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How much does it cost to work with an Interior Designer?

• ARIDO Ontario Oct 07, 2020
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How much does an interior designer cost to hire? Is there an industry guideline of interior design service fees/rates?

Interior designers' rates vary based on a number of factors. Estimating costs for projects is a challenge because it depends on the project being undertaken, as well as the qualifications and experience of the professional. In addition, your project may require other consultants at various levels, in which case you could be paying different rates for different components of the project.

At the beginning of a project, it can seem like an Interior Designer is an unnecessary expense that doesn't add any value. However, a Registered Interior Designer can actually save you money, due to their experience and expertise.
A Registered Interior Designer can manage your entire project, saving the headaches that often accompany renovations and construction. They can apply for Building Permits, ensuring your permits are approved quickly, and construction can begin promptly. If a project hits a snag (as they often do) a Registered Interior Designer can work with trades and other consultants to address the issue and ensure it doesn't delay the project more than necessary.

There are various ways interior designers bill a project. It is important to ask if your project will be billed hourly, based on a total project cost, based on a price per-square-foot, or if costs will be determined by some other method. A Registered Interior Designer will provide a quote and a clear explanation of costs as part of a contract with a client.

ARIDO Members are held to high Standards of Practice which detail how Members must comport themselves with regard to their business. Standard A.6 under Business and Professional Ethics indicates: "A Member shall make full disclosure of the Member’s fees, the services to be performed and the method of determining compensation for those services, and shall maintain appropriate documentation in the form of a written contract or other form to constitute evidence of such disclosure."

Get comfortable with the information that has been provided to you prior to signing the contract, and don't hesitate to have a lawyer review the contract, or request additional information on the project from your Interior Designer.