Do you want to do a renovation: how to choose an interior designer?

You have decided to do a designer renovation and are ready to invite a specialist to the site. But you haven't chosen anyone yet, and it's still not entirely clear how to pick one. We asked designer Dasha Ukhlinova.

Dasha Ukhlinova is an expert in interior design and founder of Dasha Ukhlinova Studio

Decide why you need a designer

Are you hiring a designer for idea search or implementation? A beginner designer can help with ideas, but a professional will handle the realization.

Often, designers have experience in implementation, but these projects don't appear in their portfolio. Or there are only photos quickly taken on a phone during construction or furniture placement. Ask the designer about the construction, meet with the foreman and discuss the future project in terms of engineering and technical solutions.

Ask friends and acquaintances

You can look for recommendations based on reviews online and portfolios. It's important that you feel trust and psychological comfort. For example, last year I had a potential client who found it hard to trust designers due to a negative past experience. But without trust, it's impossible to work together.

Meet in person

Discuss all possible questions before signing a contract. Ask how intermediate and final results look like and what documentation is involved. The clearer and more accessible the working drawings, the easier it will be for builders. Also don't forget to ask how and in what quantity changes are made to the project.

Sign a contract

If a designer doesn't sign a contract, doesn't specify exact timeframes, scope and course of work and other details, it's not advisable to work with them.

Carefully review all clauses before signing. For example, in my contract each stage is divided into several parts depending on the amount of work involved. And if it becomes necessary to terminate the contract, this decision will be financially comfortable for both parties.

Bonus: what is included in a good design project?

• Plans: measurement plan and furniture placement, lighting plans, floor plans, finishing plans, plumbing and tiling plans.
• High-quality visualizations — 3D images of the finished interior. This item is not mandatory — it all depends on the client's preferences.
• Recommendations for selecting decor.