Truth time.

As we welcome in 2020 and begin exciting projects with clients new and old, I find myself revisiting ways that I can share with our community the TRUE role of an interior designer. You’ve probably heard my rant on realistic expectations before (spoiler alert: reality TV ain’t it.)

So what IS Interior Design all about?

• Before your project begins, a designer is responsible for knowing what you can and can’t do within your budget, communicating this to the client and keeping the project in line with the scope.

• Once the scope has been determined , your designer will plan your design and then coordinate all the moving parts required to make that happen.

• The design team creates a schedule to make sure everything happens in the correct order to avoid setbacks and delays in the project timeline.

• The design team manages everyone involved in your reno project, from the client to the contractors, to make sure expectations are met and communications are smooth.

Designers also do the fun, creative parts of a project that you might be picturing…we get to make design choices, coordinate looks, style photoshoots, be on the front end of trends and know *just* how high something should hang.

Some days, my job does look like this.

But it’s not JUST that.

The designer and her team have to stay organized. We use project management software to communicate, plan and source internally, as well as to communicate the project details and process to the client.

We have to manage expectations and think on our feet. We use deadline driven design and 3D renderings to show clients what they are getting and stay clear on all aspects of the project, including budget and timeline. And despite all that planning…unexpected things happen on EVERY (yes, every) project. We have to be ready with contingencies and able to clearly communicate with our clients about how things will be changed by any delays or hiccups.

Most days, my job looks more like this. (feel free to imagine a toddler banging down the door or coffee cups strewn about)

Ready to learn more about how we can work together? We work locally with clients in Marquette, MI and virtually with clients nationwide!