Architecture - When considering a interior designer, what are key questions to ask?

I'm at that point where I need some guidance in redoing the interior or my home. I'm a avid DIY'er and I enjoy the challenge of doing the work myself. I'm just not a designer. To be honest, I'm not 100% sure which style of design I prefer. Modern/contemperary, casual, formal, country, etc. The plan is to hire a interior designer to first help be deside what's my style. Then let them design the interior and I'll do the work. So what are some key questions to ask a potential designer?

Hi CandiMan,

Good question! :D
1 - The first thing you need to know / ask--> past works? -->
Don't accept answers like "I did Mr / Mrs Smith's house"--> Ask for before / after picture, and talk with Mr / Mrs Smith's

2 - Style? --> some designers work only with a certain style(Colonial, modern, etc), so confirm if the professional will work with the same style you wish

3 - How is he/she going to show the work? --> some designers still insist in showing their work only in a black and white paper, and this is very far from reality--> don't settle for 2D-->ask for 3D images, with color, textures, lights, shadows. Today, we use programs where you can insert pictures of the house and decorate it or build your house in 3D. Also, ask for an animated walk through

4 - How the fees will be calculated? --> Not only the final price but the stages. If the fees are by hour, ask for a detail about how the hours will be calculated

5 - Will your opinion count? --> don't accept a "dictator" professional that will count only with her / his opinion. Your point of view IS important

Hope this helps

Hope this helps

Yes that does help, especially the 2D, 3D images. How common is it to show images in 3D form? Because I can imagine there's probably still some old-school black and white designers out there. It's my homework to weed them out.

I also never realize that some designers probably only cater to one style. Luckily most designers in the yellow pages probably havre a website with before and after pics.

And finally the fee. This is going to be a hard one for me becasue I'm a firm believer in "you get what you pay for"

Hi CandiMan,

Regarding your question "How common is it to show images in 3D form?" Today, 3D is the professional standard, specially for interiors. In my opinion, it is the only way to visualize the exact model of your house and define textures, elevations or colors of each element in each room, and in addition, check the project's interferences before the real construction begins
A black and white bidimensional image doesn't explain colors, materials, lights, etc
Some designers work with specific 3D Home design programs, so you can participate of the process in your computer

Patricia, you seem quite versed in this subject. May I ask what's your background.

Hi CandiMan,

Sure. Just click on "pmgca" at the top of the post to see my profile

Why didn't I think about that, thanks for all the input.

Mike

Hi Mike,

Glad to be of help! :D

I'd also recommend starting with a small project to see how you work with the designer and how his/her style fits your needs. You'd hate to get part way through a major project and find out it's just not working. Also, there's a professional association (and maybe more than one).

http://www.asid.org

Try and error is the worst possible scenario.
Also, as the user is looking for a house interior project, a "just to try" small project is not possible

The link you mentioned is not considering the interiors' architects, very qualified for the job