While there are many talented designers in Dallas, not all of them will be the right fit for your project. That’s why asking the right interview questions is important.
Here are some questions I would personally ask if I were hiring a designer for my home.
What are their credentials?
Many people practice in my field with no credentials. I’d want to know that my interior designer had a degree from a reputable university, was a registered interior designer, was a member of ASID, and had at least 10 years of experience. It’s also helpful to know if he or she has been published in magazines and won interior design awards.
Is this person a good fit for my project?
You can get a sense of the designer’s style and taste by asking them about their favorite colors, favorite house they’ve designed, and favorite places to travel. During the interview, ask the designer if they’ve done projects similar to yours in the past. If they say yes, have them show you before-and-after photos. You should also find out if the designer is willing to work with your favorite pieces.
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How do they charge?
Some of the different payment methods you see in this industry include charging by the hour, charging a mark-up on products, charging a flat flee, charging a percentage of the total project cost, or a combination of any of these. Designers who offer a flat-rate option usually have stipulations, such as a limit to the number of adjustments you request.
What is the designer’s process like?
Ask them: “How will you present your selections to me?” If I were hiring a designer, I’d like for them to give me two color scheme options for each room. Another good interview question is to ask the designer about a mistake they made in the past. How did they resolve it? To prevent potential problems, my firm double-checks items before we order to make sure everything will fit. You can’t be too detailed in this business.
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions at your interview. Your goal is to find a designer you enjoy working with who is invested in helping you discover your personal style, rather than just recreating their own style in your home. If you ask several of the questions here at each of your interviews, you’ll find the perfect match for your project in no time.
Margaret Chambers, a registered interior designer (RID) and American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) member, leads Chambers Interiors and Associates. Her colleague Caitlin Crowley helped edit this column. Visit chambersinteriors.com/blog for more design advice.
