Paying for creative services can be expensive, and it’s often hard to know how best to allocate precious resources. Having worked in the interior design industry for more than 20 years, I’d like to share some tips on how you can determine the best way to minimise risks with these decisions.
Education and Training
An interior designer doesn’t need to have gone to the most expensive or prestigious school, but they do need to have mastered the relevant technical skills to do the job well. Interior design definitely involves an eye for detail, but the designer needs to have mastered the technical elements of the profession and relevant software. Short courses, for example, don’t prepare a designer for the demands of large complex projects, so it’s best to look closely at a creative’s credentials before selecting them for the job. A degree interior design or interior architecture is usually a good sign the person has committed the time to acquire the necessary skills.
Creativity
Unlike technical skills, creativity can’t really be taught. Finding an interior designer with a unique style is essential if you want the end result to stand out and catch the eye of buyers.
When looking at a designer’s portfolio, take note of similarities across various projects. If you see some common themes or duplicate designs, it could be a sign the person can’t think outside the square or develop unique ideas for every project. A great interior designer will give each project a unique identity because they understand the intended end-user. A design without this in mind will be sterile and dry, rather than enticing.
Experience
This is the case for every profession, but it’s an important factor to consider when selecting an interior designer. Someone who’s got dozens of large projects under their belt will know how to avoid major problems, how to deliver efficiency, how to adhere to the brief, and how to resolve issues if they do arise. They will likely also have a mature sense of style and understand what trends stand the test of time, and what fads quickly come and go. Picking someone with experience will deliver value in the long run.
Passion
You want a designer who lives and breathes their craft! Are they available after hours, do they have sense of style and take pride in their workspace and surrounds? You want someone with their finger on the pulse of the industry, and who makes it their primary mission to deliver on your project. Having a designer that goes above and beyond to meet your needs means you won’t be left hanging and can take comfort in knowing you’ll get what you pay for.
Take some time to examine your options and the abilities of your designer before committing!
