As a potential client, knowing the options available to you can help narrow-down the type of design professional that can best fit your design needs. The realm of interior design has many niches from Lighting Design, Kitchen and Bath, Universal, Sustainable Design and more- each with their corresponding professional credentials. Perhaps you do not even need a designer, someone that has graduated with a degree in the field and is required to pass a board exam to be licensed in certain states. Designers usually think in terms of functionality for a space and often collaborate with architects, builders, and contractors for structural changes. A decorator on the other hand, is not required to have schooling or licensing/ certifications but can be very skilled in making a home look great.
When interviewing design firms, some will set a minimum budget in which they will work, and you may come across a waiting list before an initial consultation can be scheduled. Naturally, certain clients will gravitate towards certain personalities in the professionals they prefer to hire. Do you think of design as a business transaction or do you want to be involved in the details? How do you prefer to communicate and be contacted? Are you able to give trust when earned and make decisions, or do you need ample time for these to be formed?
Evaluating the type of professional you would like to work with can help to save time, energy, and money in curating the best fit to help achieve your design goals. If you perceive that Discerning Designs could be a company you would enjoy working with on your home project, please send a message to info@discerningdesigns.net so that we can connect.