Whether you’re tasked with creating an inviting space for your office or retail store, or you need to come up with a unique design for your restaurant, hiring the right commercial interior designer is essential. But before you start interviewing potential designers, it’s important to know exactly what questions you should be asking so that you can identify the best fit for your project. An experienced interior design team, like the one here at iSpace Office Interiors, will often expect clients to have questions. So, here are seven of them to ask when hiring a commercial interior designer.
7 Questions to Ask Commercial Interior Designers
1. What Experience Do You Have?
The obvious first question—but definitely worth asking! Ask the designer about their experience in designing commercial spaces and make sure they have experience in the kind of space you’re looking to create. It’s also important to inquire about their education; many interior designers have degrees in interior design-related fields, while others may have taken additional courses related to commercial design. You want to make sure that whoever you hire has the necessary education and experience for the job.
2. How Many Projects Have You Completed?
It’s also important to ask how many projects the designer has completed successfully in the past. A good designer should be able to give examples of previous projects they’ve completed and explain why those particular designs worked well for each space. This will help give you an idea of what kind of design approach they take and whether or not it aligns with your own vision for your space.
3. Do You Have a Design Portfolio?
Your next step should be asking for references or a portfolio of previous work that could potentially include pictures, videos, etc., which will allow them to show off their skills and give you an idea of what kind of style they specialize in. This is especially helpful if they don’t have much experience designing commercial interiors yet—a strong portfolio can demonstrate that they have the appropriate skillset even without extensive professional experience.
4. How Much Will This Cost?
You should also ask about pricing upfront so that there are no surprises down the line. While some designers may charge more than others depending on their level of experience and specialty, it’s important that both parties involved understand how much this project will cost overall before signing any contracts or agreements so everyone is on the same page from day one.
5. Can We Make Adjustments After Designing The Space?
It’s always wise to ask if adjustments can be made after completing all stages of a project, as unforeseen circumstances may arise (such as needing more storage space or wanting different lighting fixtures). Some designers may offer their services at an hourly rate or even provide support long after a project has been completed if adjustments need to be made over time due to changing needs or tastes.
6. Does Your Firm Offer Additional Services Outside of Interior Design?
Many firms, iSpace included, offer more than just design consultation services such as space planning, furniture selection, lighting selection, etc. Find out what other services may be included with their package so you can get an accurate estimate of what it will cost overall for all aspects of the job – not just design consultation fees alone!
7. What Kind Of Timeline Can I Expect?
Finally, ensure that you discuss timelines ahead of time—especially if there are deadlines involved. Setting this expectation means everyone is aware of when certain milestones need to be met and when certain tasks need to be completed in order for everything to run smoothly. Don’t forget: communication between both parties is key!
Work With the Right Team
Finding a good commercial interior designer isn’t always easy, but taking the time upfront and asking these seven questions will help ensure that you find someone who meets all your requirements and fits within your budget! Finding the right team isn’t just about finishing a project, it’s also about working with a crew that takes your business seriously. If you’re ready to start the process of an office renovation, then contact iSpace Office Interiors at (317) 666-9562. Don’t forget to ask us about our high-quality office furniture, workstations, and benching – Everything you need for your new office!
Unsplash+ In collaboration with Wesley Tingey
Unsplash+ In collaboration with Getty Images