Answers to frequently asked interior design questions:
What is the benefit of hiring an Interior designer?
- Interior Designers are trained to plan and manage the different facets of a project from inception to completion, keeping the client’s budgetary parameters in check.
- Designers are service providers and can work in a collaborative setting with the clients, contractor, subcontractors and trades people to bring about the desired finish.
- Designers have a trained eye and can create a design concept to bring about a unique and personalized result to your home or project by culling through an array of choices and selecting the most appropriate items for your project.
- Designers provide timely solutions to issues that can occur during construction or renovation projects thus allowing the project to progress without losing valuable work time from contractors.
- Designers balance the creative aspect of a design project along with their services to bring long term value to their clients.
When is the best time to hire an interior designer?
The optimum time for the designer to get involved is before the project begins or during the early stages of planning. Determining placement for items such as electrical, lighting and plumbing will allow for greater furniture flexibility, and traffic flow. Small details can make all the difference in any project.
What are the most important considerations when hiring an Interior Designer?
A good fit between the client(s) and the designer is critical to a successful project. Projects can span weeks or months and having a trusting relationship helps ensure that on site decisions are taken care of if things don’t go as planned. Because you have established that trust, you can be reassured that your designer will handle the issues and bring about a satisfactory resolution.
How can the client and the designer work best to achieve optimum results?
The first phase of a project is the programming phase. Sharing with your designer your likes and dislikes, color preferences, how you live in your space, what your desires and priorities are and any special needs that you may have will ensure that the designer is making the correct choices for your design project.
Collecting images that inspire you from websites and magazines is a perfect way to share your style.
Establishing your budget at the beginning of the project allows for an open and honest relationship with the designer. Designers can determine the allocation of the budget so that you get the most from your decorating/design dollars.
Making decisions in a timely fashion ensures that the project progresses.
Be candid if/ or when you don’t like the selections the designer is showing you. It is your space and you want to love the products that are going in that space.
How would you describe the design style of your Interiors Company?
I love interiors that can stand the test of time. A space dictates its needs based on its size and functionality. Infusing each space with the right amount of color, texture and classic proportions is my ultimate goal. I find nature so inspiring and as a result I love to create harmony between the interior and the exterior spaces by using appropriate doors and windows to capture natural light. I love well edited interiors so that objects can be seen and appreciated, classic lines and beautiful accessories adored. Most importantly is the goal is to reflect the client’s tastes and preferences within the design project.
How do you price a project?
Each project is unique in its scope of work, duration and physical location. All these elements influence the design fee. Many clients prefer their projects be priced using a flat rate fee with optional levels of service available. Flat rate fees represent the estimation of time and resources that are needed to complete the project. For smaller projects or those looking for guidance we offer an hourly rate as well as a onetime fee.
How do you source and purchase products for your clients?
Once the design concept and the budget have been determined we take an inventory of the clients existing furniture and accessories to see what they wish to keep and what will work in the new design.
If the client chooses, we will select options for furnishings, materials and accessories and provide the quotes and timelines for ordering and delivery.
Occasionally a client will choose to handle this task by shopping on their own through their own retail and online resources.
For additional questions or to discuss your project please
E-mail: info@pamchathaminteriors .com or
Call 919-967-5065