I'm considering hiring an interior designer. How does the relationship between the client and designer usually work? What is the process?

The relationship between a client and an interior designer should be open, comfortable and relaxed. Good communication is essential in order for the designer to understand the client's needs and, ultimately, for the client to be satisfied.

Before working with a designer, it is good to have a few ideas of your decorating likes and dislikes. To gather inspiration, visit your friends' homes and look through magazines or tour home shows. If you see a style you like, get the name of the interior designer involved. After gathering some ideas and contacting a designer, there are three phases to the interior decorating process: analysis of the project, research and presentation.

  • Analysis of the project. Before any frunishings are brought or walls painted, a designer should meet with you to learn more about your lifestyle, your existing furnishings, your home's traffic patterns and your project budget. These aspects have a definite influence on the style and furnishings a designer will recommend.

  • Research. Based on the project analysis, you and the designer should make preliminary design selections, including color and fabric, furnishings, window treatments, flooring, wall treatments, lighting and accessory preferences. The designer will then research this information, outline costs and prepare presentation materials.

    The designer should also offer creative floor plan layouts and discuss them with you. This is an opportunity for you to offer feedback and decide on the layouts to be used -- or suggest revisions. The designer will be able to point out the pros and cons of various room arrangement options.

  • Presentation. This is the last phase of the client-interior designer relationship. After completing the project analysis and research, the designer should discuss your purchase priorities. Have the dreary bedroom walls really been bothering you or do you want to do the living room first? Unless your budget permits you to do everything at once, you'll need to prioritize. The designer should also find out what sales or discounts are being offered by area retailers. Tming purchases with area sales is the best way to maximize your budget. This information should be reflected in the final presentation.

    All individuals involved in the project should meet for the designer's presentation, which should detail purchasing recommendations and expected costs. Recommendations should be discussed and fine-tuned, if necessary, so that by the end of the meeting everyone agrees on the selections. Remember that as a client, you will be living with the interior decor, so bring up concerns or additional thoughts thaqt you have. The designer also wants you to be satisfied, and will listen and offer more suggestions.

    Once agreement on the project is reached, the designer will place orders and obtain installation and delivery dates from vendors and retailers. When the furnishings and other materials arrive, your designer should be present to oversee the proper placement.

    --Answer by Designer, Tracey Estell-Horton, Allied A.S.I.D.


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