How to Avoid Mistakes When Choosing a Designer: Anna Muravyova's Opinion

Anna Muravyova in her blog @anutamur published a concise guide on choosing an interior designer. If you want to get the perfect interior (on time and without problems) – take note.

Anna Muravyova is a decorator and designer, member of the Association of Interior Designers and Decorators (АДДИ), author of the book "Recipes for a Happy Interior".

Here are 9 things to pay attention to when hiring a designer:

Appearance

A designer should look like a designer, not an office worker, a gray mouse or a girl looking for a sponsor. Unless, of course, you expect creativity, style and that your husband stays in the family.

Portfolio

Carefully review the designer's portfolio and make sure these are photos of real objects, not 3D visualizations (they can now look very similar, but the difference between them is like the difference between a real woman and a rubber doll). Explanations such as "I work with clients who don't allow photos" – go to the garden!

Taste

You should like the designer's interior and their taste.
Explanations such as "the client insisted on this, I would have done differently", "this is a commercial object", or "the budget was small" – go to the garden!

Competence

After communicating with the designer, you should be completely confident in their competence. Let them explain how they see working with you, what stages of the design project will be, and how the budget will be distributed. If for some reason you doubted the designer's competence, then know: your doubts are justified.

Communication

You should feel comfortable and pleasant with your designer from the very first meeting. A sense of humor and proper literary language are highly appreciated. After all, you will spend more than a year of your life with this person.

Style

A true professional doesn't care what style they work in, because within one style, it can feel cramped. An excessive attachment to one style often indicates rigid thinking and low professionalism. Exceptions from this rule are rare.

Publications in Magazines

Publications in reputable publications indicate the level of the designer. Don't believe that some interiors are for publications and others are for life. All interiors are made for life. But not all are published – only the best ones.

Membership in АДДИ

If a designer is a member of АДДИ (Association of Interior Designers and Decorators), it's like winning the Cannes Lion. I know АДДИ work well, having been its director for three years. I can confidently say: if you choose someone from the Association, you minimize the chance of unpleasant surprises almost to zero. Why "almost"? Because the human factor is still there.

Cost of Services

Don't try to save money on paying the designer. Good professionals always work only for good fees. But a good professional will always advise you on where you can save without pain during construction and furniture purchases.

Also read:

• You're Planning a Renovation: Who to Hire for Design?
  
• What Does a Good Design Project Look Like?
  
• By Categories: 4 Elements of a Good Design Project
  

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