Your Designer: Diva or Delight?
You’ve decided that you’d rather rely on a professional designer for your kitchen project instead of trying to do this alone. Good choice! We’ve already discussed the benefits of working with a designer. Now let’s talk about how to select the right one.
The Selection Process:
- Ask friends, family or neighbors for referrals to designers they’ve worked with and enjoyed.
- Go to Association websites like ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) www.asid.org and the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) www.nkba.org to find accredited designers in your area. Sometimes you’ll even see examples of the designer’s work posted on the site.
- Ask your contractor, builder or architect for a referral. Often these professionals will make the suggestion that you hire a designer. They consider it a huge help for their clients and know that projects will run more smoothly with a designer in the picture.
The Interview Process:
- Set up a meeting with your potential candidates. Some designers charge for this time, some don’t. Ask up front if there will be a charge for the meeting. This should be a meeting to get to know them and have them get to know you and your project.
- Ask questions about their experience, education, accreditation, and don’t be afraid to ask for references. Designing a kitchen can be very complex and you want to be sure the designer understands the complexities involved in the process.
- What they’re asking you is just as important as what you’re asking them. They should be trying to get a feel for what is important to you.
The Final Choice:
- Consider how you feel about the designer. Are they concerned about you and your goals for the project? A gut reaction is a good barometer for selecting the right person for you.
- While price is important, consider the amount of experience and integrity the designer will bring to the project. An inexperienced designer will often charge far less than one who is experienced in kitchen and bath design. Again, it’s about understanding the complexities of the project.
Next week” The “B” Word (Budget – what did you think?)
How to Choose and Work With a Designer
So, you’ve decided that it’s time to hire a professional. Maybe it’s because you’ve made some expensive mistakes doing it on your own, or maybe you don’t have the time, desire, or vision to create the home of your dreams. All of these are good reasons to bring in a designer. Now the question is; How do you find one, and then what?
We’ll tackle these questions one at a time. There are a number of ways to find a designer. I believe the best ones are to ask for referrals from friends and family, and to go to websites of associations like A.S.I.D ( American Society of Interior Designers) or NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) to find designers. Sometimes your builder or contractor can be a good resource for a referral.
Ok, so you’ve found a designer. Now what? Well, generally a designer will arrange for an initial consultation by phone to get a feel for your project and then set up an appointment in your home to discuss the scope of the project in-depth. Here are some things that you should look for and think about during that appointment:
- Is the designer asking you a lot of questions about the project and what your needs and desires are?
- Did they give you any “homework” to do to help them get a feel for what you’re looking for?
- What is their level of education and experience in interior design, and what professional organizations do they belong to? This can offer you an insight into their dedication to their craft.
- Do they have a portfolio? (Note here: Don’t assume that a designer has a “style” just because their portfolio seems to go in one direction. It’s ok to ask about their “style”, but their answer should be that their focus is on what their client wants)
- Will they provide you with references? You’re going to be spending a great deal of time (and money) with the designer. It behooves you to check them out just like you would any other professional.
- Speaking of professional- are they behaving as a professional?
- What’s your gut level of comfort with them? Again, you’re going to be making an investment with this person. If you’re uncomfortable- keep looking.
- Do they communicate well, and do you get the sense that they’re a team player or diva?
- Are they asking for and being respectful of your budget? It’s vitally important to communicate where you want to be budget-wise. A good designer will help you create the home of your dreams but be respectful of your budget.
- Don’t be afraid to ask them questions about what’s gone wrong in a project and how they dealt with it. If they tell you nothing’s ever gone wrong they’re probably not telling the truth.
When you find the designer you connect with, you’ll recognize that they are not only a resource for creating the home of your dreams, but they can become a trusted advisor and advocate for ensuring that your project goes smoothly for you.
Last thing: Thank you to all of our veterans. It is through your sacrifice that we enjoy our freedom.
ASID – What’s in a name?
First, I’d like to thank Justin Oliver for his great info on cabinets and how to select them. In future posts we’ll get into some hallmarks of quality when you’re selecting cabinets. Oh, and by the way, Justin did an awesome job on my client’s bathroom vanity and her bedroom dresser and night stands! She’s totally thrilled!
I missed posting yesterday because I was in ASID meetings all day. What’s that? The American Society of Interior Designers, a professional organization. According to the website www.asid.org, we are a “community of people driven by a common love for design and committed to the belief that interior design, as a service to people, is a powerful, multi-faceted profession that can positively change people’s lives.”
Design presentation
The ASID was founded in 1975 when two similar organizations merged. It is the oldest and largest leading professional organization for interior designers in the world. Why does that matter? Well, the society advocates for the education and legislation for the interior design profession.
You don't even need to play this game to call yourself and interior designer!
Did you know that Illinois, along with most states, passed legislation saying that there are no specific qualifications necessary for calling oneself an interior designer? Yep, if you think you’re good with colors- you can call yourself an interior designer. However, if you request a membership to the ASID, you may only use the appellation of ASID with your name if you have met very specific requirements.
To be an Allied Member, ASID, one must have 40 semester hours or 60 quarter credit hours of interior design education from an accredited institution. Continuing education classes don’t count.
In order to use the appellation ASID, one must have passed a combination of accredited design education and/or full-time work experience and have passed a 2 day accreditation exam administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ).
Members also have to accumulate continuing education credits every two years to maintain their appellations.
All members as well as Industry Partners are bound to comply with the ASID Code of Ethics and Personal Conduct. Non-compliance can mean the rejection of membership as well as having to give up the appellation of ASID.
So, the ASID appellation tells you- the client- that your designer is serious about their profession and has the skills, education, and experience to back that up. Is every competent designer an ASID member? No. Some designers choose to not belong, sometimes for budgetary reasons (it’s not inexpensive), or other reasons. It’s always in your best interest as a client to ask about your designer’s experience, and education. The ASID appellation gives you the confidence that the designer you’re engaging is qualified AND committed to the highest ethical standards.
What do you look for in an interior designer? Are you inclined to use one or not? Why?
