Continued from "Hiring An Interior Designer" by Donna Harmon, Capodimonte Design beginning of article

What will this cost?

Designers are selling their talent--their ability to create great, workable rooms, not just their access to showrooms. There has been a shift from the designer being seen as a furniture salesman to the designer as a professional consultant and therefore more hourly fees are common than a few years ago. Fee structure should reflect both education and experience. Designers' billing methods vary depending upon the designer or the type of project. Options may include any one or combination of the following: Hourly rate. Designers may charge this way for producing a design scheme--hiring and supervising trades persons, shopping, and overseeing orders. Depending on the designer and the region, rates generally range from $50 to $200. Retail vs. net. Decorators may charge their clients the list price (retail) of the goods they purchase. The decorator purchases at net price (wholesale) which can be 10-50% less than retail. Cost-plus. The decorator's markup is consistent and revealed to the client. The decorator charges net price plus commission, often 25-40%, on furnishings as well as on services and sometimes even on construction. Per square foot is typically used more on commercial projects but is sometimes seen on new residential construction. Percentage of the action for the total job can vary from 15-35%. This is a method employed by many architects and sometimes by a designer. All or some of the above. Many designers use one method for their creative skills such as the hourly charge and another such as cost-plus for purchasing goods and services to cover the time they must spend in expediting the wares.

What are the typical steps in a design project?

1. An analysis is made of the current setting and what the new items and work might be.
2. In-depth interviews are conducted with the client and/or family members to determine everyone's needs and desires.
3. A preliminary or information presentation is made. Following this, any adjustments are made.
4. Final plan is presented, including budget proposal.
5. Plan is implemented. Contracts are signed. Contractors are hired, furniture and fabric ordered.

For individuals who just want good advice, a few hours of consultation may be all that is needed. For others who may want long-range planning, a design professional can prepare a Master Plan entailing all selections and schematics. This Master Plan can be established at the front end of any project and then the client has a detailed plan from which to operate most efficiently as their budgets or time allow. My bottom-line advice to you is to research, interview, and then relax. Once you are in the hands of a professional you trust, the decorating/remodeling process can be a fun learning process for all involved. Most of all, approach it with a sense of humor and patience. Accept with tolerance reasonable time delays and perhaps budget adjustments--know that while no project proceeds flawlessly, your design professional is there to minimize the bumpy spots. In the end you will have a project and a new relationship you can enjoy for years.

For questions regarding this article or decorating related questions you’d like to see answered in future articles,
please contact Donna at www.capodimontedesign.com.

© 2000, Capodimonte Design, Printed May, 2000, in the Huntersville Star, Huntersville, NC

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