How do you know who has the skills to complete your project and ensure it works for you? Ask an interior designer these three questions to help you find out.
What is your experience with my type of project?
Even if your project is a simple bathroom reno, knowing the designer’s experience can help manage your expectations. If your project is over a large area of space, includes preserving historic elements, or has restrictions about noise, you may need someone familiar with your special concerns.
What documentation will you provide for my project?
A registered interior designer will have you sign a contract outlining the scope of work and related fees. They will prepare Ontario Building Code-compliant construction drawings for the trades and apply for building permits.
What professional organizations do you belong to?
It is important to determine the education and qualifications of the interior designer you hire. Consider the benefits of choosing one who is a member of the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO). You can have confidence in their credentials and expertise, and ARIDO also requires all registered members to maintain professional liability insurance.
Questions an interior designer will ask you:
Why are you starting this project?
Your answer will tell them about you, your household, and how the space needs to serve you. You can tell them what’s not working and what you want to change, and they can address any special concerns.
What’s your project budget and what’s included?
An interior designer will want to use your budget as carefully and cleverly as you, and they’re going to be honest about what’s possible with what you’ve got. They are experts in brainstorming solutions when supply issues or construction delays affect the original plans and, consequently, the budget.
How involved do you want me to be?
An interior designer will want to know how involved you want them to be in the overall project. Will they just do the drawings, or will they also liaise with the trades and be responsible when issues arise and the design needs to evolve, but still suit the project?
These are just six of the questions that should be asked when you first meet with a registered interior designer. Find an expanded guide and other tools at blogarido.ca