Questions to Ask Your Interior Designer

You’ve read their online reviews, looked at magazine articles they’ve been featured in, event stalked them on social media. Now, it’s time to really get to know them by booking a consultation. But what do you ask? How do you know if their style is the right fit for you? What exactly should you be listening for on your call? How will you know if their vision for your project will be the same as yours?

First, relax.

These are all perfectly normal thoughts and every potential client arrives at a consultation with a few questions. This is part of any healthy selection process. You’ve done your homework, love their work but now want to ensure your personalities, expectations and vision are all aligned. You also want to better understand your role as the client and what working together will look like.

Let’s map out a few questions you may want to ask your designer prior to moving forward on your first project together. These questions will reveal what it will be like to collaborate on your project and give you a sense of their expertise and working style.

How would you describe your design style? 

This allows you to hear in his or her own words how they perceive their aesthetic. It allows you to better understand their creative perspective and what style they most enjoy creating. You should also understand ow this dovetails with your goals and aligns with your vision.

What type of clients do you enjoy working with the most?

Such a good question. This helps you determine if you are a good fit for them. The designer-client relationship is one of collaboration and teamwork — but also one of trust. It is important to select someone you pair well with and will enjoy partnering with over time. In the best of cases, you will partner on multiple projects over many years. Learn as much as you can to ensure you are well suited to one another.

Have you worked on projects such as this one before? What can you share about that experience?

Inquiring about similar projects allows you to learn how they problem solved and achieved a result similar to your desired outcome. Perhaps you are in a historic building and limited to only making modifications to the interiors, has she handled projects such as this with your city? Maybe you are developing on an unusually challenging lot and want to ensure he or she is ready to collaborate with your engineers on the design. Maybe your art collection is your passion and need a designer who honors mixed media works the way you do to ensure their are properly showcased in your home. Regardless of your needs — present your needs clearly and be willing to listen to discover how he or she can partner with you to bring your vision to life.

How do you present your ideas and concepts to clients?

This gives you insights into the design process and reveals how adjustments are made at each touch point along the way. Are they collaborative? Do they prefer digital presentations or in person meetings? How long should you anticipate before seeing a concept? How collaborative do they seem on the consultation call? Listen for cues to ensure it is a good fit for both of you.

Which project in your portfolio do you love the most? Why?

Often a designer’s favorite is not the one most celebrated by industry magazines. It is typically one that is deeply personal to them. Asking this tells you so much about your designer as a person, and allows you to lean what matters to them.

Depending upon the scope of the project and the nature of your needs, there are a dozen other questions you way want to ask. Where do they go to for inspiration? What is the payment process and what payment schedule should you expect? What is their vision for your project? Consider jotting down questions of your own before you consultation and be sure to allow enough time for them to thoughtfully answer. Focus on questions which allow you to discover how the two of you will work together on your project. Most of all, listen and trust your instincts.

What you really want is not just a talented creative who has the experience to transform your ideas into reality. You need to find a designer you enjoy and one you align with enough to trust during the process. Find her? You’ve found your perfect collaborative partner for your project.