An interior design consultation may seem like an overwhelming proposition if you do not know what to expect. The interior design consultation is simply an in-person meeting which occurs at the project location with the designer, client and any other key decision makers on site. It typically lasts 1-2 hours, depending on complexity and size of project. This gives your interior designer the opportunity to see your space and understand what they are working with in more detail. This is also their opportunity to explain recommended services so you can fully understand the benefits of working with a designer and to decide if it's right for you.

 

During the meeting, the designer may also discuss the budget for your project and recommend any modifications needed to achieve your goals. A consult will include your designer listening to the issues you want to address and learning what you would like to achieve in the space. This is also an opportunity to determine if what you are asking for is feasible considering your budget and timeframe limits. A designer will share the aesthetic and functional problems they recommend improving, which can be above and beyond what the client had initially identified but is usually connected. The client(s) and designer will review a style book to get a better idea of the client's preferences and dislikes. Sometimes measurements will be taken, depending on the details of the project. Photos will always be taken so you should be prepared for this too. Usually daylight hours are the best time as natural light is a large consideration for any design project. 

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It is only after the in-person design consultation as well as the signing of a Design Agreement Contract that specific design recommendations, plans, drawings and resources are shared with the client. The contract is typically emailed to the client the day after the consultation. If both parties agree to move forward together on the project, the designer will deduct the consultation fee from the overall design fee, thus waiving the initial charges. At this stage, budget, timeframe and style has been discussed in detail and the designer has enough information to move forward into stage one of the design process.