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Choosing an interior designer is a personal decision that affects both the outcome and the experience. Comparing multiple designers helps identify the best fit for your project, style, budget, and working preferences. Beyond portfolio quality, consider communication style, process, and compatibility.

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What to Look For

Review the designer’s previous work:
  • Variety of styles (can they adapt?)
  • Quality of execution
  • Projects similar to yours
  • Before and after comparisons
  • Published or award-winning work
Look for work that resonates with your aesthetic goals.
Consider alignment with your preferences:
  • Do you like their aesthetic?
  • Can they work in your preferred style?
  • Are they adaptable or have a signature look?
  • Do their projects feel livable?
Background and qualifications:
  • Years in practice
  • Education and training
  • Professional certifications (ASID, IIDA, NCIDQ)
  • Specializations relevant to your project
  • Awards or recognition
How they work with clients:
  • Clear explanation of process
  • Responsive communication
  • Organized and professional
  • Collaborative approach
  • Flexibility and problem-solving
Reputation with past clients:
  • Online reviews
  • Client testimonials
  • References available
  • Repeat clients (sign of satisfaction)

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Questions to Ask

  • How long have you been in business?
  • How many projects do you take on at once?
  • Who will work on my project (just you or a team)?
  • What is your design philosophy?
  • What types of projects do you specialize in?
  • What is your typical process?
  • How long does a project like mine usually take?
  • How do you communicate with clients?
  • How often will we meet or check in?
  • What decisions will you need from me?
  • How do you handle changes or revisions?
  • What is your fee structure?
  • What is included in your fee?
  • How do you handle furnishing purchases?
  • What is your markup or trade discount policy?
  • What payment schedule do you require?
  • What is a realistic budget for a project like mine?
  • Have you done projects similar to mine?
  • What excites you about this project?
  • What challenges do you see?
  • How would you approach my space?
  • Can you work within my budget?
  • What timeline would you anticipate?
  • Are you licensed and insured?
  • Do you have contractor relationships?
  • How do you handle issues or problems?
  • What if I’m not happy with a selection?
  • Can you provide references?

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Evaluating Fit

You’ll work closely with your designer. Consider:
  • Do you feel comfortable with them?
  • Do they listen to you?
  • Do they explain things clearly?
  • Do you trust their judgment?
  • Would you enjoy working together?
Assess how they communicate:
  • Responsive to inquiries
  • Clear and organized
  • Respects your time
  • Keeps you informed
  • Open to questions
Consider whether you align on:
  • Budget approach (value-focused vs luxury)
  • Timeline expectations
  • Decision-making process
  • Quality standards
  • Sustainability priorities (if important to you)

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Reference Checks

  • How was your overall experience?
  • Did the project stay on budget?
  • Did the project stay on timeline?
  • How was communication throughout?
  • How did they handle challenges?
  • Are you happy with the result?
  • Would you hire them again?
  • Is there anything you’d change?
  • Hesitation or qualified praise
  • Budget or timeline issues
  • Communication problems
  • Difficulty reaching designer
  • Quality concerns
  • Reluctance to recommend

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Contract Review

Before signing, understand:
  • Scope of services
  • Fee structure and total estimate
  • Payment schedule
  • Timeline and milestones
  • What’s included vs extra
  • Change order process
  • Cancellation policy
Ensure clarity on:
  • Number of revisions included
  • How additional fees are handled
  • Communication expectations
  • Decision timeline requirements
  • What happens if scope changes
Contract should address:
  • Insurance and liability
  • Ownership of designs
  • Confidentiality
  • Dispute resolution
  • Termination process

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Making the Decision

Weight these based on your priorities:
  • Portfolio and style fit
  • Experience with similar projects
  • Fee structure and budget fit
  • Communication quality
  • Personal compatibility
  • References and reputation
  • Availability and timeline
Beyond objective criteria:
  • Did they understand your vision?
  • Do you feel confident in their abilities?
  • Are you excited to work with them?
  • Did they seem genuinely interested?
The relationship matters as much as the resume.
The cheapest option isn’t always best value:
  • Consider quality and experience
  • Factor in potential mistakes avoided
  • Think about the process, not just outcome
  • Budget appropriately for good design

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Starting the Relationship

Begin with clear communication about:
  • Your priorities and must-haves
  • Budget constraints
  • Timeline requirements
  • Communication preferences
  • Decision-making process
Successful projects require:
  • Open, honest communication
  • Timely decisions
  • Respect for expertise
  • Flexibility when needed
  • Trust in the process
Interior designer selection checklist:
  • Review portfolio for style fit
  • Verify credentials and experience
  • Interview at least 2-3 designers
  • Ask all key questions
  • Get written fee proposal
  • Contact references
  • Review contract thoroughly
  • Assess personal compatibility
  • Confirm availability and timeline
  • Trust your instincts

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