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Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re overwhelmed or not sure where to start, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions interior designers are asked right here.
Why hire an interior designer?
An experienced interior designer will guide you to getting the best value for your money. They know what works and what doesn’t and can save you time and money by avoiding costly mistakes.
An interior designer can also be a great project manager, keeping track of all the moving parts of a project and making sure everything stays on schedule. And with years of experience in the industry, an interior designer is likely to have helpful insights about what will and won’t work in your space. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of your project, hiring an interior designer may be the best decision you ever make.
You can find our contact details here.
What does an interior designer do?
An interior designer is someone who plans, designs, and oversees the construction of a space, usually within a building. They are responsible for creating functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing spaces that meet a client’s needs.
They must be able to think creatively and critically and have excellent time-management skills. They know how to keep a project on track, on time, and on budget. They work with clients every day who have different needs and expectations, so they know how to handle the unexpected issues that inevitably arise during the build phase.
How do I choose the right designer for me?
When choosing a designer, it’s important to consider the experience of the designer and how well their style aligns with your own. It’s also important to do your research and read reviews to get an idea of what other clients have said about the designer’s work.
Ultimately, you’ll want to find a designer who you feel comfortable working with and someone who will be responsive to your needs. It’s important to have a good relationship with your designer, as they will be helping to bring your vision to life. So, take the time to find someone who is a good fit for you and your project.
How much should I budget for?
There’s no one answer for this. It depends on a variety of factors, including the size of your build, the finishes you require, and whether you have any specific build requirements. An interior designer’s fees on average are approximately 10% of the final building costs.
We have created a Project Planning Guide to help you formalise those factors and provides handy information that will help you confidently start the journey.
You’ll walk away with answers to key questions and an understanding of the value the right designer can bring to a project.
If my budget, timeline, and scope of project are unrealistic will you let me know?
100%. Being honest and having a trusted working relationship with clients is foundational to us. You cannot make informed decisions about your build or fit-out without realistic expectations. So, we will absolutely be honest with you about where your expectations may deviate from what is realistic to deliver. However, we will also do everything we can to meet your expectations without compromising on quality or the vision you’re tryng to receive.
What interior design services should I expect from my designer?
A professional interior designer will typically provide the following services:
- plans, designs, and oversees the construction of a space Project Leader – The project leader is responsible for overall project planning, design development, and coordination of all team members. They also act as the main contact point between the client and the build team.
- Feasibility –
- Design Concept – The concept phase is where the overall style of the project is created and decided upon. This can include everything from colours, fittings, and fixtures to furniture to accessories.
- Prepare Construction Documentation: Once the design has been finalised, it’s sent off to be built by a contractor.
- Project Liaison – The interior designer will work with the builders, services consultants, and certifiers to ensure the vision is produced and is compliant.
Who should I speak with first – interior designer, architect, or builder?
It depends on your specific needs and what you’re looking for in a renovation. If you’re not sure who to speak with, start with an interior designer. They can guide you to making informed decisions and help you coordinate with other professionals, like a builder or architect.
An interior designer can also be a great project manager, keeping track of all the moving parts of a project and making sure everything stays on schedule. And with years of experience in the industry, an interior designer is likely to have helpful insights about what will and won’t work in your space.
Do you offer free consultations?
We offer a free 30-minute initial consultation which is a great way to get to know us and see if our style and approach are a good fit for your project. It’s also a great opportunity for the designer to learn more about your needs and what you’re hoping to achieve.
Ready to get started? Book a no-obligation initial consultation with us here.
If you’re not quite ready to start interviewing designers yet, no problem! We created a Project Planning Guide that can help get you started on your journey.
Where is your studio based?
Our office is in Milton, a suburb of Brisbane, Queensland, however, we offer our interior design service across Brisbane, Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales.
We have also been known to travel further if we are an amazing fit.
You can find our contact details here.
What information will you need from me to get started?
We understand that our clients’ projects can vary significantly in terms of scope and requirements. Therefore, we greatly appreciate as much information as possible; the more information you can provide us with, the better equipped we will be to execute a successful project. By having a comprehensive understanding of your project’s specifics, we can tailor our approach and deliver optimal results. Think about things like the size of the space, any existing documentation or plans that might be available, any style preferences you have or sample imagery.
How do you collaborate with clients to determine their design needs and preferences?
We value the opportunity to meet with you in person to gain a deeper understanding of the project at hand. If you can provide us with any relevant information beforehand, it would greatly help us optimise our time together and make the most of our collaboration. By equipping us with information in advance, we can ensure that our meeting is productive and focused on achieving the best possible outcome for your project.
What if I want to make changes to the proposed designs?
Our primary goal is to ensure customer satisfaction and provide excellent service. To achieve this, we offer a predetermined number of revisions within your package. As long as there are no significant scope changes, we strive to accommodate your requests and deliver results that please you.
What is your experience with building codes and regulations, and ensuring compliance in commercial spaces?
Having accumulated 23 years of industry experience, we have acquired in-depth expertise in the Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards. These regulations are highly comprehensive, but our knowledge allows us to provide our clients with the confidence that their projects will adhere to all required codes and standards.
We prioritise meticulous attention to detail to ensure our designs meet regulatory requirements. As members of various institutes, we take pride in staying updated on any changes or advancements in the industry, allowing us to deliver the highest level of service to our clients.
How do you ensure that the project stays within budget and on schedule?
Recognising that budgets can vary significantly, we maintain flexibility in our approach. We work closely with each client to design a fit-out solution that meets their specific financial constraints while still delivering on their project goals. Whether the budget is ample or limited, we are dedicated to finding the right balance and providing assistance throughout the entire process.
The project timelines are influenced by the unique requirements of each client. Some clients prioritise fast turnarounds, while others have more flexible timelines. We strive to be vigilant in meeting our clients’ needs, but it is important to educate them about the processes involved and the time required for each build phase.
We recognise that client education plays a crucial role in establishing realistic expectations. By providing a clear understanding of the various stages and their respective durations, we ensure that our clients are well-informed about the timeline of their project. This transparency helps manage their expectations and fosters a collaborative approach throughout the project.
What is your process for collaborating with other professionals involved in the project (e.g. architects, contractors)?
Establish Communication Channels: initiate communication with the team involved to establish effective channels for collaboration. This can include in-person meetings, emails, phone calls, or project management software.
Exchange Design Documentation: Design professionals share relevant design documentation, including architectural drawings, floor plans, and specifications.
Collaborative Design Meetings: We participate in collaborative design meetings with specialised consultants and the project managers. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss design concepts, address technical considerations, and ensure design cohesiveness across disciplines.
Coordination of Services: We work closely with specialised consultants to coordinate various services, such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC requirements.
Material and Finish Selection: Interior designers collaborate with contractors and suppliers to select appropriate materials, finishes, and fixtures that meet the project’s design intent, budget, and functional requirements. This involves sharing samples, specifications, and coordinating procurement.
On-site Collaboration: Throughout the construction phase, we maintain regular on-site collaboration with the project team. We address any design-related queries, review progress, and ensure that the design implementation aligns with the intended vision.
Project Completion and Evaluation: Once the project is near completion, we complete the necessary defects inspections, and review any necessary adjustments, and ensure that the design intent has been successfully realised.
Effective collaboration with other professionals is crucial for a successful project outcome. It involves clear communication, active participation in design discussions, mutual respect for each other’s expertise, and a shared commitment to delivering a cohesive and high-quality result.
Can you work with existing furnishings and decor, or do you require a complete redesign?
We always prioritise working within our clients’ scope of work requirements, which often includes the consideration of retaining and incorporating their existing furniture. This option not only helps our clients manage their budgets more effectively but also aligns with the sustainability requirements of certain corporations.
By reusing and integrating existing furniture, we promote a sustainable approach to design and reduce the environmental impact associated with unnecessary waste. This practice resonates with companies that prioritise sustainability and demonstrates our commitment to environmentally responsible design solutions.
We work closely with our clients to assess the suitability and condition of their existing furniture, ensuring that it harmoniously fits into the overall design scheme. By blending the old and the new, we create a cohesive and visually appealing space that reflects our clients’ needs and values while reducing unnecessary expenses and environmental impact.
What are the benefits of hiring a commercial interior designer?
Hiring a commercial interior designer provides numerous benefits. Firstly, we bring specialised knowledge, skills, and experience in designing functional and visually appealing spaces for businesses. With up-to-date industry expertise, we ensure that your project is executed with professionalism and precision.
We offer the advantage of creating 3D models of the space, allowing our clients to visualise the final result and understand the layout and finishes in detail.
Furthermore, we ensure that your space is compliant with the Building Code of Australia and Australian standards.
We also have established relationships with our suppliers and contractors, which enables us to streamline the project, reduce delays, and save our clients’ money by securing great deals on furniture and fittings.
Overall, hiring a commercial interior designer can optimise the overall success of your business by reducing stress, saving time and money, and ensuring a well-designed and compliant space.