Top 10 Questions to Ask When Hiring an Architect or Interior Designer

10-29-2012 studiofusionpa Comments are closed

Essential Tips for Developers to Consider When Hiring a Design Firm

Hiring an Architect or Interior Designer is a decision that will determine the look and feel of your project, along with the emotional and financial costs of getting it done. It is not a decision that can be taken lightly.

First, you should take a look at the firm's portfolio. If you like what you see, have a quick phone conversation with them about your specific project. Not only do you need to love the designer's work, but the designer's personality also must fit well with yours. Below are a few questions you should think about in order to gauge how well you and the designer will work together as a team.

1. What is the firm's design philosophy?

Depending on what type of project you are planning, a firm's design philosophy must be compatible with your project. Some firms might focus on fast schedules. Others might focus more on creativity. Decide on your most important goal for the project, and only choose firms that have a correlating philosophy.

2. What sets them apart from other firms that you could hire?

You want to get the most "bang-for-your-buck." Analyze why you would hire this firm, instead of another (maybe cheaper) firm. What makes them stand out from other firms? What attracted you to them in the first place? You want your project to stand out; so, the firm that you hire must have some element that they can offer towards that.

3. Will you be dealing directly with the designer on your project?

Communication is an essential key to success of a project. It is extremely important that you will be able to communicate directly with the team member working on your project. Since design can be a very subjective matter, communicating directly with the designer on your project will help avoid some of the mishaps.

4. How busy is the firm and/or the project manager that will be on your project?

This will help you gauge how much attention your project will get from the team members, and how available they will be to you. If a firm is extremely busy, they might not be able to reply to your emails immediately or meet sudden deadlines.

5. How interested is the designer in your project?

Interest plays an integral role in level of enthusiasm when the designer is working for you. If a firm is excited and highly interested in your project, they will be more than happy to meet with you, discuss details and manage other project tasks for no additional fee.

6. What are the steps in their design process?

Knowing the steps in a firm's design process will help you feel more comfortable about their fees and payment schedules. It will also help you evaluate if their thought process behind their designs are a good fit with the vision for your project.

7. What are the biggest challenges for your project ? How does the firm plan on solving them?

A design firm might be highly recommended and have vast experience, but that is not always a good indication of how well they will approach your specific project. Discussing a few of the designer's solutions from the start will help you decide how well he or she understands what you are looking for. You want them to be able to communicate solutions that will match your budget, schedule and specific project.

8. Does the firm provide 3-D services?

Reading a standard 2-D construction drawing is not easy for most people. 3-D models, animations or images allow you to get an accurate feel of what the designer is envisioning for your project.

9. What other type of project management services do they offer?

Most interior designers and architect offer more than just construction documents. Some firms will offer anything from zoning administration to bid analysis to even web design. Ask the firm what other services you can benefits from, and whether they are included in the original contracts. Most firms charge extra fees for additional services.

10. What will they need you to provide for them?

It is important for you to recognize what your role is in the relationship. Some firms might want more design direction from you, and others might need you to attend a weekly project meeting. Establishing clear expectations from the beginning will help ease communication in the future.

If you have any more questions about hiring an architect or interior designer, feel free to call Studio Fusion at 704-377-9799 or email your questions to contact@studiofusionpa.com.