What Do "Full Service" Interior Designers Actually Do?

INTRO

The interior design industry is getting more exposure than ever thanks to television networks HGTV and TLC, not to mention the millions of resources on the internet (this included).  However, the actual spectrum of services that a qualified full service interior designer CAN offer is very minimally recognized.  Many design firms call themselves "full service", but what does this mean?  Why should you PAY for interior design services when you can just do the job yourself?  The difficult details of interior design projects often go unrecognized by homeowners until they are so far into a project they can't turn back, resulting in a chaotic and stressful mess, and not always with beautiful results to show for it.  I cannot speak for outside design firms, but I do want prospective clients to be aware of how MY COMPANY can help them have a beautiful home AND stay stress free.  

1.  Initial Consultation

First, I meet with the client to discuss their everyday lifestyle and how it impacts their design needs.  I also determine the client's individual style, or joint style if I am helping a couple or family with kids and/or pets.  I determine a good design concept based on these findings.  See my previous post on this stage for more details."What is an initial consultation?"

2.  Site assessment

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This is usually included in the initial consultation depending on the type of project and time allowed.  I measure and assess your space, and consider feasibility of the different options.  This also helps me get a better understanding of the project requirements with LABOR and material costs.  I can also estimate whether a permit is needed, which is best recognized at the beginning of a project.  If the client requires further design services beyond the initial consultation, I can price a customized design package (a flat rate covering all design services on a given project).

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3.  Concept Design

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Once I have reviewed the space and analyzed your visual tastes, I develop a design concept---a theme or MOOD. Common examples include: “Spa retreat”, “Zen garden”, and “Tuscan villa”.  These are just names that represent the overall concept.  I create a specific color scheme, propose furniture styles, cabinet styles, flooring type, draperies, lighting, room layout, etc.  Since about 90% of clients require a visual aid, I provide that by producing a highly detailed 3D color rendering of the finished space.  “Concept Design” can be a stand-alone service, or it can be one step in a full service design package.  For clients that are on very tight budgets, but really need professional guidance, this is a great option. See my article: "Concept Design".  I basically perform the consultation, site assessment, and then return on a separate appointment to present your fully developed color 3D concept design.  Clients purchase this design from me and use it as a guide when they execute their own project.  In full service design packages however, the “Concept Design” is an early phase in the overall project.

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4.  Space plan & lighting plan

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Before any finishes are specified or orders placed, a floor plan/room layout must be created.  This specifies the dimensions involved of walls, furniture, storage, etc.  This service alone can be a lifesaver when buying a new home or re-furnishing an old home.  It saves the client SEVERAL hours of research and driving time to various showrooms with a tape measure and notepad.  Depending on the scale of the project, a lighting plan may also be required.  Generally speaking, lighting is commonly addressed at the end of a project, or not at all.  This can make for a very un-fulfilling design result.  A beautiful room full of dozens of luxury furnishings is not worth the money if you cannot see it.  A beautiful kitchen is not so beautiful if you can’t see the celery you are chopping.  This is one aspect that separates my company from others.  Lighting is not underrated. 

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5.  Specifications

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This step is the most time consuming for homeowners when they are doing it themselves.  As an example, in a full kitchen remodel, the following needs to be specified:  flooring, subflooring, gypsum board type, paint or wall covering type, ceiling height and finish, plumbing types and configurations, electrical plans, cabinet type, cabinet wood, cabinet finish, cabinet hardware, cabinet drawer glides, cabinet face style, crown molding type, countertop type, countertop edge profile, backsplash type, tile design applicable (tile style, size, color, orientation), recessed kitchen lighting, under-cabinet lighting, pendant lighting, in-cabinet lighting, appliances, plumbing fixtures, and more.  That is a LOT to do.  Some homeowners expect to merely go and choose cabinets and countertops.  Obviously that is a small percentage of the overall project specification requirements.  If a homeowner wants QUALITY, and wants a low stress kitchen remodel, hiring a designer is a must.  I can take care of ALL the specifications and along with them, budget management.  Budget management takes just as much time if not more than making the actual selections themselves.  This is a fantastic reason to hire my design company.  You give me the budget, I give you the best options within that budget.  I review all specifications with my clients prior to ordering, and make adjustments as necessary to make sure my client is 100% comfortable.  

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6.  Bids

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Over the course of the design process, bids are arranged for any necessary contractors or specialists. These include: builders, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, flooring specialists, tile specialists, home automation specialists, and more.  I have a list of trusted contractors for each service so the bid phase is relatively quick.  Bids for homeowners managing their own kitchen project can extend over the course of a month or MORE.  Price shopping contractors means dealing with multiple contractors per task, and juggling the schedules of all those individual contractors with your own.  I save my clients that time and frustration.  I usually am able to coordinate and meet with the contractors for their bids within a week or two of the project execution.  Depending on the budget, I may need to bring in one or two extra bids, but it is usually very quick and easy.  I come to the client’s house and meet with the contractors myself to show them the floor plans and preliminary specifications, so my client doesn’t usually need to lift a finger.  My contractors are very flexible and comfortable working with me which makes for a low stress project on all sides of the table.  See my article on designer-contractor relationships: "Contractors Prefer Designers".  It is one thing to be referred to a contractor.  It is another to be referred to a happy contractor.  I insist on only working with personable, honest, and budget friendly contractors.  Happy contractor + happy designer = happy client.

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7.  Permits

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Depending on the scale of the project, permits may be required.  For instance, moving walls will almost always require a permit.  Knocking out exterior walls (even a small piece of a wall) will always require a permit, and extending/adjusting foundations will always require a permit.  Permits can slow up a project, but it is faster to address the permit BEFORE construction begins.  In remodels, you MUST be prepared to get permits, and PAY for the permits, or you can face penalties.  Permits are discussed with contractors in the bid phase, and again when the contractor is officially signed on the job.  On projects that only involve furniture, or just cabinet replacement, permits usually do not apply.  Remodeling design and project management is just one of the design services I offer, but it is the most extensive, hence being the best example of what my services can include.

8.  Final pricing and ordering

Once the bids and permits are taken care of, there are usually a few minor adjustments that need to be made.  Changes may include moving a wall to the right a few inches, rearranging of a couple cabinets, changing the size of the tile, etc.  Along with those little tweaks come adjustments in pricing.  Materials often price by square foot, so every little tweak matters.  I take care of those details.  Once those final details have been ironed out, orders are ready to be placed.  I sit down with the client and review the different invoices, checks are written, or credit cards processed, and orders are finalized.

9.  Time management & Tracking

Even if a client has set aside 1 million dollars for a kitchen remodel, I have found that they under-estimate the TIME aspect.  Design projects can be budget friendly with beautiful results, but that does not mean that they are done overnight.  When a client orders a high end custom sofa or luxury custom cabinets, they must not expect it in two weeks.  Two MONTHS is a good estimate on high end custom furniture, but it CAN take longer.  In fabulous design, patience is a virtue.  Companies that pitch a bath remodel in one day usually will do just about the sloppiest job possible.  I demand quality for my clients, and that often requires waiting a bit longer.  That being said, once orders are placed they need to be tracked.  I take care of that.  I follow up with vendors to make sure that things are shipping on time, and if there is a delay, making the client aware of it.  When products ship, I make arrangements for delivery--- which I usually supervise in the case of high end product.  The labor and installation itself usually does not take that long.  So if some contractor estimates 4 weeks for you, do not be fooled.  It is the high quality custom fixtures and furnishings that take time.  However, that does not mean that I cannot execute projects fast if necessary.  This just requires discussion of the preferred completion date from the very beginning, not just before placing orders.  Speed is attainable, but it usually limits the type of products available.  Nevertheless, you give me the time and the budget (within reason), and I can deliver!

10.  Construction

In remodels, this can be one of the most grueling parts of the process.  This is where qualified contractors are important.  One major problem with dealing directly with contractors is that they can be very hard to get a hold of.  If you can’t get a hold of your contractor, of COURSE your project is going to be a nightmare.  I have a zero tolerance policy on this.  I require all the contractors I use to respond to me promptly.  This is probably one of the biggest bonuses for clients that hire me.  They don’t need to chase their contractors, wasting time and stress and energy.  Constant communication is important to make sure that they are on the ball and your project gets completed in a timely manner (on the construction end).

11.  Final staging

Once all furnishings have been delivered and installed, I stage the space by placing furniture in the desired areas, and positioning all extra pieces in a manner that reflects the final desired look.

CONCLUSION

I hope that this post has given homeowners out there a good idea of the value of hiring my company.  Being a qualified, full service interior designer can be a LOT of work, but it is something I LOVE to do.  I love making my clients happy with beautiful spaces that harmonize with their style and everyday needs.  Call or email me for an initial consultation.  Thank you for reading!

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