WHAT Does An Interior Designer Do?

A professional interior designer is someone who specialises in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces. Our role is to work alongside clients to plan and design environments that meet their needs and preferences while taking into consideration functionality, lifestyle, safety and the overall look and feel of a home. While the job description of a designer is long, and ever evolving, we’re diving into the WHAT question of our Five W and an H series. So what does an interior designer do? Whether you’re a design enthusiast, or ready to embark on a design project of your own, this post will provide you with a glimpse into the multifaceted role of an interior design professional.

CONSULTATION | INITIAL MEETING

This first phone call is a great starting point before moving to the next steps, and determining if there’s a match. We believe a positive working relationship is essential to a successful project, and that starts at the initial call. Our team is committed to getting to know each client, and understanding their lifestyle, resulting in a design as unique as they are. The interview process is a critical step, and it's important to note how differently one designer works from the next, and that's a good thing. It truly is about finding the right fit. When we connect with our ideal client, we know we have started a relationship that will last for years to come. We take every touch point very seriously, and as much as prospects are interviewing us, we too, are interviewing them.

It’s important to understand goals, expectations, preferences and investment details for the project during this early stage to ensure we have a good connection and understanding of each other.

COLLECTION OF INFORMATION

Interior design professionals go through an extensive process of getting to know their clients and their spaces. This also includes detailed site measures, documenting existing items and elements that will be included in the new design, and gathering inspiration images. Most importantly, however, we want to have an understanding as to how our clients live in their home currently, and the changes they’d like to make going forward in the project.

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

A designer's ultimate goal is to create a space reflective of the client and their aesthetic. The jumping off point is concept development, or an abstract idea of the overall look and feel of the home. This may include inspirational images that create a feeling, and connection to the lifestyle of the clients. Fashion, landscape, travel, food, colour stories and interior inspiration would all be part of this stage of the process.

At Nyla Free Designs, this stems from our Inspiration and Information gathering meeting where we deep dive into our clients aesthetic preferences, likes, dislikes, needs vs. wants and investment allocations.

INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS

Making decisions that respect a client's budget is an important role of a design professional. A designer will work alongside a contractor, or builder, as well as trades and suppliers to ensure the selections fall within the allotted budget and financials are being managed accordingly.

SPACE PLANNING & ROOM LAYOUTS

Whether a new home build, renovation, or simply furniture and decor, assessing the home, creating room designs and layouts that are both functional, and visually appealing is a priority, and sets the stage for moving through the project. We take the information we’ve gathered during our Inspiration and Information gathering meeting and put pen to paper, developing the design of the room or home.

SELECTION OF FINISHES & MATERIALS

Designers have the ability to bring a home to life and create an unexpected, cohesive environment by choosing finishes and materials that work well together, but also create an unexpected outcome, that which you may have never thought of. This is an extensive part of the process with careful consideration given to all areas of the home, and how each space connects from one to the next. This phase encompasses such items as hardwood, tile, counters, hardware, appliances and millwork finishes.

Note: Sourcing plumbing and lighting fixtures is also an important part of the project to be considered earlier in the design process than most people think. We shared 6 Design Decisions to Make Prior to Framing that may surprise you, as a few of them are not actually installed until the project is nearing completion.

Design professionals consider the properties of each material, its durability, cost, suitability for the space, and the overall aesthetic.

PRESENTATIONS & MEETINGS

Designers prepare concepts, selections, and drawings to present the package to their clients. This offers clients a comprehensive overview of what’s in store, the overall look and feel of the home (or room) to ensure cohesivity, and a look that feels good to our clients. This includes all drawings, complete with elevations, electrical layouts, plumbing and lighting.

Meetings in general, are important to the success of a project offering regular touch points about progress, troubleshooting any concerns and staying on top of the long list of to-do’s when building or renovating a home.

DRAWING DEVELOPMENT

Using the above mentioned information, designers create a set of drawings whereby actual quotes can be obtained, the contractor/ builder can build from, and orders can be placed. This is a critical part of our role, and the intention of a streamlined project. This drawing set and specification package includes plans and elevations, as well as all finishes and materials, plumbing and lighting selections, millwork, fireplaces, tile layouts and all pertinent information required to detail the home.

FURNITURE & FABRIC SELECTIONS

Planning the layout of furniture early on is essential in preparation for the rest of the project to progress. Designers use this information to inform millwork, lighting, fireplace placement and even windows. Custom furniture is also considered during this stage should there be a piece, or many, that requires specific dimensions and details that wouldn’t otherwise be available at a manufactured level. Once a plan is in place, the procurement stage begins.

PROJECT COORDINATION & SITE VISITS

The role of an interior designer extends into project coordination to ensure their designs are executed as planned. A designer will visit the site regularly alongside other team members as well as the client, for general walk throughs and progress review meetings to confirm details, troubleshoot any concerns that may arise and consider any changes as needed.

A designer will also arrange for items to be onsite at the requested time, such as lighting, wallpaper and hardware to name a few.

STYLING & DECORATION

Putting the finishing touches on a space is the best way to complete a project. Interior designers offer this service in order to provide clients with a fully finished room (or home); and one that encapsulates their personal treasures as well as any additional items including accessories, artwork, lighting and decorative objects that help to elevate and enhance a space.

OVERALL CLIENT ADVOCATE

An interior design professional is your ally. They’re on your side to ensure the outcome of the project is successful. Designers work alongside their clients, while also collaborating with contractors, builders, trades and suppliers. We are the glue that liaises with the team to bring positivity and creativity, yielding an end result that everyone can celebrate.

The role of an interior designer is diverse, extending far beyond colour selections and furniture placement. It’s a blend of creativity, functionality, detail, and collaboration. Design professionals uncover the art of transforming spaces whether a new home from the ground up, a renovation or home remodel, all the way to furniture and decor. While the aesthetic of a designer's work is extremely important, it’s the soul of the home, the feeling it offers each client and those that spend time there, that makes value of a design professional worthwhile.

Hello!

Welcome. We’re so happy you’re here. Our goal is to be a leader in the interior design and lifestyle industry, known for our creativity, authenticity, professionalism and expertise, as a go to resource to learn, work with or simply be inspired. Thank you for spending time with us!