Why should I hire an Interior Designer?
What qualifications should I consider when I’m looking for a design firm?
What is the difference between an Interior Designer and a decorator?
What is the difference between an Interior Designer and an architect?
How long does it take to complete a project?
Do you hire and manage contractors?
Can I hire my own contractors?
How do you charge for your services?
Why should I hire an Interior Designer?
Hiring an Interior Designer can not only save you time, we can actually save you money. Since this is what we do day in and day out, we are constantly researching and discovering new sources and suppliers for products and services. We understand and have experience with all of the details that the project will entail and we provide options that you may not have thought about. Since we plan for the future, we will incorporate into today’s design where you want to be in 5 years. This way you can enhance rather than replace down the road. We also know how to work within your budget and have the resources to accomplish your goals.
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What qualifications should I consider when I’m looking for a design firm?
When you’re hiring a design professional the qualifications will depend on the scope of services (see below). Typically you will want a designer who has the combination of education, training and experience. Illinois law states that no individual may call themselves an Interior Designer without completing the NCIDQ exam and receiving a Registered Interior Design License. You should also consider how well you relate to the designer and ensure that the person you hire listens to your goals and understands that ultimately the space that is designed is for you and should function according to your lifestyle.
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What is the difference between an Interior Designer and a decorator?
Interior Designers must complete a combination of 6 years education and experience. Several states have practice and title acts in place that require the interior designer to pass the NCIDQ exam and be a licensed professional They are trained in space planning many times utilizing computer aided design software. Designers and decorators can both be proficient with artistic style and, style and atmosphere, the Interior Designer will also have a comprehensive understanding of:
o NFPA Fire Codes related to Flame spread ratings, smoke, toxicity and fire rating classifications and materials
o Other National, State and Local building codes
o ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities Standards
o Life Safety and Ergonomics
o Lighting quality and quantity
o Audio and sound transmission
A decorator works only with decoration - paint, fabric, furnishings, lighting and other materials. Because no license is required, upholsterers, housepainters, and other trades people also claim the name "decorator."
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What is the difference between an Interior Designer and an architect?
Interior Designers and Architects work hand in hand in the completion of a successful project. Many new buildings are designed not as completed objects, but as "shells" into which tenants and others create their own design. The “shell” would have been designed by the architect, including the structural, mechanical and electrical while the interior can be finished out by the Interior Designer.
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How long does it take to complete a project?
The total time for a design project has many variables. We will provide you with a timeline based upon our current work load, however below is typical timeframe:
o Initial meeting after 1st contact – 1 to 2 weeks
o Project start date – this will depend on our current workload (we do provide a project timeline for you when our proposal is accepted).
o First presentation – design concept presentation is normally within 3 to 4 weeks after we start your project. This gives us time to create the design, order in any samples and put together the first presentation.
o Second presentation – design development presentation. This the presentation that will include all of the details of the project that have been finalized based upon the design concept presentation. This typically takes about 2 weeks to complete.
o Final steps include interviewing and hiring contractors, placing orders for specified items and periodic site visits to ensure the work is being completed to specification.
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Do you hire and manage contractors?
We have a general contractor that we can refer to you or we will work with you and your selected contractor to ensure that all of the details are built/installed according to our design.
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Can I hire my own contractors?
Of course, we understand that the work being completed will be in your home and we encourage you to interview and hire any contractors you’re comfortable with.
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How do you charge for your services?
The pricing for our services is on an hourly plus commission basis. Each project is quoted based upon the amount of time we estimate.
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