finding designers online is different

 

We love technology and the ability to find creative help online. However, hiring a professional designer ultimately should begin with an in-person meeting at the project or with plans, where everyone can ask questions and be certain everyone involved is a fit. It is impossible for the designer to size up the project and give an informed quote without seeing the project or reviewing plans unless they give you a random hourly quote that almost always goes into overtime.

 

When going through the process of hiring a designer remember that good designers don’t force themselves on clients by saying whatever a client wants to hear or providing low prices to get you hooked without knowing the project. Another thing we know is that the best designers walk the walk; they are very knowledgeable about all aspects of design and lifestyle issues and live in the same way they practice, all while maintaining certain understated confidence. Finally, a hidden truth, the good ones all suffer from a need to please clients, turn dreams into reality and hear the words “job well done."

 

interior designer vs decorator

 

In your search, you will be approached by service providers who are “Decorators". Decorators are helpful with small projects or approaching projects - room at a time and charge by the hour. Usually, decorators are not educated or experienced in addressing lifestyle - floorplan issues or layering and connecting the many interior and exterior design elements required on larger full-service projects. Also, decorators are normally not experienced in the complexity of construction and managing renovations, restorations, or new construction projects.

 

Decorators also do not normally qualify to get the best wholesale or designer discounts for furnishings and decorative items or have the experience to deal directly with quality custom manufacturers, design trade showrooms, vendors, or contractors.

 

 

" Interior design is the art and science of understanding people's behavior to create functional spaces within a building. Decorating is the furnishing or adorning of a space with fashionable or beautiful things. In short, interior designers may decorate, but decorators do not design." 

NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification