When I was an apparel buyer in NYC, people assumed that my primary job responsibility was shopping. That was so not the case! Now that I am an interior designer, I am finding that similar misconceptions exist. Many people seem unaware of all of the benefits of hiring and working with an interior designer. While we do spend time shopping for clients, interior designers do so much more. Today’s blog post covers just a few of what I believe to be the many benefits of having an interior designer on your team.

Reason #1 to Hire an Interior Designer:

You are their priority.

One of the questions I get asked most is “Why pay for an interior designer when so many stores offer free design services?” While I could dedicate an entire post to this topic, the most important reason is that YOU are the priority when you hire an interior designer. Their goal is to create a custom space that meets your aesthetic, lifestyle and distinct functional needs. On the other hand, if you choose to enlist the help of a specific store that offers free design services, selling that store’s products becomes a top priority. If you have ever received free design services from a store, then you are aware that the items they suggest to you are available for purchase at their store. If you only shop at one store, free design services may be a good option for you.

Reason #2 to Hire an Interior Designer:

They have professional knowledge.

When you hire an interior designer, you’re not just getting someone who knows how to make a space look pretty. You are hiring someone with an in-depth knowledge of the profession. Professional interior designers have gone to school and have been trained to understand both the art (design) and the science (psychology) behind good design. Many professional interior designers also belong to professional organizations such as ASID which require that they complete a minimum number of continuing education units (CEUs) in order to maintain their membership. They are actually required to continue learning.

Reason #3 to Hire an Interior Designer:

They know how to determine a client’s style and needs.

Interior designers have been taught how to determine a client’s style and needs through something called programming. Programming is a process in which information is gathered and then analyzed in order to create a basis for design. During programming, the designer will ask questions in order to gather information regarding all aspects of a client’s relationship with their space. This information helps the designer understand many things including the client’s style, how they utilize their home, how to accommodate their lifestyle, how to organize the home and how to make the rooms more useful.

Reason #4 to Hire an Interior Designer:

They provide objectivity and solutions.

It is not uncommon that a client’s relationship to their home is so intimate that they are unable to see what may be right in front of them. Interior designers are able to objectively provide guidance, advice and solutions that the client might not even know exist. We can help clients see the forest through the trees.

Reason #5 to Hire an Interior Designer:

They understand how to work through opposing tastes and priorities.

It is not uncommon to have two clients with different design styles or priorities. Interior designers are able to help clients reason through what they would like to accomplish and what resources they have to spend while still policing style and combinations with consistent design principles.

Reason #6 to Hire an Interior Designer:

They know how to identify the focal point of each room.

Interior designers know how to identify the focal point in each room and how to design with that in mind to create interest.

Reason #7 to Hire an Interior Designer:

They know how to set priorities.

If clients wish to do their project in phases, interior designers can recommend how to allocate your “design dollars” without compromising the design. We can advise on which parts of a design solution should come first and how to get the most bang for your buck.

Reason #8 to Hire an Interior Designer:

They have resources and discounts that are not available to the public.

There are manufactures and products that only sell “to the trade.” This means that we have access to accessories, fabrics, fittings, fixtures and furniture that others do not. We are also given special pricing at most retailers so that we are able to purchase for less.

Reason #9 to Hire an Interior Designer:

They save you time.

There are too many choices and not enough time. Interior designers are able to narrow your choices and show you what solutions will work best based on your design solution. This will save you time and unnecessary confusion.

Reason #10 to Hire an Interior Designer:

They help you save money.

Our knowledge helps clients avoid costly mistakes like purchasing furniture that is the wrong size for their space or that does not match the existing furniture that they wanted to incorporate into their new design. Also, we shop for deals and purchase for less.

Reason #11 to Hire an Interior Designer:

They create spaces that are designed to fit you.

When a space is professionally designed with you and your needs in mind, it functions uniquely for you and the life that you live in that space.