My client and I were recently huddled in the lobby of the world famous “D&D” (Decorating & Design) Building in New York City. We were wrapped in our long winter coats, scarves tied around our necks, waiting for the elevators to reach us along with a swarm of other souls of similar occupation. We were all designers or clients on a mission, and I was silently praying to be done with it all and back on a plane to Las Vegas.

I thought about our fabulous state-of-the-art Design Center at the World Market and pitied these hard-core New Yorkers having to maneuver their way through this old (though renovated) structure, with its small elevator cabs and narrow and rather dreary hallways. Still, I thought they were ahead of us here in Las Vegas in one important aspect.

These clients knew and appreciated the intrinsic value of working with a professional interior designer and the benefits that can be derived from doing so. They knew the designer was there not only to lead the way, but to explain and encourage, and sometimes even discourage—whatever it took to make the project a success. Yes, working with an interior designer has long been a way of life for people in many of the older, major cities. So with the growth and coming-of-age of Las Vegas as an important international destination, coupled with the proliferation of “design speak” in all forms of the media, the time for a serious and meaningful relationship between designer and client is now at hand.

The Las Vegas Design Center at the World Market will soon be home to many of the most respected design resources available today, and just like design centers in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles, it is a “trade only facility” which means access is limited to design professionals and their guests and/or clients. And so, if you’ve recently been bitten by the design bug and long to find out just what is going on in those big new buildings downtown, then I strongly urge you to think about finding yourself a designer.

There is a distinction between a “decorator” and an “interior designer” that needs to be recognized from the get-go. Interior designers must pass a strict qualifying exam to become licensed to practice. And because no license is required of them, upholsterers, housepainters and other trades people can easily call themselves “decorators.”

Keep in mind that interior design is a comprehensive and all-inclusive process of establishing a room’s overall appearance and design. It involves the selection and placement of all the elements that go into making a room, with attention given not only to the way it looks, but just as importantly, to the way it functions. “Decoration” by its very meaning refers to the use of accessories and to the patterns and textures for the furniture and surfaces in a room. Naturally, one is not superior to the other—both are necessary and work hand in hand. But there are significant differences in training, education and expertise when choosing an interior designer over a decorator.

Remember that you want to achieve the best results possible and that furnishing a home requires a significant outlay of money. No one wants to make poor judgment calls that will lead to financial loss and the necessity of having to redo the project. Unfortunately many homeowners have found themselves in such a lamentable position, no doubt because of the wrong choice of interior designer or decorator. There are steps you can take to help ensure your choice of the right designer for you and your project.

To begin with, interview at least three or four possible designers, either those who have been referred to you by friends or co-workers, or by referrals that can be obtained through a professional organization such as the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) which is the oldest and largest professional organization for interior designers. ASID designers receive the most current information about appropriate materials, technology, building codes, government regulations, flammability standards, design psychology and product performance.

Additionally, make sure that the designers you speak with are listening to you and understand your ideas, needs and concerns. Ask to see the designer’s portfolio and a list of experience and client references. You should also inquire about the designer’s education and training as well as his or her professional affiliations and other credentials. Feel free to discuss deadlines and the designer’s availability for taking on the project within your desired timetable, if you have one. Also remember to discuss budgetary issues and the designer’s fee structure.

In speaking with different designers you will no doubt come to notice that there is no such thing as a “typical fee” for their services. Designers, like other professionals, will differ from one another in their combination of talents, skills, knowledge, experience, personalities, specialty areas and reputations, and these are all factors that will influence what your chosen designer may charge for his or her services.

In talking with other design professionals and after years in my own practice, it seems that most residential designers use one of the following methods—or a combination of these—to determine their fees, and some may even negotiate a fee in order to satisfy a client’s unique situation:

 

Fixed Fee (or Flat Fee). The designer will supply the client with a specific fee that will cover most—if not all—costs involved with his scope of services, not including reimbursement for expenses. This total charge will cover the first stage of conceptual design, all layouts and specifications, as well as the final installation.

Hourly Fee based on the actual time spent by the designer on the project or a specific service.

Cost Plus. The designer will specify and purchase all furnishings and materials (cabinetry, window treatments, floor coverings, etc.) at the “net” or designer cost, which is, in many cases, 40 percent lower than retail pricing. The designer will then resell these items to the client at the price paid by the designer with an additional markup or percentage previously agreed to by the client. This fee will compensate the designer for his or her time and effort.

In addition, few designers (myself included) will begin a project without requiring the client to pay some kind of a “design fee” or retainer. This might be seen as good-faith money or a firm commitment that the client will indeed go forward with the scope of work agreed upon. It also covers the initial time for the designer to create an overall design concept and any preliminary floor plans, layouts, etc. without the concern of the client reneging on the agreement and leaving the designer without payment for the work.

Once you decide on the designer that you would like to work with, be sure to ask for a “letter of agreement” or contract that will cover the scope of the project. The ASID cautions perspective clients “not to make any oral agreements, pay the designer any money, or authorize any work to be done on the project, including giving the designer permission to begin looking for furnishings or researching styles or patterns, until you have an agreement endorsed by both parties.” Sound advice that will help the trust and communication between client and designer grow and make the design process the exciting and gratifying experience it should be.

And finally, once you get past the initial designer’s fee(s), there are still other costs to be considered. When it comes to deciding what a reasonable budget for your project is, no one knows better than you. Don’t be afraid to discuss your budgetary concerns with your designer, always keeping the lines of communication open between you. Never be too shy about asking your designer to help give you the biggest bang for the buck.

At the same time, try to remain realistic and realize that you may have to cut back the scale of the project, or even have the work done in stages. This is not unusual considering the costs in today’s marketplace, so don’t feel embarrassed to suggest this possibility. There are always options when it comes to working within a budget and your designer can certainly suggest worthwhile alternatives. That’s what cost estimates are for and it’s a good idea to request them when there is a cause for concern. Review all estimates and proposals, but never base your decision on price alone. There is much more to consider than just the lowest bid.

We are so lucky here in Las Vegas in that our design options are growing by the day. We have a glorious state-of-the art facility in which to shop, client and designer together, in a time-honored tradition. Allow your designer to take you by the hand and lead you into a wonderful new place where you can experience how the power of design can change your life.