What Do Interior Designers Do?
This is a question I’ve been asked countless times, and I know it’s a question often typed into a search engine. So, let’s talk about it.
What does an interior designer do?
An interior designer is a professional who specializes in the design and planning of interior spaces. They work with clients to create functional and aesthetically pleasing interior environments that meet the needs and preferences of the client.
How does an interior designer make that happen? Let’s look at some of the primary responsibilities of an interior designer.
Meeting with clients to discuss their design preferences, budget, and needs.
Developing design concepts and plans.
Selecting materials, finishes, and furnishings
Preparing cost estimates and proposals
Presenting design plans and materials to clients for approval
Managing project budgets and proposals
Coordinating with contractors and other professionals to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget
Overseeing the installation of design elements to ensure that they are completed as planned
Staying up to date with design trends and new products
Providing consultation and design services for residential and commercial clients
That was a pretty big list—even I can admit that. Let’s break it down.
1. Meeting with clients to discuss their design preferences, budget, and needs.
So often, clients have no idea what they’re looking for, what they like, or how much it’ll cost. Worse yet, they often don’t really see opportunities and problems that can be solved through the right design choices. It’s our job as interior designers to help identify all of the above, bringing focus and clarity to the client’s project.
2. to 4. Developing design concepts and plans. Selecting materials, finishes, and furnishings. Preparing cost estimates and proposals.
These three items go together like peas and carrots. Interior designers do the research, create the design, make the design choices, balance the budget, and pull everything together for a cohesive project.
5. Presenting design plans and materials to clients for approval
Exactly that. We can plan, dream, and hypothesize all day, but we’ve got to sell our design and ideas to our clients. They’ve got to not only be on board but also feel confident and excited about their project’s potential.
6. to 8. Managing project budgets and proposals. Coordinating with contractors and other professionals to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. Overseeing the installation of design elements to ensure that they are completed as planned.
First and foremost, we’re an advocate for our client. We act as a liaison between the client and contractor to help ensure the project is executed to perfection.
9. Staying up to date with design trends and new products.
If we don’t know what’s in style, what works and doesn’t work—who will?
10. Providing consultation and design services for residential and commercial clients.
This one can be tricky because a lot of the time, like doctors and lawyers, we are solicited for free advice—a lot! We love to talk about design, bounce ideas around, and be as helpful as we can. Snag a spot on a designer’s calendar and snag their full, creative attention.
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