How to select a designer? North NJ area.

8 years ago

I'm contemplating hiring a designer. However in NJ alone there are 398 choices near me (Montclair NJ)

I don't know how to begin selecting one. I don't know any friends who've hired one so a referral isn't an option. I'm also reluctant to contact one because I don't even know what they would charge and if it's within our budget. Many of the designers I saw on Houzz have fees of $10,000 or more. Is that the all in cost or just their design fee? Looking for advice from pros and people who have worked with a designer in my area. What did you pay all in? My style is transitional.

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Comments (3)

PRO
INTERIORS BY MARLA
8 years ago
Lyzeth, just contact several. Look at their projects and see if you like their style. A good designer does not have one style, but should be flexible to what you envision and want. Make a list of the projects and areas you want to address, and think of the maximum realistic amount of money you want to invest. Some designers charge a flat fee based on projects. Designers like myself charge hourly consulting fees and you pay as you go. When you speak on the phone, ask if they do complimentary initial meetings. That helps to see if you click and learn their terms.

I wish you were in southwest Florida. I would help you to get going. Just do it... Costs you nothing to call and feel out some of them.
PRO
Pro Skill Construction
8 years ago
Hi Lyzeth - We're near you and happy to help! What are you looking for a designer to do for you? Strictly redecorating? Design/Build?
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PRO
Clearstory Imaging
8 years ago
I work quite a bit with designers and creatives across multiple mediums and unfortunately every designer does things a little different on the business end. I would be careful not to let the concern with cost overpower your decision making. The market should dictate the cost. When you think about it, the designer is there to take a small portion of your budget to determine how the rest of the budget is used and to hopefully maximize the creativity of your construction dollars. The designer protects your ROI (return on investment), while adapting your project to fit your lifestyle. When interviewing designers, focus on their approach, their styles and how they deliver and communicate the ideas they have to you. Find out if they work independently or have a staff of specialists. Find out what the deliverables are in exchange for the cost. Hiring the right designer will pay for itself.

If you are going to employ multiple creatives or have a multi year plan for your projects, then consider hiring an imaging professional such as myself to help fill in the blanks and tie all the design data back to a centralized virtual replica to insure against miscommunication.... and as a tool you can use to help make the micro design decisions that you are responsible for.

How to select a designer? North NJ area.

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Pro Skill Construction

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