Is an interior designer right for you? PART 1

          Thanks to sources like Architectural Digest, Better Homes & Gardens, HGTV, and Houzz, millions of people all over the world are becoming aware of the benefits that can go along with hiring a professional interior designer.  But truthfully, hiring a designer does not guarantee perfect results.  Results on your project depend on a number of factors.  Before you start paying design fees, it is important to understand how a designer-client relationship works, and the different types of designers available.  In part one of this article, I will describe the 2 main types of designers.  In part two, I will review some of the different factors that determine whether hiring a designer is right for you.

TYPES OF DESIGNERS

• SALES BASED-  In a perfect world, achieving "designer" results in your home would be free of charge.  But you have to admit, no service or product is ever truly free.  There are a significant number of "free" design services available, but they consistently go hand-in-hand with an obligation to purchase a product of some sort--usually furniture or home decor.  For example, large companies such as Ethan Allen and Bassett Furniture heavily advertise their complimentary design service.  I have consulted with several clients who report having used these companies and been disappointed.  Reason being the "designers" that came to their homes basically helped them select one or multiple furniture pieces, and after collecting payment immediately discontinued design assistance.  In other words, the design service is applicable only to the product they sell.  Other sources that tend to advertise "free design consultation" include window treatment companies and kitchen & bath companies.  Another important consideration is the actual credibility of such "designers".  Most times they are not employed based on their design qualifications, but on their sales experience.  Their level of design skill is irrelevant if they cannot consistently close sales and up-sell.  However, I should note that there are SOME design consultants/salespeople who are very customer service oriented.  I have a few friends and former colleagues who are sales based designers, and they are wonderful to collaborate with on a job from time to time.  Those special few are the ones you want to work with.  But in the end, no matter how nice they are, their job is ultimately to sell you their company's product.  If you are ready to buy, and are certain that the company in question carries the product/s you need at a price point you are comfortable with, this type of design service may be perfect for you.  If you want to figure out your options, determine the overall design plans, or need a project manager to see things through from start to finish, "Service based" may be a better way to go.
• SERVICE BASED-  This type of designer will have a much wider range of services to offer.  A service based designer may be used in the planning phase, or assist you through an entire project depending on budget and the extent of work to be done.  A service based designer can be found through an "interior design firm".  Some firms have multiple interior designers and architects, and some are independent designers.  In most cases, these "firms" will offer non-biased advice on how to configure your space, and how to decorate it.  In other words, their assistance to you is not conditional upon your purchasing a certain product.  Some firms charge design fees only, while others will offer both services AND products.  These are usually the most expensive companies, but do tend to produce the best (and most unique) results.  Homeowners who contract with these high end firms are often those with significant budgets(200k+).  Naturally, higher budget projects will appear as such, due to greater access to the best resources in craftsmanship and style.  If you have a reasonable budget, but not necessarily money to burn, an independent designer may be the way to go.  Because they have less overhead, they have more flexibility with their rates.  However, it helps to keep in mind that like any company that is in demand, independent designers who charge higher rates are typically the most experienced, well received, and most worth the investment.  If a designer (large firm or independent) can pick and choose their clients, there is a reason.  That said, when selecting a designer, you absolutely do not want to go with the lowest bidder.  The design is the foundation of your project, so it is not advisable to cut corners on this phase.  My company is independent, but I do offer access to a wide array of high end manufacturers and custom home decor, so my customers can experience the best of both worlds--non biased advice, reasonable rates, and high end product (as budget allows).

Regardless of what type of designer best applies to your situation, some people are just not cut out to work with designers.  If you are contemplating hiring an interior designer, and have never used one before, Part 2 may prove very helpful.