Why do I need an interior designer?

An Interior Designer is a trained professional who creates and designs interior spaces which are aesthetically attractive and functional. An Interior Decorator, on the other hand, views interior design with a largely cosmetic approach using decorative elements to merely rearrange existing spaces.

What is the difference between an Interior Decorator and an Interior Designer?

Whether you’re planning new offices/houses, or renovating your old ones, the investment is considerable. Wrong decisions could leave you with expensive mistakes long after the project is completed. A skilled professional with the requisite qualifications, resources and expertise, will ensure that the job is done right, within budget and on time.

Do Interior Designers increase budgets?

With years of specialized education and training, coupled with practical experience in their field, interior designers are capable of bringing the construction costs down considerably. Most importantly, they can guarantee you value for money. Design solutions that ensure minimum wastage, assisting clients to get discounts from suppliers, and verifying contractors’ bills, contribute largely to achieving a reduction in wastage. A professional who can work within the given budget is a true professional in every aspect. Also its not only money which makes sites attractive, its planning and creativity which actually works.

Right time to appoint a Designer is?

An architect work on spaces on the other hand Interior Designer works on life. The ideal time should be during the planning stage, i.e. before the actual construction of the building or along with the appointment of architect(in case of new building). Consider creating the door and window openings as per the desired layout of the bed, the wardrobe and the chairs, rather than trying to ill-fit the bed in a existing small bedroom with fixed movement areas!! This additionally saves upon money involved in making structural changes at a later date.

How early can we start work-at-site from the day of commissioning the designer?

It is in the interest of the client, to let the designer freeze most of the paper work, identifying the materials to be used, as much as the respective contractors, before starting the actual site work. It is better than trying to hurry up initially and then increasing upon the costs due to the subsequent delays in work and the ever-changing layouts.

How long will it take for the project to complete?

Completion of the project depends upon various factors like the scope of work, complexity of the design, your own ability to make decisions using choices provided by the designer, level of planning done before actual construction, time at your disposal and flow of money.

How can the designer help me in procurement of the materials?

Material procurement is something that we leave to our clients. However, if desired, we can assist the client in procuring quality material at the best possible price. Either way, we operate strictly on a fee-to-service basis and pass on all professional discounts and commissions to our clients, therefore protecting the clients’ interests at all times. Full support is provided in procurement of materials which requires selection (i.e.Tiles, Electrical, Furnishings, etc.)

How does the designer go about the initial consultations?

At a retention fee, which is adjusted in the actual fee amount, we take up the site measurement, come up with options for the basic plan and hold initial meetings with the client so as to enable ourselves to know each other better. This also helps us to arrive at the final estimated cost, which is based on the client’s brief and requirement. Our fee is generally an amount decided by us in lump sum rather than as percentage, so as to avoid any kind of influence on the total project cost.

Can cost be determined before the beginning of a project?

Certainly. There are two ways of achieving this. We’ve developed our own hands-on system to take the guesswork out of interior design budgeting. Using a systematic approach, all the items of work are clearly specified, quantified and budgeted. Prior to the starting of the project, we provide the client a final cost estimate. In a scenario, where there is a limited budget, we can always work backwards and create the best possible design solution within the given cost. We are always sensitive to our clients’ budgets.

I don’t know what style I want can you still help?

If you don’t know what style you want then an Interior Designer still helps you with them documents like maps, images and blue print etc. This will help you to select and make your mind to set up about your design.