6 Tips On How to Choose a Great Designer

Finding the perfect fit in a designer might be the most important part of beginning the remodeling process. It can be scary and nerve-racking to try and find the perfect one, but it will make the rest of the journey that much easier if you have someone by your side guiding you through the whole process.

A great designer will be able to see the project before it is done and give you great advice on what to select. So how do you hire the right designer when there are so many to choose from? Follow our tips below, and you are sure to find a designer who will be your remodeling bestie!

Choosing a Designer: First, Find Your Style

Nailing down your own style before trying to hire a designer will help you express your likes and dislikes to the designer in a clearer way. Being open and honest about this at the beginning can prevent headaches and misunderstanding later down the road. Being confident in your own style will also make it easier to stand your ground if a designer tries to push their own preferences on you.

Look at their portfolios

Houzz is a great place to go to find and read designer portfolios in your area. Check to see if the designer has already designed a space that fits your style. This can put your mind at ease knowing that they already get what you want and can deliver it as well.

Check for certifications

Just like with any professional you would hire, certifications are a great way to see what kind of education or training a designer has gone through. Though experience is the most important training a designer can get, courses and classes are where the groundwork is laid. Certifications can also prove that they are up to date on all that is trendy and new!

Interview designers

When you’ve gone through Houzz and found a few promising candidates, it’s time to start the interview process. Meet up with the designers to ask them about their past projects and how they like to go about designing a space. Talk about your style and get their thoughts and feedback on what you’re looking to create. This is the time to really get to know the designer and to simply see if you like them!

Ask lots of questions, ask for referrals

During the interview or in a follow-up email after the interview, ask for references. Someone who has worked with the designer will be able to tell you what it was really like to work with them. Ask them if they designer was enjoyable to work with, or if they would hire them again if they needed to hire another designer. Dive deeper into how to designer treated them and their home.

Make sure you click

While getting to know the designer you may or may not feel an instant connection, and though this isn’t a lifelong relationship, it is important that you click with your designer. Getting along and even becoming friends with your designer will make the whole process more enjoyable and way more likely to end with you in love with your new space.

Looking for a great designer not a good one? Find out how to tell the difference by clicking the link below and read our blog: The Difference Between a Good Designer and A Great Designer.