What to Look for When Hiring an Interior Designer

Hiring an interior designer is an incredibly personal experience. If you haven’t done it before, the idea of hiring someone to undertake this task can feel intimidating, especially if you don’t know what to expect from the process.

We have come up with some valuable tips when scouting the best interior designer in town for your home renovation project.

Tip 1: Choose an ID that leaves you a positive first impression

To find out if the design firm is capable of achieving the look and results you want, start by flipping through their portfolio and reviewing their work. This should offer you a glimpse of their quality, style, and skill. Make a list of interior designers with past works that leaves you a positive first impression.

Explore: Check out local home ideas in Malaysia!

Tip 2: Check on the firm’s credibility

Is the ID firm well established? Look out for any special awards and accreditations (from local and foreign bodies) or if they have been featured or mentioned in any prominent publications in the past. Knowing where your firm stands within the design industry, as well as their accomplishments should give you an idea of their capabilities and the kind of talent available within the firm.

Tip 3: Read customer’s reviews, recommendations and feedback

It’s important to know what former clients have said about their experience and satisfaction; but more importantly, if they would endorse the services of the firm. Honest reviews will help you to gauge the professionalism, skill, and reliability of a design firm. One of the best indicators that you have found a quality design firm is if they come highly recommended by homeowners.

Pro tip: Don’t know where to begin? You can search for customer's feedback, reviews and recommendations on hundreds of local interior designer firms via Qanvast!

What to look for in an interior designer?

Once you’re happy with the credentials of the firm, you’ll then want to assess the proficiency of the designer assigned to your project. Pay attention to these key questions as you decide:

Is your interior designer easy to communicate with?

Strong communication skills are necessary in design – and life as a matter of fact! Your designer should be able to converse with you in a clear, informative manner.

Having a designer that is on the same page with you, design-wise will go a long way toward improving the chances of project satisfaction, minimising chances of miscommunication. Compatibility between the designer and yourself is essential, so make sure you find one that understands your goal.

Does your interior designer have a positive attitude?

If your designer consistently takes an unenthusiastic or negative view on your design ideas, do proceed with caution. A good designer is someone who is honest and able to advise you, instead of simply overpromising and under-delivering. At the same time, they should listen to your needs, be adept at problem-solving, and generally have a ‘can-do’ attitude.

A good, constructive designer will offer practical solutions and alternatives within your budget range (as much as is possible).

Does your interior designer display a high level of professionalism?

Someone who is responsive and reliable, in addition to being experienced, creative, and proficient when it comes to managing a remodel is the best kind of designer. What are the early signs that you have found yourself a real pro? To start, they’ll typically offer timely and expert responses to your queries.

They are also organised, have an extensive portfolio of creative projects, and come well-recommended by former clients.

Down the line, a professional, highly-dependable designer will respect your budget and renovation schedule; keep you abreast of the project’s progress; and manage hiccups with composure.

Such designers are hard to find, but most of them are available right here on Qanvast! If you are renovating in the next 3 months, send in your request here and we can match you with up to 5 interior firms based on your requirements. This service is free and we do not receive commissions.

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