In the quest for the perfect interior designer, the path can be far from straightforward. This decision is crucial to the success of your project, especially when the initial contact happens virtually or over the phone. However, the art of discerning whether an interior designer is the ideal choice can be simplified with an initial exchange of thoughtful questions. Here, the talented professionals at Forma Design share their valuable insights, providing a guide to five essential questions to ask during an introductory conversation.
1. “Could you share some of your most significant projects with us?”
The ideal starting point is to ask the interior designer to unveil some of their past works. This request not only reveals their distinctive style but also their mastery as a professional. Examining completed projects allows you to assess their level of expertise and set clear expectations. Hamza Demir, an interior designer at Forma Design, emphasizes the importance of this question: “Presenting various completed projects offers clients a range of high-quality solutions, each with a unique approach. These finished projects serve as true sources of inspiration, potentially igniting creative sparks in the client’s heart.”
2. “What steps constitute your design process?”
Every interior designer follows a unique design path. Asking the professional to describe their process helps you better understand their approach and how they will translate your visions into reality. Barbara Bonaccini, a talent at Forma Design, explains: “We begin with an in-depth ‘interview’ to understand the client’s needs and desires. Subsequently, we create mood boards and technical drawings that guide the project down to the smallest details. We also offer 3D views and renders to ensure a clear vision of the designed spaces.”
3. “What is your strategy for capturing my personal tastes?”
Understanding your personal tastes is crucial to the success of the project. Ask the interior designer how they plan to gather the necessary information to cater to your preferences. The mood board is a common tool used to translate your tastes into reality. Barbara Bonaccini delves deeper: “The mood board is not merely a combination of colors and materials; it’s an emotional vehicle that evokes a specific atmosphere. Often, I add real images that represent the client and create a common thread for the environment.”
Hamza Demir, senior designer @ Forma design Studio
4. “Who are your privileged collaborators?”
Another equally important question pertains to the partners and collaborators the interior designer relies on. These partners may include furniture manufacturers and material suppliers. Knowing the designer’s network of collaborations will give you an idea of the breadth of available options. Barbara states: “We work with over 1000 brand partners, offering clients an extensive range of high-quality interior design products.”
5. “How do you handle projects that involve renovations or construction work?”
Should your project involve renovations or construction work, it is crucial to understand how the designer tackles such challenges. Some interior designers, like Mattia Solari of Forma Design, are architects with specialized skills in managing complex construction projects. Mattia explains: “In cases of renovations and construction, management is paramount. We coordinate the technical team and suppliers to ensure the project is completed on schedule and fully meets the client’s expectations.”
These five questions form a solid foundation for assessing an interior designer and ensuring you select the perfect professional to transform your dreams into reality.
