How to Pick a Designer - 5 Questions to Ask When You Have Your First Meeting

Picking an interior designer can be tricky. Perhaps you start by getting on the internet and doing a search for “interior designers near me” or perhaps you have a name (hopefully mine) in the back of your mind for when you’re ready. Either way, picking the right interior designer for you and your project is imperative for ensuring a positive experience and seeing your end result come to fruition. 

It may seem intimidating to invite a designer into your personal space, but know that the more you share and ask, the happier the designer will be. Designers want to work with you to see your vision come to life and the more communication there is, the better. To start a clear line of communication, start asking questions from the very first meeting. You will naturally have your own questions based on your project, but here are my recommended: 5 Questions to Ask When You Have Your First Meeting​

1. How much time will this project take?

Depending on the size and scope of a project, a job may take from a few days to over a year to complete depending on many factors: the job in and of itself, when products are available for use (many places are behind due to Covid), and when a handyman, general contractor, etc., is available to work if needed. 

Also don’t forget to ask your interior designer how long until they can begin working on your project. They may have other clients they are working with and may not be able to get to you for a while. For larger design shops, ask if you will work with one designer in particular, or if your job will be handled by a team.

2. Do I have to work with you, or will you do it all?

Some clients love being an active participant in the designing process. Others love the end result and would rather not be consumed with all the details - which is their primary reason for hiring a designer. They may be envisioning that “big reveal” moment like we see on some HGTV shows. Talk to your interior designer to see if you are welcome to work with them, or if they would be willing to do all the work without you based on your preference. While most designers I know are happy either way, myself included, I do know some have very strong opinions one way or another. ​

3. Are you willing to shop from a variety of stores with varying price points? ​

Many designers have their go-to places to shop. However, if you have specific stores that speak to you and carry products that already appeal to you, ask your designer if they would be willing to shop from those stores. Some will and some won’t. This may affect your budget. I believe beautiful design can be accomplished through many different stores and price points. I am always happy to make purchases from stores that clients enjoy.

4. What other services do you offer?

Some interior designers offer more than one service that you may find helpful. A few examples of these may be:

Professional Organizing - this could be a great added service for you if you struggle with organizing and having a place for everything. I love coming up with a plan for

Painting Services - if you’re looking to update a room with paint, furniture, and accessories, your designer may be able to do all three.

Restoration/Repurpose of Furniture - perhaps you have a sentimental piece of furniture that has seen better days. Sometimes those treasured pieces only need a fresh coat of paint and a funky new knob and they can be reused within your space. <- real example from a current project of mine!

5. How will you handle it if our styles don’t match? ​

Every interior designer has a specific style they lean towards. Chances are, you will not have the same exact style as your interior designer unless you have seen their work and have hired them based on their brand look.

However, you don’t have to necessarily go searching for an interior designer with the same exact style as you. Most designers, myself especially, love and get excited about the prospect of designing spaces that are unique and different from the other spaces that have been designed. 

A good interior designer will work with you from the very beginning to be certain that you and he/she are compatible style wise. If you aren’t, he/she will suggest you look for another designer who may be a better fit for your project. Know that whomever you hire, you won’t both always agree on design choices, and that’s ok. 
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When you both don’t agree on a design choice, a good interior designer will share their “why” with you. Why one item, finish, color, etc., would look better in a room over another. Yet, at the end of the day, it is your home and you should have the last say on your design preference. A good interior designer will respect you enough to make sure you are happy with your space; because after all, you will be the one living with these design choices within your home.

At the end of the day, your home is your refuge from a loud world. When inviting someone into your home, it should speak of you and your family. Picking the right interior designer can be a challenge, but with the right questions in hand, I’m confident you can find a great match!