When to Hire an Interior Designer
Moving into a new home can be overwhelming, and even more so if it’s a vacation home because you’re managing all the details from a distance. If you’re wondering when is the best time to bring on an interior designer, it’s as soon as you think you’ll need help! I always recommend working backwards from any deadlines you might have, leaving some cushion, especially for projects that involve construction.
Start Early
Clients often ask me when is the best time to bring in an interior designer, and the one rule of thumb I have is the earlier the better. I love to be involved in the project from the beginning to act as a consultant and source of guidance for my clients. My priority is to protect my client’s investment in their home and bring their vision to life in ways they may not have even known were possible. When you’re investing in a home that will be in your family for generations to come, taking your time is worth it.
LEAD TIME
My design process is done in two-phases and includes revisions. This ensures my clients are one-hundred percent in love with everything in the space. Being involved from the very start allows me to collaborate with builders, contractors, and architects to make sure all the foundational elements make sense for everyday living and will withstand the test of time.
I like to factor about 4 months into my timelines for the design process. Furniture lead times vary throughout the year, but generally, I advise clients to account for a 4-6 month lead time for furnishings. That puts us at about 8-10 months out for a project to be set in motion, and it’s important to factor in construction timelines (which can often be a wildcard).
Regardless of whether we are ordering custom or ready-made for your project, the industry is still seeing long lead times due to supply chain issues. As a full service designer, I handle the whole process, from sourcing, ordering, tracking, and overseeing delivery on installation day so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
THE FULL SERVICE DESIGN PROCESS
During my two-phase design process, I help clients with the overarching elements of their plan like paint palettes, lighting, window, treatments, and floor plans, down to small details that bring a space together. Here’s an outline of my full service design service process:
Intro Phase (2 weeks)
Initial call
Initial home/project site visit
Budget is calculated (flat design fee + furnishings)
Meeting to discuss budget and sign service agreement
Conceptual Design Phase (2 months)
Design development and presentation
Client review and feedback
Detailed Design Phase (2 months)
Final selections made
Client reviews final design
Client review and feedback
Final design approved
Purchasing and Execution Phase (4-6 months)
Orders placed
Meetings with contractors and trades
Installations
THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT
If I could offer one takeaway from this blog, it’s that, in general, expect at least 8-10 months to see your design project through to fruition, and if you’re wondering when to bring in an interior designer: the sooner the better. Submit a Project Inquiry Form today.