Why use an Interior Designer? A question which is often raised, with some clients who understand but others may not believe the benefits….
Why pay for creativity and creative thinking time? What does it encompass, and why should I employ an Interior Designer?
Most clients are happy to pay for something tangible- a piece of furniture, wall coverings or a pair of silk curtains they have “fallen in love with”, but paying for creative fees sometimes hits a little resistance. Then there are those who are used to the process and appreciate the amount of work involved and are therefore happy to pay the creative fees – they are generally the ones who have seen the benefits, having utilised the skills of a good Interior Designer before.
If you thought that employing the services of an Interior Designer was only for the uber rich, then let me explain what I do and how I can (hopefully) change your perception.
The outline benefits are:
- Spatial Design suggestions for a potential change of an existing room layout/shape to enhance how a client uses their home.
- Provision of a scheme which takes into account other parts of the house and considers the overall ‘flow’.
- Someone who will challenge the status quo when it comes to new lighting or architectural finishes within the scheme.
- Provision of bespoke soft furnishing or furniture options to provide unique solutions if required.
- Shared trade margins. An established Interior Designer will have trade contacts which can either be passed to the client or shared between both parties to save on purchase costs.
The Process:
- Starts with provision of a design board showing all the elements that will make up the new scheme. This is a working document which can have some elements “tweaked” and changed prior to ordering. This will ensure all finishes, fabrics, colours and textures are working together and agreed by both parties before anything is ordered.
- CGI (computer generated images) can also be an additional tool to show the new room(s) as a 3D image – an essential tool for clients who are abroad and need to sign off a scheme. (Additional fee normally applies)
- Next step, Designer implements schedules and co-ordinates all of the purchasing, delivery logistics and organises made to measure/bespoke items as required.
- Once everything has come together, the final step is to sign off the scheme with one happy, stress free client.
It is worth noting that if a Designer is used solely for the purchase of items on behalf of the client, they would normally charge the standard RRP as there is no design fee involved. This is to cover Designer time to measure up, generate the purchase orders and organise deliveries to site. The margin between trade price and full retail would cover this level of service.
That’s it in a nutshell – it’s about taking the headache away from those that find it stressful, or are short on time, helping them make all or some of the decisions that are required, and also about providing fresh and innovative ideas that the client wouldn’t have necessarily arrived at themselves. That level of creativity and decision making involves a lot of time and interaction between Designer and client. If the client understands the level of service they are receiving and also the financial benefits, then the future should be plain sailing and both parties will share a mutually beneficial relationship.
Rachel Cooper Interiors Ltd: 01753 831838. www.rachelcooper-interiors.co.uk