Interior designers come up with a plan for your living space. Taking into account aesthetics and comfort, and adapting to the limitations of size, light and furniture, these experts will design a functional space with the aim of making your interior as good as it can be. But what do interior designers actually do, how can you find one and what should you consider when choosing between the many professionals in this sector? This article contains our tips on how to choose the right interior design expert for you.
What does an interior designer do ?
The role of an interior designer is to design and fit out indoor spaces, while sticking to a given budget and working around a space’s technical limitations. Their aim is to make the most of the space, so it looks good and is comfortable and practical to use. These space designers are experts who can work for individuals (doing up home interiors) or for professionals (fitting out business or shop premises).
Working to a client’s needs, interior designers first work out what options they have for a project by finding out what the client wants and what interior fitting trades work can be carried out (plumbing, building, electrics, etc.). They then decide on an initial summary plan of action tailored to the space and size of the space in question.
They have to be skilled coordinators as they organise the work of the different professionals involved in the project. Whether working independently (as a private contractor) or as part of an agency (as a partner or employee), interior designers are surveyors, artists and designers all in one. These experts in space layout can also be called on to design theatre or cinema decor (set design), or bespoke furniture for a TV studio or exhibition venues. Interior designers’ general aim is to plan an entire project and make sure it goes smoothly with everyone involved playing their part.
Starting with a conceptual approach to the future transformation or creation, they give clients information about the work in the form of a “draft proposal” with outlines and a work plan (full description of work to be done by each trade). Among other things, this proposal provides an estimated cost for the work and service. Once a project has been accepted, the interior designer coordinates each stage of the work involved (technical and building trade professionals, plus all design and decor, and furnishing) and makes sure activity at the site goes smoothly.
Your interior designer is your best friend when it comes to doing up your space. They do everything from making 2D and 3D plans, recruiting tradespeople (contacting companies to pit them against each other and get clients competitive quotes) and keeping an eye on the work day-to-day to buying and installing furniture. These multi-talented and creative expert space designers are project managers who aim to make your living/working area as comfortable, beautiful and practical as possible, tailoring it to what you want and your budget, plus any environmental constraints in situ.
How can you find a designer ?
The job of an interior designer is to make the most of and organise your indoor space. They have an input at all stages of design, renovation and decor. But how can you find one? There are lots of experts offering their services and you won’t find it hard to contact them. To find your interior designer, start by asking people you know (friends, family, colleagues, etc.) for their recommendations. This approach guarantees a previous happy customer and a quality service.
You can also search online and use social media to say you’re looking for an interior designer. This second option also comes with a few guarantees. Another interesting option, which allows you to speak direct to professionals in the field, is to go to specialist trade shows, fairs, exhibitions, or interior design events.
Finally, you can get yourself some interior design magazines. This option will give you inspiration and you’re bound to find something suitable among the endless contacts and ideas from interior design professionals.
If you’re looking for an interior designer in Nice, you should definitely contact Luxoria.
What should you consider when choosing a designer?
Want to remodel or do up your inside space but don’t know where to begin? It can be tricky to choose between the many interior design professionals out there. So, you should decide what your project is going to be beforehand and ask to see their portfolio. References are also welcome in this kind of situation, of course.
If you have a specific project in mind, let them know so you can discuss options and estimated costs. The other solution is to choose an interior designer whose work and creative approach you like, and who you trust to make the most of your living or working area while sticking to the given budget and any environmental constraints.
Set your budget carefully
Taking into account your room’s shape and structure, plus your personal taste, the interior designer provides a service aiming to make the most of your space, leaving it as practical and attractive as possible. Focusing on the layout of different spaces in your home, store or any other space needing their input, the interior designer’s work covers a range of areas.
It’s important to work out what you want to do before you call professional in. Whether you want to restructure a space (e.g. create an extra room or move the kitchen or bathroom somewhere else), or make the most of a space (extra storage, a new mezzanine, etc.) an expert interior designer will be able to offer advice and put in place whatever the changes require to make the most of the space and rethink it both strategically and practically.
Ask to see their portfolio
Any good interior designer will have a portfolio containing photos and references from previous projects they have carried out during their career. You’re well within your rights to ask to see their portfolio. This will give you an idea of their creative and aesthetic approach, and show you the various projects they’ve been involved in. If you want to use an interior designer to help you redo an office space, for example, you can check their portfolio to see their skills in this area.
Check the designer’s qualifications
Restructuring your interior involves major work and significant cost. Make sure you check your interior designer’s qualifications to avoid regretting the day you hired someone who couldn’t see the work through properly or jeopardised your home or workplace. You can do this by contacting people who have already used their services, or asking the designer direct (or their agency) to show you proof of their skills and qualifications.
Compare prices
Compare prices to avoid being ripped off. You have the right to contact several interior designers before making your choice. Whether you want to work with an independent designer or an agency for your project, you should compare the prices offered by these different experts. If you’re a business or local authority wanting to do up your premises, for example, you can run an invitation to tender. Professionals can decide whether to respond and this will give you a wide choice of designers to choose from.
If someone has recommended you a designer but their price seems too high, ask them why they have set it at this level. Also remember that interior designer prices vary depending on how complex a project is. Above-average prices can be due to a large area to work on and the time a project will take.
Interior designers generally charge by the hour (expect an average of 100 to 250 euros per hour for a qualified and experienced professional). This hourly rate usually applies to the finishing stages. The works involved are more often charged at a flat rate. Also note that you have to pay for the preliminary study (containing a basic project summary and work plan setting out the main steps involved on site). The price will vary depending on how much precision is requested and, again, the size and complexity of the project.
Make sure they have insurance
Often acting as prime contractor and work coordinator, your interior designer is legally obliged to take out insurance guaranteeing work for 10 years after completion. This covers all your construction work. When it comes to building, upgrading and renovating your inside space, this insurance protects the professional and their client should there be a disaster involving the work carried out (basic building structure, frame and all upgrading and surfacing work). Make sure your future designer’s insurance is still valid too.
Providing creativity, aesthetic reflection, a listening ear as the client explains their desired layout, negotiation with the different trades needed for the project, environmental analysis and site monitoring from A to Z, an interior designer will be your best friend for any extension or space-upgrade work. These experts will help your wildest dreams come true and can offer valuable advice and effective support during your design projects.
