What can I expect at the initial design consultation?

The first meeting with the designer usually takes about one hour. This meeting takes place at the proposed design site or a place of your choosing if you’re in the planning stage of new construction to define a project guideline and allow the designer to view the rooms or space you’ve decided to design or redesign. An important aspect of this initial consultation is the opportunity for you as the client, to share your vision of the space, as well as your lifestyle and personal preference. Following this initial visit, the designer will begin researching the project’s design needs and schedule a second appointment to review and finalize the design concepts for your project.

How will the designer know what I really like?

Communication is the key to a successful design project. A good designer can get a good idea of your taste and personality in the first few sessions you schedule. You’ll need to show him/her your current space, point out those things about it that you love and those that you really don’t. The designer should ask you about your hobbies, your family, color preferences, what type of pet(s) you may have; if you entertain frequently and other topics of that sort. Knowing these things about you help a designer get a start on design ideas specific to you and your personality and needs.

Will I be able to control the project budget once it starts?

Of course. This is your space, your money. Once you’ve have a few meetings with your designer, you’ll begin putting together a budget for items important to design completion. As we all know, budgets seem to change as a project progresses. Your designer should make you aware of any significant cost changes in either direction so that you can make the final purchase decision of any item or service.

Do I have to know a lot about design to make decisions about my project?

In a word, no. Of course if design is something you’re particularly interested in, you should be involved at any level most suited to you and your time constraints. However, a designer’s job is to “bring everything to you,” so to speak. A designer can open your eyes to things you were unaware of, styles, colors or finishes you have never seen but fall in love with. A good designer can broaden your interests and enhance your knowledge of design but never impose their own personal tastes on you or your project.