Hire once and hire well and find a designer who resonates with you. Building and renovating can be a long design journey, so ensure that you find someone who will make it a more enjoyable one.
There are three types of designers consider when you’re looking for a designer. So here is a rundown of the three most common options.
Type #1. The ‘Big Firm’ set aesthetic designer:
They have a very distinct aesthetic for all of their projects. Often have a large team and is known for producing the same style of work with little variance in their portfolio. Predictably and a steadfast approach to their work is all about staying true to their particular vision for your home.
Pros:
You know what you're getting aesthetically before you even begin the process.
The design process is typically very quick as this type of designer uses a copy repeat method of working and often has a large team
Cons:
Their passion for their portfolio and ‘their work’ may trump your overall satisfaction.
Any deviations to their aesthetic often aren’t well received. There is little co-creation or compromise with designers who’s portfolios all look the same.
Not always, but often, these designers tend to have big egos.
Larger design firms never work on the weekends.
Great for clients who:
Love a very distinct aesthetic.
Want little involvement in the decision-making process.
Don’t have an interest in self-expression in the home.
Want to put a big name on their project.
Who have larger budgets and weekday availability
Type #2. The Freelance Recreational ‘designer’.
They often have a very trend based aesthetic and work by shopping local showrooms. They are often socialites who have made a side gig for themselves as a ‘designer.’
Pros:
You get a lot of exposure to what’s locally available, and you will get to see everything before you buy.
The price point is often low to middle rage because customization is less common.
Design fees are typically less than someone who has curated their suppliers, vendors, and trades
Con’s:
Your purchasing options will be restricted to what’s available in showrooms.
You will have to invest countless hours into showroom hopping in hopes that what they have what will work for you on their showroom floor.
You will not be given as many customization options.
Your home will date more quickly.
They may not have the expertise to assist you properly with a build or renovation.
The design process can feel scattered as they don’t have their own showrooms suppliers, vendors, and trades.
Great for clients who:
Love to micromanage and have a tough time imagining a design or trusting a designer’s vision.
They need to touch everything before they buy.
LOVE to shop
Are in a rush to have their design and furniture ASAP.
Only have availability to work with a designer on the weekends.
Not Great for clients who:
Need a strong sense of structure.
Want to be pushed outside their comfort zone in order to create something unique.
Want their home to have a strong sense of individuality.
Are looking for higher quality than what is often found in a typical store.
Don’t have time to waste shopping the entire city.
Want the white glove full-service experience.
Type #3: The ‘Boutique Firm designer’ With a Tailored to Fit Mentality.
They often have Honed in aesthetics, and their portfolios are diverse. Often not overtly traditional or modern, too colorful or neutral. They are masters of mixing and creating unique spaces to suit the individuality of their clients’ needs.
Pros:
You will have a home that is entirely unique to you.
The design process is very detailed and efficient.
You have complete design freedom with endless customization.
These designers tend to be great listeners and are very receptive to your input.
Your home will be more timeless because you’re not restricted to shopping what’s in showrooms.
Cons:
You have to be more vulnerable and authentic for the designer to create a home that accurately depicts your values. (which is only a con if you have a hard time being comfortable in your own skin).
The customization of choices can be overwhelming. However, you can always defer to your designer when you’re feeling torn.
Smaller design firms typically don’t work on the weekends, and they cost more than freelance home-based designers.
Great for clients who:
Have a unique vision but want help refining it.
Need help building a vision from scratch.
Have a taste for the finer things.
Understand that quality takes time.
Who pride themselves on quality and originality.
Not Great for clients who:
Are set on copying a very distinct aesthetic.
Love to micromanage and have a challenging time imagining a design or trusting a designer’s vision.
Need to touch everything before they buy.
Only have availability to work with a designer on the weekends.
Have very restrictive budgets.
Now there is a reason I didn’t go through the effort of including online designers but we can save that for another blog post. If I had to sum it up, what they do isn’t proper design, is design consult off of assumptions which I don’t believe merits much attention.
Here’s the thing. There are many different types of interior designers and decorators out there and they all have their place in the realm of home design. Just as I’m not the right fit for every client, not every client is the right fit for me.
If I had to spend my days shopping solely in the limited retail market in Vancouver to satisfy the type of client who had to touch everything before buying… I would shoot myself! You think I’m kidding, but I may as well end it because that for me would be career suicide!
There’s no way I would be able to design the way that I do and deliver the quality and variety I’m accustomed to for my clients’ projects if I had to tie my hand with that set of circumstances. If I lived in New York or Paris, it would be different a different story, but that in Vancouver that is notorious for its endless offerings of grey on grey furniture, it would be my worst nightmare! But that’s just me.
The most important takeaway is that not one size fits all. So before you choose a designer, make sure you’re in alignment with not only their style but their personality and billing methods. The design journey can be a long one, so choose someone who you feel will be the best advocate for you.
If you’re curious about working with a designer and feel like we may the right fit, we invite you to book a complimentary in-store consultation. We love what we do, but most importantly, we love it when our clients do too, and at the end of the day, it’s all about finding that right fit.
