Want to hire a designer? There is no question- Interior Designers are a luxury. If you're looking to retain one, understand that it is an investment. And just like anything in life- we almost always get what we pay for. Even if you enjoy selecting finishings or decor, the myriad of choices can be overwhelming- especially if several rooms or a whole house is involved. A designer is trained to assimilate information and use it to guide the project toward the best possible outcome.
If you have done some kind of remodel or build project in the past, then you know how many moving parts and pieces there are to a job. If you haven't, then be prepared to make decisions until your head is spinning (if you think I am kidding- I am not!) This is less to scare than prepare you. If you are reading this I will hazard a guess that you are exploring obtaining designer services. If that is the case, the following are 15 compelling reasons to consider bringing on an expert in this exciting and sometimes arduous process.
A great designer will:
Be able to give you the best solutions for your needs: Are you a young family in your first house? Are you a married couple with demanding jobs? Do you entertain frequently? Have multiple homes? How about an empty-nester that wants to live in your home as long as possible? All of these situations require different questions that need to be answered and taken into consideration while planning. A skilled designer will be versed in how to best address and anticipate your needs for immediate and future amenities.
Give you exposure to the latest innovations: Active designers are always educating themselves with what is happening in the industry. Many design associations require continuing education as part of their memberships. At Simopoulos Designs- we are part of the National Kitchen and Bath Association and American Society of Interior Designers- both of which require ongoing classes in all of facets of Design. We also attend trade shows at least once a year to keep ourselves apprised of all that is going on in the industry.
Help to keep budget on track: We all know that it is usually uncomfortable to have the big "B" conversation. Many clients fear that when they reveal their budget-if they have one- the designer (or contractor) will take that as carte blanche to spend that exact amount. The truth is, when a true budget is discussed the designer is better able to serve you. It is the most efficient way to do a job (which in turn saves the client money) because we don't waste time looking at items that would never be an option; either too high or too low. It also allows for discussions for where more money should be alloted and areas that maybe don't require as much investment. This flows into everything from construction, layouts, finishes and furnishings. Having honest and realistic discussions early on is a crucial step to a successful outcome.
Have experience navigating difficult situations: In any project, no matter how small, there are many people and items involved. The more people involved, the more likely for miscommunications or things to fall through the cracks. We have experience working with people when they have installed something incorrectly, vendors when an item arrives less than perfect and simply working toward a solution when something doesn't turn out as it should have. (which, by the way, happens in every. single. project. that is just the way it is)
Keep their eye on the big picture while still managing all the details: This is always important but especially when doing something such as a remodel where the entire space needs to maintain it's cohesiveness. There are literally hundreds, if not hundreds of thousands, of details that all require overseeing. This is where having systems and processes in place (or not!) becomes very apparent- it goes a long way to keeping a project on track.
6. Express ideas & solutions that you may not have otherwise thought of: Every designer brings with them the experience of every single job they have ever done. With that comes knowing how other projects have run and solutions they've executed in every space from kitchen to bathrooms to master bedroom and more which allows them to borrow from and expand on ideas that worked wonderfully elsewhere.
7. Bring vetted tradespeople to the project: Tradespeople create teams that are crucial to moving the project forward in a timely manner. Not only that, but if one tradesperson ends up not being able to start, or even worse, finish what they started, a designer will have trusted people to pull in on the job to keep it going.
8. Do the hard work so you can focus on other important priorities: We do this every day, have processes, resources and our finger on the pulse of what is going on in the industry- you are hiring us for our expertise so that you can manage what is going on in all the other areas of your life.
9. Contribute resources & possibilities you may not be aware of: Are you considering modifying your home to age in place? Or are you building your forever home with the idea of expanding your family or having enough space for when family visits? How about a vacation home that will predominately be used for just a vew months each year? We not only have experience in these realms, we will have suggestions for optimal layouts and fixtures for your specific needs. We may advise simple things like placing a doorway in a new place to make a room or space make more sense. Or suggest a new way to configure a room that will completely change and the flow. Or specify furnishings with durable fabrics and multiple uses if it's being used in a vacation space. You can never overestimate what a trained set of eyes and experience can provide on your project.
10. Be a liason between you and the contractor: We speak the language of the contractors and tradespeople and by nature of our job description, are more available to explain and help you understand the process when questions arise.
11. Be your biggest ally: Piggybacking off #10, designers are the people on the team who will take the project to the next level. Part of our job is thinking outside the box so that you don't have a cookie cutter outcome and we push boundaries to make those things happen.
12. Educate you so you can make informed decisions: We may introduce items (especially in the kitchen/bath) that you are unfamiliar with when we believe it will be the best solution for the space and your needs. If there are products you are unfamiliar with- we may set you up with a vendor that can demonstrate how the item works and why that specific item will be beneficial to your life and project.
13. Provide solutions and answers for you:
If we don't have the answer, then we will utilize our resources- local and otherwise- to get the answer for you (one of my favorite parts of this work is that it is never the same and I am always learning from each job)
14. Give you a better result than you can get on your own: Two minds are greater than one. And even greater when one of those minds has immersed themselves in all that goes on in their part of the industry
15. Not be perfect but strive to give you the best possible outcome for your project: Part of the luxury of being around for a while is the life experience to not have to be (or pretend to be) perfect but be able to confidently provide assurance that if we fall short we don't just leave it there- we show up and ensure that we do a job that everyone can be proud of.
Still have questions? Let us know in the comments below- or better yet, go to our inquire page and tell us about your project!
Lisa
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