Hiring a Designer
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 What types of professional designers are available? |
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Interior redecorators. These professionals transform your home using things you have accumulated over the years. The end result is a balanced, harmonious space that reflects the personality of the people who use it.
Many interior designers have added this service to their repertoire. Alternate terms for professionals specializing in interior redecorating are interior redesigners, interior arrangers, interior stylists, one day decorators, visual coordinators or interior refiners.
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What is a certified interior designer? ( from B&P Code Section 5800,5538) |
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A Certified Interior Designer is a competent design professional who is qualified to design, prepare, and submit any type of nonstructural, non seismic interior construction plans and specifications to local building departments. Certified Interior Designers have demonstrated through education, experience and examination their knowledge of the Uniform Building Code as it relates to space planning, life safety, flammability and disabled access code issues.
Most interior designers have a minimum four-year education. Many have Master of Interior Design degrees or other additional education in architecture or interior design. Designers who have many years experience may not have a Bachelors in Interior Design, but usually are well educated and have many years of qualified experience. All qualified interior designers will indicate that they have passed the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Certification) examination and/or are registered/certified/licensed in their state. |
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How do designers charge? |
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Flat Design Fee:
Client pays a flat fee for interior design services based on the design plan, time required, and scope of services?
Hourly Rate:
Interior designer bills a negotiated rate per hour.
Cost Plus Method:
Interior designers charge a set percentage on all merchandise purchased and tradesmen's services rendered.
Mixed Method:
Client pays both a set percentage on purchases and a base design fee for hourly rate.
Per square foot:
This method is used especially in new construction.
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What should I ask at the first meeting? |
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- Ask to see the interior designer's portfolio, but remember that the designs reflect other people's tastes not necessarily the interior designer's, and possibly not your own.
- Ask what size projects the interior designer has worked on, where, and what was the budget range.
- Ask how the established budget will be handled, and the kind of payment schedules the designer requires.
- Ask about the types of services the designer can provide.
- Ask for a list of references.
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What might I be asked at the first meeting? |
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It is a good idea to prepare for your first meeting with an Interior Designer by creating your own folder of clippings from magazines, catalogs and books of design ideas that appeal to you.
You may also be asked some or all of the following questions:
- For whom is the space being designed?
- What activities will take place in the space?
- How long do you plan to occupy the space?
- What is your time frame for completing the project?
- What is your budget?
- Are you relocating or remodeling?
- What image do you want to project?
- What colors, style and effects do you like?
- What are you objective and lifestyle needs?
- What is the approximate square footage to be designed?
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Be Careful |
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If a designer - or anyone, for that matter - tells you the process is easy, stress-free and will be complete in two weeks, they're either lying or stupid. Don't hire that person.
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Additional Resources |
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California Council for Interior Design Certification
Thinking about hiring an interior designer? Learn rules and tips about hiring Californian
Certified Interior Designers for space planning, interior design, furniture selection, cabinetry and more.
Hiring a Designer: First-time clients can find the industry less than forthcoming
In this San Francisco Chronicle article, you will learn about the nuances and abstract pricing as well as expectations regarding consulting on the art form of interior design.
Bay Area by Design: An Insider's Guide to a San Francisco Decorator's Secret Sources
By Kay Evans
A handy resource guide for buying, restoring, remodeling, redecorating, and maintaining a home in the San Francisco Bay Area. The book includes recommendations from 120 artisans and craftspeople, conservators, and consultants. Makes a great house-warming gift for anyone new to the Bay Area.
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