about interior design

Hiring a qualified Interior Designer

• ARIDO Sep 04, 2020
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Getting started with a renovation, whether it's for a home or a commercial project, can be daunting. It can feel like there's too much advice out there, and not enough information. To minimize risk and save money in the long run, get started with a Registered Interior Designer from the start.

Take your time

To ensure your project is a success, take time to carefully review and explore your options. Think about what your priorities are for the project, your needs, budget, timeline, and style. When you have a list of what you need, you can reach out to qualified Interior Designers for your project.

A Registered Interior Designer will assist in managing your project right from the start and will explain the design process, their work schedule, and ask you in-depth questions about your needs. Before hiring and working with an Interior Designer, you should feel comfortable with the individual and their approach to the project.

An important piece of a successful project is a focus on quality in the selection process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their past projects, technical competence, methodology etc. Often, an interior designer will bring their portfolio, or send you links to some of their previous projects and will always be pleased to share about their experience and past work.

Consider your needs

As a client, you can be open with an interior designer about what your needs are. It’s okay to have a finished project in mind, the interior designer is there to bring your vision to life in a way that considers your needs and budget. You have a list of features you want or don't want in a finished project.

Quality-based selection involves comparing candidates based on such criteria as:

• Have you worked on similar projects in the past? Tell me about one or two.
• Tell me about some of your recent projects.
• Do you work with a team? Will you be my main contact for the entirety of the project?
• Do you know contractors or construction teams? Do you have preferred contractors?
• How do you plan out a project? What do you think is a reasonable timeline for this project?
• Other factors like an interior designer’s creativity, vision or innovation can be important factors for a client.

All Registered Interior Designers must know the Ontario Building Code (OBC), an interior designer’s understanding of the Code can come in handy when your project has very clear needs and hazards.

Check References

Asking for references of past clients is also a great way to gain a better understanding of a qualified Interior Designer’s work. Questions like, Were you happy with the final project? Was a timeline given to you accurate? Would you work with the Interior Designer again?

Taking some time to do this groundwork before signing a contract and spending money on a project can prevent headaches and added costs down the line.

Get it in writing

A Registered Interior Designer will always set out the work to be completed in a written contract and make sure you understand the details before signing and starting work. Take the time to review the contract and language before signing anything, and you can even have a lawyer review it as well. Avoid individuals who insist on working with cash or a handshake agreement, as you have no method of recourse if the project hits a snag.

You can always find a list of qualified Interior Designers across Ontario with the BLOG//ARIDO Directory.