Designer vs. Decorator… Hiring the Right Professional
These two terms have caused much controversy in the design world but do not mean much to the average homeowner. So let’s first talk about what causes so much stress and anxiety in the design world.
There are those design professionals who have built their business for trial and error through educational opportunities and feel they earned the title of an Interior Designer. Other design professionals have a formal education and feel this title belongs to them. Some work with more structure, construction, and technical aspects of design that sense this is a title they deserve and anything less than should be considered Decorator.
Now let’s get into some of the certifications; some states require someone who holds the title of “Interior Designer” to have passed a board certification the (NCIDQ) National Council for Interior Design Qualification. To be eligible for the NCIDQ exam, one must meet specific criteria. However, in many states, this is not required. It is left up to the individual design professional to decide what is best for themselves and their affiliated company.
Let’s talk about what matters to You, the homeowner! You may hear a few terms while searching for the right professional to consider hiring.
Interior Designer -*** please refer to the above*** Where might you find this term used? An Interior Designer is someone working for a design firm and may work with or alongside a builder. You may hear someone refer to themselves as an Interior Designer in a showroom such as a furniture showroom a tile showroom. Unless there are state regulations, anyone that identifies as an Interior Designer may label themselves an Interior Designer.
Interior Decorator - in some cases, this person may not have formal education or perhaps a limited education in “interior design”. In some cases, they may not have yet taken or qualified for the required exams, or maybe this person has every qualification the above title has. Still, someone refers to them as an Interior Decorator because it’s a very generic term. This term may be heard in the same places you hear Interior Designer. More specifically, you may hear this term used more often in fabric stores or Locations selling more decorative items.
Other terms you may have heard used:
Design Associate is often used for those working in home stores or boutiques.
Designer is a general term referring to anyone from an Interior Designer to a product designer to a clothing designer, basically, anyone who designs.
Design Consultant is similar to design associate.
Interior Architect is a person that works with more structure, perhaps alongside an architect.
I am now going to make a statement that may infuriate many people, but this is not my intention. Interior Designer or Interior Decorator?
Who cares what you call them?! As long as you reach out to the right person who can handle the specific job!
So what do you need to look for when looking for a design professional? To answer this question, think about what your project entails. Example: If you are only looking for help with furniture layout, choosing a paint color, window treatments, and are comfortable purchasing from one store, you may want to enlist the use of a Design Consultant at your favorite furniture or specialty store.
Pros:
Free (with purchases, of course)
Easy way to meet your possible hire
The convenience of location and business hours meetings
Cons:
Products are limited to what they sell
Only helpful with furniture and accent pieces
This might be an employee who may or may not be available throughout the entire process of selecting, ordering, delivering, and following up.
If you also need help with renovation and furnishings, you may consider an independent Interior Designer or a design firm. Also, consider the type of project and learn more about the potential professional's background and experience to make sure you feel confident in your decision. The bottom line is to ask questions, think about everything you need for the project you have, and interview many pros to see who is the best fit for you and your project. Consider who can handle your entire project or manage a team to give you one uniform design. Avoid "gathering a team of destruction, "… aka "free" services from many sources. Although they may all be great individually, they may also see a different vision for your space, causing lots of headaches, confusion, frustration, and possible hard feelings.
*** Refer to our FAQ at the bottom of the page to learn more.
Here at Great Design 4 U, we take the time to ask questions, answer questions, and make sure we (you and our company) would make a great team before moving forward. We invite you to schedule a complimentary Inspiration Appointment to see if we may be a good fit for you and your project. Schedule your appointment today!
We want you to LOVE your home, as well as your commercial space! We can assist in creating a functional, attractive business establishment you and your client won't want to leave! Ask us how during your Inspiration Appointment.
Visit us on January 28, 29, and 30th at The Cabarrus Arena & Events Center to explore the topic of hiring the right professional. I would love to speak with you in more detail during your FREE mini-design consultation.
Purchase your discount tickets for the Greater Charlotte Home + Landscape Show here!
