When embarking on an extensive build project, the involvement of an interior designer could well be the best decision you make to help realise your design aspirations for your new home. A good designer should push you past your comfort zone to create a truly exciting and dynamic space that exceeds your expectations and ensures every detail is meticulously curated to suit your tastes and needs. With extensive trade relationships, it is often possible to make large savings on purchases and to be introduced to suppliers you might never have found for yourself.
Self-building is an emotional as much as a financial investment. Whilst most self-builders aspire to have as much involvement in creating their home as possible, collaborating with a designer should reduce stress and have a significant impact on your enjoyment of the project. Unless you have a lot of time and an appetite for, seemingly never-ending, decision-making, using a designer is key to keeping on track and on budget.
In this article, I’ll explain the intricacies of working with an interior designer, from finding the right match to understanding the design process, pricing structures, and how to be an ideal client.
FINDING THE RIGHT DESIGNER FOR YOU
When exploring the decision to employ a designer, the first step is to find one who aligns with your style aspirations and who you feel you can talk to. This might seem an obvious statement, but it is as important a relationship as one you might have with your doctor! Your designer should truly listen to you, understand your needs and be someone you have total confidence in. The UK is rich in talented designers and there will certainly be one who is the perfect fit for you and your project.
Here are five things to keep in mind when employing an interior designer:
Recommendation from your Architect
A high-functioning relationship between your architect and designer is vital to ensure a seamless and joined-up approach. If your architect can recommend someone they have worked successfully with before, that is a great place to start your search.
Research and Portfolio Review
Explore online platforms, design magazines, and social media to view the portfolios of various interior designers. Pay attention to styles that resonate with your vision and preferences and look for designers who have experience in the size and scope of the project you are embarking on.
Word of Mouth
Leverage your social network and seek recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have previously worked with interior designers. Personal testimonials can provide valuable insights into the designer's professionalism, communication skills, and ability to deliver on promises. If you anticipate requiring project management assistance throughout, it is beneficial to have a designer who is relatively local to avoid unnecessary travel costs and be available to drop in as required.
Professional Organisations and Accreditation
Check if the designer is a member of a professional organisation such as the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) or the Society of British and International Design (SBID). Membership in these organisations often signifies a commitment to industry standards and ongoing professional development. Their websites, and that of ‘Houzz,’ are a good place to search for local, accredited designers. It is particularly important for those requiring more than just advice for furnishings to ensure the designer has been formally trained or has extensive experience.
Emerging talent
Whilst they might not have years of experience, newly qualified designers can be a great option for smaller, relatively uncomplicated projects. Generally a far less expensive option, new graduates will have received the latest training, are likely very enthusiastic and will often work with more vigour than stalwarts in the industry! If considering new talent, ask if they have an experienced mentor who can assist with anything they are unsure of. Remember, even the very best talent has to start somewhere.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CHOOSING AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
Style Compatibility and Budget Alignment
Whilst some portfolios might be very impressive, if their work is solely multi-million pound London townhouses and you are working to a significantly smaller budget for a country cottage, their overarching style and tried and tested suppliers may well not be a good fit. Similarly, if a designer’s work is generally for much smaller projects, yours could be a little overwhelming for them. Finding a designer whose aesthetic and values resonate with you is crucial for a successful collaboration. A transparent conversation about style and financial expectations will help both parties determine if they can achieve your vision within the specified budget.
Size of business
A freelance or sole trader will generally have lower overheads resulting in lower fees. Accustomed to working on smaller, domestic projects this might be a better solution than a large design practice. However, a large firm should have access to better resources and a variety of talent. Choose a business that best aligns with your needs.
Scope of Work
How much involvement do you want them to have? Determine whether you just need a little ‘hand-holding’ or as much as handing over the entire project for a turnkey service. Do you want assistance with the entire property or the main areas only? Some design practices will only take on whole-house projects whereas others will assist with whatever might be helpful, room by room. Define the specific areas you believe you need assistance with and enquire whether the designer can fulfil these for you.
Having found a couple of potential designers, schedule an initial consultation to gauge their communication style and assess if you have good chemistry. Effective communication is key to a successful collaboration, and a designer who listens attentively and understands your values is worth spending time to find.
Pricing for Interior Design Expertise
Understanding how interior designers price their expertise is crucial for establishing a transparent and fair partnership. Most designers offer various pricing structures, including:
Hourly Rates
Some interior designers charge an hourly rate for their services. This model is suitable for smaller projects or consultations and allows clients to pay for the actual time spent on their project.
Flat Fees
For larger projects, designers may propose a flat fee based on the scope of work. This approach provides clients with a clear understanding of the overall cost from the outset, avoiding surprises as the project progresses. There should be a clear schedule of deliverables to ensure expectations are met for both parties.
Percentage of the Project Cost
Another common pricing model involves charging a percentage of the total project cost. This method aligns the designer's fee with the scale and complexity of the project.
Combination of Models
In some cases, designers may use a combination of these pricing models, tailoring their approach to the specific needs and nuances of the project. It's essential to discuss pricing structures early to ensure both parties are on the same page and that the financial aspects of the project are clear and agreed upon.
PROVIDING AN ACCURATE BRIEF
Once you've selected an interior designer and established the pricing structure, the next step is to provide a comprehensive and accurate brief. The brief serves as a roadmap for the designer, outlining your preferences, lifestyle, and expectations. Your designer will ask their own questions but be sure to consider the following in ample time before your initial session to provide properly considered answers from the outset.
Lifestyle and Preferences
Clearly articulate your lifestyle, daily routines, and preferences. Discuss how you envision using each space and any specific design elements you wish to incorporate. Most importantly, consider the energy you want in your home. Are you looking to create a relaxed and peaceful energy, or an uplifting and energising vibe? Or perhaps different requirements for different areas. The more specific and authentic you can be, the better equipped your designer will be to create exactly what you hope for.
Inspiration and Mood Boards
Create mood boards or gather images that reflect your aesthetic preferences. This visual representation can help the designer better understand your style. Don’t worry if you are unsure which route to take aesthetically or if your image collection is varied. A designer is there to help you establish the right route forward.
Functional Requirements
Outline any specific functional requirements or challenges you'd like the designer to address. This will include storage needs and space utilisation. Be as prepared as you can, ie. from measuring the amount of hanging storage for coats to linear metres of bookshelves. Again the more information your designer has, the better the layouts will reflect your needs.
Budget
Clearly communicate your budget constraints to ensure the designer tailors their recommendations to align with your financial expectations. This includes which items you are prepared to invest in and those you have lesser interest in. Are you brand-name motivated or if function and value is the priority?
Timeline and Project Goals
Discuss your timeline expectations and specific goals you aim to achieve with the project. It is likely the schedule created between the architect and the main contractor will lead the requirements from the designer. Ensure there is clear communication between all parties and you respond to the designer's communications in a timely manner to prevent delays and frustration on their part.
UNDERSTANDING THE DESIGN PROCESS
Each designer will have their own way of operating, but generally, these are the stages of the design process depending on the agreed scope of work:
Initial Consultation
The first step involves a detailed consultation where you and the designer discuss your vision, preferences, and project requirements. This is an opportunity for the designer to gather essential information and establish a clear understanding of your goals.
Concept Development
Following the initial consultation, the designer will begin developing concepts and design proposals. This stage may include space utilisation, concept mood boards, and initial sketches to convey the proposed design direction.
Design Development
Once the concept is approved, the designer will delve into the specifics of the design, including interior joinery design and lighting design if requested, furniture selection, material choices, and detailed drawings. This stage will involve ongoing collaboration and feedback to refine the design to your satisfaction. Many designers now use online services (such as ‘Programa’) to share their ideas and live updates allowing you to review and comment.
Project Management and Execution
With the design finalised, the designer takes on the role of project manager, overseeing the implementation of the design plan. This includes coordinating with contractors, managing timelines, and ensuring that the vision comes to fruition. If the designer isn’t project managing the interiors, they should hand over the drawings and schedules for you or your on-site project manager to implement.
Installation and Styling
The final stage involves the installation of furnishings, accessories, and any finishing touches. This is the point where the vision becomes reality and is definitely worth allowing your designer to complete the job.
WHAT CAN AN INTERIOR DESIGNER DO FOR YOU?
Interior designers are skilled professionals who can provide a variety of services to enhance the experience of living in your home. These are some of the key areas they should be able to assist with:
Space Planning
Interior designers excel in optimising space utilisation, ensuring that every square metre is used at its best. They're not afraid to reconfigure layouts if it means maximising the potential of each room.
Colour Palette and Material Selection
Good design is all in the balance and a designer will be able to curate the materials and colour palette for the property to ensure a cohesive look and accents to add interest. Understanding colour theory, your home should reflect the energy you want to create and be a space you feel truly comfortable in.
Furniture Selection and Customisation
From sourcing unique pieces to customising furniture to fit specific spaces, designers can curate a collection of furnishings that enhance the overall design and functionality of your home. Most designers have a ‘little black book’ of trusted suppliers and trades who will be a very useful addition to a build.
Lighting Design
A good lighting design is crucial for bringing your home to life. Not just to add general illumination but to enhance texture, highlight architectural features and create a mood. Ignore lighting design at your peril!
Textile and Soft Furnishings, Art and Ornamentation
Designers are adept at selecting and coordinating textiles, upholstery, soft furnishings, art and ornamentation. These elements add texture, warmth and a new personality to a space, elevating its overall design and creating a space unique to you.
HOW TO BE A GOOD CLIENT
If you want to be the ideal client, you need to be someone who communicates clearly and participates regularly. To be an ideal client, consider the following tips:
Open and Honest Communication
Foster a relationship built on open and honest communication. Clearly express your preferences, concerns, and any changes in your vision to ensure the designer can adapt the project accordingly.
Trust the Designer's Expertise
While your input is valuable, trust in the designer's expertise and allow them creative freedom. A collaborative approach, where both parties contribute their insights, often yields the best results.
Be Realistic About Timelines
Understand that quality design takes time. Be realistic about project timelines and avoid rushing decisions that could compromise the overall outcome.
Flexibility in Budgeting
Be prepared for potential adjustments to the budget based on unforeseen circumstances or changes in project scope. A degree of flexibility allows for a smoother collaboration when unexpected challenges arise.
Timely Decision-Making
Keeping your project on schedule is a must, and making those key decisions at the right time is the most effective way of doing just that. Promptly review design proposals, provide feedback, and make decisions to avoid unnecessary delays.
By trusting in your designer’s expertise and being a proactive and engaged client you will ensure you achieve a home that is a joy to live in. Allow your designer to bring their creativity and ideas to your self-build project and above all, enjoy the process!
We would like to thank Julia Kendell for her expert contribution to ACA’s blog. If you would like to learn more about Kendell + CO and their emphatic and elegant designs, head to their website and contact their team to discuss your project.
