Shall I Engage a Designer?

To engage a designer or not to engage a designer? That is the question.

Do you have a really clear vision of your new build or renovation?
Do you have enough time to effectively pull together the complete look you want to create?
Do you have access to the best trades in the business?
Can you coordinate the delivery of all the materials you require to match the schedule of works?
Are you getting the best possible prices for all the materials you need to complete the build?
Do you have a seamless look for every facet of your design?
Has your space planning achieved the best possible layout for functionality?
Will the design you are creating stand the test of time in terms of quality and style?
Can you detach yourself emotionally from your project and look at it objectively?

If you doubt any part of the above, then engaging a designer can alleviate any fears or anxiety you may have in relation to your project. If you’re on a tight budget, don’t assume that hiring a designer is beyond your reach. Designers can offer a variety of solutions to suit your budget, from a paint makeover to soft furnishings and decorative accents. Hiring the right professional is the key to peace of mind, as long as you are clear in your own mind of what you want to achieve.

An effective designer will talk through your design dreams, and make them a reality by using skilled space planning and visionary skills to create a beautiful and functional home or commercial property. They will balance aesthetic considerations with structural planning to reflect your lifestyle, to complement the property’s architectural features, to create the desired mood and to ensure functionality as well as form. They will manage the relationships of all those involved in the project and ensure a smooth execution of the design process.

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Once you have made the decision to engage a designer, and have found the right designer for you, the most effective way of ensuring you achieve your dream is to create a realistic design brief. It is crucial to the build or renovation process and will save you endless frustration and disappointment. It will help your designer know exactly what you are aiming to achieve and ensure both a smooth, stress-free process and the best possible outcome. But where do you start? KWD_BL0217_224

Know what you want:

The more visual information you can bring to your design consultation, the more streamlined the design process will be. A picture speaks 1000 words. Bring a folder with photos that show the colours you love, the textures you adore, the styles you follow, the colours that make you smile. Be specific, very specific. The more visual information you provide, the more likely you are to get exactly what you are hoping for. soragrit-wongsa-311182 What inspires you?

Put together a scrapbook of homes or spaces who admire, long for, dream about. Your designer will want to add their own originality and design flair, which is what you are engaging them for, but it’s important to point them in the right direction. Originality plus effectiveness equals greatness. rawpixel-com-470086 Set a budget:

Have a clear idea about how much you want to, and can afford to spend. A talented designer will understand the look you are hoping to achieve, and will find the right materials to suit your budget. This may mean full scale luxury and top end finishes, or there may be a compromise on how the materials are incorporated. Ultimately it is important that you are comfortable with your spend and that you maximise the effectiveness of your budget. KWD_BL0217_222

Clarify the billing procedures:

Find out at the beginning what you’ll be charged for, and when you will be charged. Ensure the Scope of Works clearly outlines what is included in the fee structure (and importantly, what isn’t). This information should also give you an idea of the payment timeline so you can budget your cash flow. Forewarned is forearmed, and avoids financial misunderstandings. KWD_BL0217_248 Communication is key:

Be honest and be open. If there are any concerns, raise them straight away so your designer can change things before it’s too late or put your mind at ease.

Trust the process:

Once you have hired someone you trust, give them the freedom to make your dreams come to life.

KWD_BL1017_032 (2) If you have are planning a project, be it a new build or renovation for a residential or commercial property, talk to the KWD team.