Guide to the services offered by an interior designer

Do your research and ask lots of questions

Browse designers' websites. You can view their past work on-line and learn more about the services they offer and fees. Once you have a list of candidates, contact them directly to ask about their work and discuss your needs. Ask to see their portfolio and get references from previous clients.
Make sure the designers clarify their fees structure. The first consultation, during which they assess your needs, is usually free of charge. After that, fees vary considerably. Some designers charge a fixed design fee for smaller projects. If the project is more complex, or the client is unsure about what they want, the designer might insist on charging by the month or by the hour. Fixed design fees, including plans and fabric samples, start in the region of £500 per room. Hourly rates for consultancy and project management start at £50.
BIDA recommends you get at least three quotes before you make a decision to hire. It also advises you check the designer is covered by professional indemnity, public liability and employers' liability insurance. This is required of all BIDA members and ensures that, if something does go wrong, and the designer is at fault, you can claim compensation.
Find out if the designer offers a design-only service, if this is what you want. Some designers insist you sign up for the full, implementation service.

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If you do want a full service, including project management, make sure the trades people the designer works with are fully accredited. Also ask whether the client or the designer is responsible for contracting them. Usually the designer will recommend the subcontractor, but the client will hire the subcontractor, who insures their own work.
The designer, in turn, may ask you a lot of detailed questions about yourself, your family and your lifestyle. Don't be put off by this apparent intrusion – the better the designer understands your needs and expectations, the easier it will be to meet them. In fact, you should be wary of a designer who doesn't ask a lot of questions – they might be more interested in their own agenda than in yours.
Try to develop a clear idea of what you want to achieve from the design project, before you choose your designer. It's also a good idea to do some research on the industry in general. You will feel more confident about the process if you know how it works and it should help to lower costs. If you already have the details of the supplier of a particular sofa you are keen on, this will save time and money. Some designers might not appreciate your legwork, but a good designer will welcome your initiative.

Money, Money, Money

Once you have chosen your designer, it's important to have your budget worked out before they start making detailed plans. Make sure it's an amount you are completely happy to spend to achieve what you want. It's a good idea to have a 10 -15% contingency fund, which will allow for any unforeseeable problems that might crop up. This is particularly important if the project involves building, plumbing or electrical work, where structural problems might be an issue.
You should always be upfront and honest with your designer about your budget. Setting precise, spending limits from the start will mean fewer misunderstandings and less wasted time further down the line.
Many people are unrealistic about budgets and don't realise how costs can add up, especially on big projects. Your designer will do their best to accommodate your wishes. If your budget really won't stretch to meet all your needs, don't give up altogether. Your designer might be willing to spread the work over a longer period, giving you more time to find the money. Or they could try to find another way to achieve your desired look at a lower cost.
Be willing to compromise, but let the designer know if there is something you absolutely have to have. If that antique, Japanese, dining table is really important to you, you might have to forgo those designer curtains.

What to expect during the project

You should meet regularly with your designer to go over ideas for the design. If the project is particularly complex, you might meet several times before the final plan is completed. The designer will produce detailed flowcharts, plans and fabric samples, based on a combination of your expectations and their advice.
The designer should consult with you throughout the design stages, making sure you are happy with all the details, including any changes. Make sure you voice any fears or concerns as soon as possible, so they can make the necessary adjustments.
If you have asked the designer to implement the design, they will act as project manager, ordering fabrics and furnishings and liaising with the necessary trades people. Again, you should be actively involved in the process, and the designer should keep you well informed of progress, including any hitches or setbacks.