finding a designer

 

Your environment. Your Ideas. Our job to understand.

Interiors can look many different ways, but how they work is more important. Designing environments that satisfy your needs requires understanding of your space and its current and future use.

 


 

 


ASID interior design consultants are trained to deal with more than the furnishings and finishes that go into making a space look wonderful. They use analytical problem-solving skills that focus on your needs and aspirations. Designers listen, understand and ultimately create a space that exceeds your expectations.


Designers act as consultants to ensure you get what you want and need. They'll help you examine your options, create a roadmap, manage the process or anything in between - purchasing, ordering, supervising contractors and overseeing budgets. Interior design consultants are trained to see the big picture and to help you balance your aspirations, functional need and budget.

 

Why hire an ASID interior designer?

ASID interior designers have the training and expertise to manage all the details of your project. They know the importance of listening to your ideas and understanding your needs. From consultation to planning to the finishing touches, they can help you every step of the way, explaining your choices and adding value to your budget.


Find a Colorado ASID interior designer to help you with your project:

 

To find an ASID Designer Nationwide:http://www.asid.org/find/Designer+Referral+Service.htm

What does an interior designer do?

The ASID professional interior designer is qualified by education, experience and examination to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces.

 


 

  • We will take care of the contractors.
  • We know where to find materials that will fit your budget.
  • We can be on-site supervisors while you're at work.
  • We obtain your permits.
  • We will order materials for you.

 

 

For the purpose of improving the quality of life, increasing productivity and protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public, the ASID professional interior designer performs the following services. Practitioners may perform any of all of these services.


 

Programming
  • consult with client to identify scope of work and project goals
  • evaluate existing conditions and available documentation
  • assess project resources and limitations, including budget
  • identify life, safety and code requirements
  • develop project schedules

Design and Documentation
  • formulate preliminary plans and design concepts
  • research history and resources to develop appropriate and creative design solutions
  • measure existing interior spaces and prepare drawings of existing conditions
  • plan and organize public and private space to best utilize its function (space planning)
  • develop appropriate wall, window, floor and ceiling treatments
  • incorporate functional, aesthetic and ergonomic considerations into design solutions
  • incorporate acoustical and psychological considerations into design solutions
  • incorporate the needs of disabled, elderly and other special-needs persons into design solutions
  • maintain compliance with applicable building and safety codes
  • develop budgets
  • select, design and specify interior architectural finishes and architectural elements
  • select, design and specify furniture, fixtures, equipment, art and accessories
  • prepare furniture and equipment layouts and installation diagrams
  • prepare construction documents for non-load-bearing interior construction
  • design and specify lighting; locate and coordinate electrical and communication requirements
  • design and prepare construction documents for custom millwork and built-in furniture
  • develop graphic and signage programs
  • utilize professional resources and qualified vendors
  • collaborate with consultants, specialists and/or licensed practitioners in the areas of mechanical, electrical and load-bearing design, as required for regulatory approval
  • review with and educate client on design solutions and product recommendations
  • prepare bid documentation
  • collect and review bids
  • assist clients in awarding contracts

Contract Administration
  • administer contract documents as the client's agent
  • confirm that required permits are obtained
  • review and approve shop drawings and samples to assure consistency with the design concepts
  • coordinate with project contractors, architects, engineers, consultants and suppliers
  • conduct on-site visits and field inspections to monitor the progress of the project and compliance with the design documents
  • manage and/or coordinate the installation of interior architectural finishes
  • manage and/or coordinate the fabrication and installation of custom millwork and built-in furniture
  • manage and/or coordinate the installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment
  • manage and/or coordinate the fabrication and installation of interior decor (window coverings, special ceiling treatments, art accessories, etc.)
  • prepare and administer orders for interior design products

Evaluation
  • review and evaluate construction and installation upon completion, as representative of and on behalf of the client
  • prepare a punch list of deficiencies in construction, products and installation, as representative of and on behalf of the client
  • conduct a post-occupancy evaluation

 


How to hire an interior designer

What Is My Role In the Design Process?

 


Before contacting an interior designer, take some time to think about what you want and what you need. The first step in this process is to consider some questions that an interior designer will ask regarding your project:


  • For whom is the space being designed?
  • What activities will take place there?
  • How long do you plan to occupy the space?
  • What is your time frame?
  • What is your budget?
  • Are you relocating or remodeling?
  • What image do you want to project?
  • What is the approximate square footage to be designed (for commercial projects)?

Also, be sure to consider the positive and negative aspects of the space.


If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't worry. Your interior designer will lead you through the design process. Keep in mind the more information you provide, the more successful your designer will be in meeting your needs and expectations. You may want to reference other visual images (photos, postcards, corporate logos, magazine photographs) or environments that reflect your aesthetic and functional criteria.


The second step is to interview designers. Interview several designers to become familiar with differences in personality, style and business methods. Take this opportunity to acquaint the designer with your project ideas. Keep in mind you will be working closely with the designer and you will want someone that you feel will make the right choices according to your specifications and will listen to your ideas and concerns. Ask to see the designer's portfolio and request a list of relevant experience and c lient references. During an interview, you may want to:


  • Inquire about the designer's education, training, experience, professional affiliations and other credentials.
  • Ask about other services the designer can provide and what can be done to help you optimize your understanding of the cost of the project.
  • Discuss project duration or deadlines and what the designer's availability is for taking on the project within the desired timetable.
  • Establish parameters for updates and on-going communication between you and the interior designer.
  • Discuss the designer's fee structure.

Overall, look for educated and accredited interior designers who can demonstrate their creativity and talent.


The third step is to hire the designer. Once you've interviewed the designers, take time to compare their estimates. Don't base your decision on price alone. Keep in mind that differences in each proposal reflect variables such as level of service and quality of merchandise. After the designer is hired, you need to address specific project needs and goals. You will share ideas and the designer will lend insights and observations to your ideas to identify the overall scope of the project. During this proce ss, your design professional will:


  • Communicate concepts and help you understand the design process
  • Srticulate your ideas
  • Help you to visualize the finished product

The more input you provide, the easier it becomes for an interior designer to respond with additional ideas and to create spaces that will meet your aesthetic, functional and budgetary goals. Are Contracts Important?


Contracts are very important because they allow both you and the designer to define the scope of your project. A contract allows you to specify who will be responsible for what, how long the project will last and what the budget limits will be. It is in your best interest to have a signed contract before any work begins or any money is exchanged. How Much Is This Going to Cost?


It depends on what you want. There are many variables including the size of the project (one room or whole house?), quality of products selected (custom or prefabricated cabinets?), and the timeframe in which the project needs to be completed (two weeks or two months?). Developing the budget is a partnership between the client and the designer. As the client, you should have an active role in developing the budget. If you're unsure about costs, your designer can help. Be honest with your designer about yo ur budget. A professional designer assesses your needs and helps you determine where to spend and where to save, prioritizing expenses while creating an interior that is within your budget. Also, remember that not everything has to be completed at once. Your designer can develop a long-range plan, consult with you to establish a list of priorities and determine a time line for accomplishing your project.