       Qualified interior designers design workplaces that are ergonomic and functional. An environment that provides the occupant with the ability to adjust his/her space to meet his/her own needs can prevent problems such as repetitive motion strain.

©2009 American Society of Interior Designers

When you’re ready to select a designer to work with on your project, the number of individuals and firms to choose from can be daunting.  How do you know if you’ve chosen a professional designer?  In general, you want a designer with the following characteristics:

• Is accredited as an interior designer (If required in your state, be sure the designer is licensed.)
• Has experience in the type of project you are doing
• Has demonstrated creativity, talent and resourcefulness
• Is attentive, responsive and communicates well
• Has a record of reliablity and good work habits.

One way to ensure you are working with a professional interior designer is if he or she is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers.  ASID member designers must meet the profession’s education and experience requirements, as well as adhere to a strict code of ethics and professional conduct.  The ASID appellation after a designer’s name indicates that he or she is an accredited designer who has passed rigorous professional scrutiny and testing.

See the ASID website for more information.