Choose a Designer You Like

It is important to identify what sort of a feel or look you want for the house, and that the person you hire understands it and has a similar line of aesthetics. If the designer in question has a design sense which conflicts what you are looking for, it will be difficult to synergize.

Both of you should be able to think along the same lines and establish a comfort zone where you are free to voice suggestions and make modifications. To be able to figure this out, visit previous projects designed and executed by the designer. This helps you gauge the quality of work in terms of finishing with attention to detail.

If the designer has come through a recommendation of a previous client, use that as a basis to assess their work.

Ensure the Designer is Involved

Interior designers work on varied budgets and time frames, which are specific to each project. It is important to ensure that the scale and budget of your project is in line with work the designer has been executing. This will help you figure out whether the designer is going to treat the project seriously and be involved at every stage.

Get the Best Value for Your Money

The market today is flooded with new materials on a daily basis. Tiles, marbles, fittings, woods, veneers and hardware of every conceivable brand and quality are available. Check whether the designer knows enough about what is available and what best fits a given budget.

Fix a Budget and Time Frame

Although it is difficult to arrive at an accurate figure towards all costs involved, after a preliminary discussion, you will be able to get a ball park per sq. ft. rate to establish a basic budget for the project.

It is important to clarify the design fees along with the payment structure and schedule for the materials, contractor's fees and time period from the design stage to completion.

You also need to establish what aspects of the project are entitled to draw design fees. For example, you may purchase major household appliances on your own. Hence the designer has no role to play. Art and accessories are personal, but you can ask the designer to help choose and place them. You can work out a lump sum payment, instead of a full billing for such purchases, or check whether the designer would extend this advice as a complimentary service.

Scope of Work

Clearly define the scope of work and the designer's role. Specify whether she is only giving the designs or is also handling execution with the supervision for the same. For example, while executing an interior project the building society is involved to keep a check on the structural well being whilst the work is on in any apartment.

There should be clarity whether the designer is meant to handle this or the client would be dealing with them. These issues seem small at the beginning, but tend to cause a bit of angst when they take up time and energy.

Design Contract

An agreement signed between the client and the designer, defining scope of work, time period, payment schedules and fee structure helps keep the project streamlined.

Be Flexible and Practical

Designing a home is an extremely personal experience and should be treated with a lot of sensitivity. Ensure that the designer is willing to 'listen' and interpret the different needs of the members of your family, giving it due importance and attention. She should be able to mould them to converge towards an integrated design that combines form with function.

Design is not only about aesthetics. A good design pays equal importance to function, where normal day to day activities are taken into account and the design is incorporated to make things easier without losing the visual appeal. Give enough inputs to the designer, so she can make the trade off between staying true to the design and your requirements of the space.