Do I need an interior designer?

Have you ever asked, "What can an interior designer do for me?" or "What kind of interior designer should I hire?" or even "How much do interior designers cost?"

Interior designers live at the intersection of your contractor, other professionals, and you the client. We translate for you, and communicate in terms your GC and architect understand. We are walking "chatbots", knowledgeable about most items in the building envelope and we advocate for you.

However, not all interior designers are qualified because there are NO mandatory laws governing residential interior design anywhere in the USA. Anyone may practice residential interior design, regardless of education or experience, so the responsibility to vet falls to you, the client.

Titles and appellations are misleading. Letters after a designer's name can be bought NOT earned by paying for membership in associations like ASID, IIDA and TAID. States with voluntary designer "registration" issued titles CID (certified interior designer) and RID (registered interior designer) but they were given to designers with NO exam or educational requirements in order to get laws passed. Instead, look for earned qualifications like: B.S. in Interior Design or CMKBD (Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer) through NKBA, or CIDQ (Council for Interior Design Qualifications) the testing organization.

You may ask, "Do I need an interior designer?" Depends on your project. If it is simple, small, in need of single product selections, modest budget replacement of existing items, then perhaps not. DIY may be your best option. However, if you have a healthy budget, are considering an extensive remodel, moving walls, new construction, don't have a GC, have no interest in DIY, are in a time crunch, can't produce your own construction documents, are not knowledgeable of building codes, don't keep up with trends, can't do product procurement, can't manage schedules and deliveries, and don't know what you want or how to communicate it, then YES, hiring an interior designer is best for you. We optimize your budget and maximize your home's resale value.

"What kind of interior designer do I need?" First, hire a qualified and experienced interior designer. For multi-family, vacation properties, hi-rises and any residences, hire a residential designer. I am a CMKBD or Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer, so my expertise is K&B (Kitchen & Bath) and I am also certified in whole house design. For offices, restaurants, and other non-residential properties, look for a commercial designer or dual credentialed interior designer like me. (NV, DC, and PR may have limitations on commercial interior designers.)

"What can an interior designer do for me?" Qualified interior designers create, problem solve, communicate and advocate for you. Once a clear Scope of Work is determined, designers are typically eager to problem solve, make selections, document for the GC and others, and advocate for you during the building process. It isn't a matter of "picking things" or about "matching" or "cute" selections. I prioritize Function Over Form, making certain that designs work as well as look beautiful. I respect your budget, time frame, and family needs. I communicate through CAD drawings, 3D color renderings, monitor, schedule, inspect, receive, deliver and ensure that your items are installed properly. I keep you from making costly errors and advocate on your behalf with other professionals. My drawings below...

When you consider a designer by reviewing their website, remember that credentialed designers can incorporate ALL styles. I lost a prospective client who said I "didn't have enough beige rooms" on my website. It's not that I can't do beige, or don't love beige, but I don't get many requests for it. Same logic applies for your "style". Styles don't have to align as we have many clients who don't allow photography and your style may not be represented in our photos. After the Discovery Call, you should know whether you and the designer are a good fit for a lengthy project.

"Yes, I DO beige."

"How much do interior designers cost?" As with other qualified professionals, fees are typically commensurate with education and experience. Designers charge in different ways: hourly, fixed fee, % charge, square foot charge, per diem charge, cost plus, and any combination of these. Ask your designer for their compensation method. Site location, project size and timetable will also impact the fee. Additionally, make sure your designer carries Professional Liability insurance. Once the Scope of Work is clearly defined, designers will include a fee structure.

Ready for your Discovery Call? Call me. (210) 408-1300. Visit www.kelleybarnett.com.

Happy Designing,

Kelley King Barnett, NCIDQ, CMKBD, B.S. Interior Design UT Austin.