10 Things You Need to Know BEFORE Working with a Designer
You hire a designer to solve problems that you can’t. You have incredible ideas, but you can’t quite get them out in the world. You understand the value of a designer, but what’s working with a designer really like? If you’re thinking about hiring a designer, read this blog before you do! Krista shares the top 10 things you’ll want to know before engaging an interior designer.
This blog is an adaptation of the podcast episode, “10 Things You Need to Know BEFORE Working With a Designer.” If you’d prefer to watch or listen, click the links below.
1) EXPECT A LOT OF QUESTIONS AND HOMEWORK
We ask a lot of questions. It might feel invasive, but it will help you achieve a result that’s right for you. A designer can’t create a design that suits you without knowing who you are. The more you reveal, and the more honest your answers, the better your result will be.
You’ve hired us to help you realize your vision, so why would you have homework? Though we’re doing the work, a large part of the beginning of this process is coaxing you to dig deep and answer some really hard questions about yourself. That’s what we mean about homework.
Designing is a very people-centred, holistic process. It’s not just a house, it’s a home. It’s a reflection of you and who you want to be in the world.
2) WE NEED YOUR BUDGET RIGHT AWAY
One of the first things we ask is, “What’s your budget?” You might wonder how you know your budget at the beginning of your project. You don’t. When we ask you your budget, we’re asking what you’re hoping to spend. A better way to phrase this might be, “What is your ideal budget?”
We’re not going to try to max your budget, but we do need to know where your priorities are and if your budget matches your dreams.
And let’s face it, if your budget does not match your dreams, we need to be able to tell you that right away. Wouldn’t that be better to know before we get deep into the process, and you fall in love with something that is unattainable? No one wants that.
While we can’t give you a final budget at the onset of a project, knowing your priorities and budget will help us focus our efforts to give you the look you want, the functionality you need, at the price you’re willing to pay.
3) WHEN THE BUDGET BECOMES FINAL
We can estimate at the beginning of the project and give you a high level number of what your renovation might cost. However, if we gave you an absolute number at this time, or charged lump sum, we’d be wrong. One of us would lose. It’s either you, because we had to pad the numbers to make sure we didn’t lose out if costs were higher than anticipated, or it’s us because we underestimated.
We’re a win-win bunch and sometimes that means that we’re operating with a muddied view until we get through design.
We cannot give you an absolute construction budget until we go through design and make all your selections. Some costs stay constant job over job, but some depend very much on the design, what you decide to do, and the nature of renovating not knowing what’s behind those walls.
After 20 years of testing pricing models to ensure we offer the best value to our clients, we’ve determined this is the best way to be fair to the client and the professional.
The budget does not become a final construction budget until the design is done.
4) GOOD DESIGN TAKES TIME
If you’re looking for a quick flip, a designer might not be a fit for you. Rushed design looks like you didn’t pay your hard-earned money to hire a designer. Good design takes time.
We’re not just trying to run up the design bill. If we’re honest, we don’t bill you for a lot of the time it takes us to produce brilliant plans. They often plop into our minds in the shower or wake us the middle of the night.
You’ve heard the phrase, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” While we’re not designing the colosseum, we are designing something unique and personal to you. It’s not a replica of another design we’ve done for a previous client. It’s yours.
We want you to be happy with the outcome, and sometimes that means taking some time for you to sit with your decisions. It also gives us time to ruminate and uncover the best ideas, not settle for the first ideas.
5) MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS
What are you looking to achieve with this project? Be clear so the professionals can respond accordingly.
Do you have a realistic timeline in mind? Custom design can anywhere from two (2) months to a year. It depends on the details and size of the project. Quality Calgary trades are in demand. Expect more than four (4) months of construction. The order of trades matters. Getting a trade in tomorrow to do a job that needs to be sixth in line in the process is only going to cause you tears.
Are you willing to listen to professional advice? You hired professionals to offer you sage advice. Ask clarifying questions. We’re happy to explain why we’ve suggested the path presented, but we can only do so much if you choose not to listen.
Have you prepared yourself for the inevitability of bumps in the road? Have you selected a professional you’ll trust to walk you through the renovation journey? We’re here to help. We want your project to be as seamless as possible.
Part of that comes from managing our expectations from the beginning of the project.
6) HIRE THE RIGHT DESIGNER FOR THE JOB
Interior designers are also called interior architects in other parts of the world. While some interior designers specialize in the softer aspects of design like furnishings and décor, you’re going to get better value from your interior designer if you put their skills to work on improving the functionality of your home.
If you’re simply looking for décor and wallpaper suggestions, hiring a decorator might be a better option for you.
Consider what you’re looking to achieve and really investigate the services offered by your designer/ decorator.
7) WHAT DOES DESIGN ONLY MEAN?
“Design only” means your designer is completing the design and you are taking that design to complete the work yourself or plan to hire a professional contractor to complete the work for you.
Some things to know about design only:
- Clarify if you want the designer to stay on for the construction of the project to clarify questions and concerns and if the execution is correct.
- Clarify if you’d like material selections made in the package so you can take it to get specific quotes.
- Please note that construction level drawings are completed only once material selections are made.
8) WHAT DOES DESIGN-BUILD MEAN?
Design-build means the same company is doing your design and construction. Krista Hermanson Design is a Calgary-based design-build company. Though we do take design only projects if the timing fits.
Some things to know about design-build:
- The design process takes the drawings to the quotable stage. There may be a few options that are given to quote on.
- Design-build companies may have their own trades or a list of vetted sub-trades that they call upon to quote on a project.
- Once the quotes are in and selections are made, then the construction drawings are created.
- A design-build company has a project manager and site supervisor. They make site visits to ensure the design is executed to the level that the designer expects.
9) YOU’RE GOING TO NEED TO COMPROMISE WITH YOUR PARTNER
Compromise is not a dirty word. We promise you that nothing is going to be ugly. We’re presenting you with beautiful options tailored to your needs. If your partner selects something that isn’t quite your thing, it’s still going to work well in the grand scheme. You get something that’s important to you and they get something else that’s important to them. Come to your design meetings with an open mind and a willingness to think outside the box.
We have a podcast coming soon with tips to survive a renovation with your partner and still like each other at the end.
10) TRUST THE PROCESS
Change is hard. No matter how much you might want to see renovations completed, there is a roller coaster of emotions that go into this process. You’re going to be uncomfortable some of the time.
Get your designer to explain their process. The typical steps are the same for most designers, but we do differ on some things. Once you commit to a design project, you need to trust the process. The process is fun! Enjoy it.
We’re not saying don’t ask questions. Be curious. Clarify anything that doesn’t make sense. But there will be moments when you need to let go and trust that we’ve got your best interests at heart.
FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT WORKING WITH A DESIGNER
When you’re working with a designer, you are enlisting a host of experts along with them. Experts who will give your home the thoughtful attention it deserves. Though we’re doing the work, you’re still at the heart of it all. It’s a collaborative process and we’re thrilled to help you navigate it. When you’re ready, let’s talk!
Don’t forget to head over and be inspired by our latest posted projects.