When Should I Hire an Interior Designer?

When should you bring your interior Designer onto your project?

So you’ve decided to hire an Interior Design professional to help with your next project! Now the next step is to determine who you should hire and when. Once you’ve met with your designer and have found the right fit for your project, you’re probably thinking… When should they start working on your project? The best time to bring on your interior designer for a project depends on several factors but in general, it is recommended to get them involved early as possible. There are many nuances in the design and construction process and it is extremely beneficial to engage with your designer in the initial stages of project planning to ensure you are able to capture all of your design goals. Interior Designers can provide crucial insight that may influence the overall project scope, budget, and timeline. This includes furnishing/decoration projects as well as large renovations & new construction projects.

What if I’m working on a large Renovation or New Construction project?

If you are working on a new construction project or large renovation where having an Architect or Contractor collaboration is necessary, it is always important for the Interior Designer to be involved early in the planning phases. This allows for seamless coordination from the start and they are able to provide advice on interior flow and room positioning for optimal functionality. Designers collaborate with Architects and Engineers to ensure the functional aspects of the space align with the overall design direction and aesthetic. At Shepard Design Studio we specialize in Interior Architecture & Design, where having our skilled eye in the planning stages is necessary for overall functionality, including room adjacencies and effortless flow throughout. Accounting for Interiors upfront will help you understand your overall project costs. Interior elements could include finishes, fixtures, equipment, and often furnishings as well. Having an understanding of project cost holistically is important and will help you prioritize your budget. It is common to go through value engineering exercises to get closer to your ideal budget and it involves collaboration from all parties.

What if I already have a contractor?

If you already have a contractor for your project, we can work in tandem with them throughout the project. However, it is important to know that Interior designers require time to develop a design direction and this may include sketches, plans, renderings, finishes, fixtures & furnishings selection. During a Design-Build project, pre-construction is the initial step where the designer, client, and contractors align on design direction and projected budget. Keep in mind it can take several months to work through the pre-construction/design phases before you are able to begin construction on your project. For larger projects, you may be required to submit plans to the city to obtain all your permits before construction even begins. It is critical that your contractor allocates time for pre-construction allowing all parties to align and move forward in synchronicity. The truth is it’s not always a perfect synchronized dance but we try out best to communicate at every step of the way and be agile throughout the process. Involving the designer early allows for a thoughtful selection of these elements, making sure they align with the concept, budget and functional requirements.

I just moved into my home, when should I bring on an Interior Designer for renovations?

I always tell my clients it’s a good idea to live in your new space for a while before starting any major renovations. That time depends on your preferences, it could be a few months to a year. Having spent time in your home gives you the chance to experience the layout and how it functions, you can get a better idea of what you like and don’t like about the space. You understand how each room flows or doesn’t and which spaces bring in the best natural lighting or could use more. Another key factor is being able to understand which areas you want to prioritize for renovations. Taking time to live in your home beforehand allows you to prioritize the changes based on your actual needs. Certain areas might require more attention while others could be addressed at a later date. Buying a new home is a big financial expense and this can allow you to budget appropriately. We’ve also had clients who knew exactly what they wanted from the get-go and proceeded with renovations prior to moving in. More often these clients have worked with Interior Designers in the past and are familiar with the process.

When can my designer start working on my project?

Remember that the timeline for hiring an interior designer may vary depending on the scope and scale of your renovations. It’s also best to plan ahead of time and book your Interior Designer as they may be booked out several months in advance before they can begin your project. It all depends on their availability; they might be able to begin immediately if you are working on a smaller project but if you are working on a larger renovation or new construction job it is best to plan out 4 months in advance so they can devote time and energy to your project.

While it’s best to involve an interior designer early on in the project they can still make valuable contributions at any stage. However, keep in mind that involving them later might limit their ability to influence major design decisions that have already been made.  Involving an interior designer as soon as possible will help you benefit from their expertise, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure a cohesive and well-designed space.