Practical Designer Tips

In today’s economy, all of us are more careful when we’re spending our money. Part of being careful is knowing what to ask when hiring an interior designer and what your rights and obligations are when you buy furnishings and design services.

Let’s begin with the initial interview you conduct with the designer. I say “you” because you are paying the bills and “you” should be in control of the interview and, for that matter, the entire building, decorating or renovation process. So, what do you want to know?

Initial Interview

  1. You want to know the designer’s formal design education, years of experience and professional affiliations. Designers must fulfill certain education and experience in order to qualify for professional membership.
  2. You want to know exactly how he or she charges for design services (including any travel time) and exactly how they mark up any furnishings that they may sell to you. Most designers charge either by the hour or a flat fee for design services. You may also want to ask for an estimate of the fee for designing your space after you list your requirements. Keep in mind that it is only an estimate. Designers usually price their merchandise one of three ways: full retail, retail minus a percentage, or cost plus a percentage. The most advantageous to you is cost plus a percentage, which often leads to a great saving on merchandise. It also gives you the right to review the designer costs that the percentage is based upon. You have a right to know what those percentages are, just as you have a right to know what they charge for design services.
  3. You want to know if they work with a professional services contract and you would like to see a copy of the contract before beginning any work on the project (this is different from a contract for the sale of merchandise: the designer should use both).You may also want stipulations regarding a completion date (you may have a special occasion coming up), and you may want it stipulated that you want multiple bids on certain services and merchandise.
  4. You definitely want to see the designer’s portfolio of prior projects. Keep in mind that you may not find the exact design that you want, but you should be able to judge how well the designer laid out the furniture, used color and selected furniture, artwork and accessories
  5. Finally, you need to decide if this is a designer who you would like to work with. Keep in mind that hiring an interior designer is like a “quickie marriage” that will last for months or years, depending upon the size of the project. The same is true for hiring an architect and contractor. Make sure that it’s someone who will listen to what you want, someone who you have confidence will get the job done, and above all, someone who shares your values about quality, budget considerations and business ethics.

Buyer’s Rights and Obligations and Designer’s Rights and Obligations: based upon the Uniform Commercial Code for the sale of merchandise

  1. As a buyer of  merchandise, you have the right, and the obligation to inspect the goods that you receive within in a reasonable amount of time. And you definitely should do that and report any damage or defects that you see as soon as possible.
  2. As a buyer of merchandise, you have the right to reject any defective goods or “any goods that are not as described in the order”. These goods are called “non-conforming goods”.
  3. Your obligation as the buyer of merchandise is to pay for the goods if they are not defective and are as described in the order.

Remember, that knowing how to interview a designer, deciding whether this is someone you want to work with and knowing what your rights and obligations are when you purchase merchandise will save you from grief and make for a more successful project. Good luck!