3 Questions to Ask When Hiring an Interior Designer

3 Questions to Ask When Hiring an Interior Designer

Settling into a new space is a journey that may be long, but it’s profoundly rewarding. Bringing in the expertise of an interior designer enhances this experience, providing the opportunity to create a home perfectly tailored to your specific tastes. The process, however, can become challenging if you and your designer are not aligned. It is an intimate collaboration, where every choice made will reflect your personality, lifestyle, and vision. How do you ensure that the designer you hire is the right fit? Start by asking the right questions. Here are three essential ones to guide you.

1. What inspires you?

One of the most significant factors in choosing an interior designer is understanding what drives their creativity. This question opens up a conversation about the designer’s influences, values, and approach to design. The design process is an intimate one, and your home should be a reflection of you. However, it’s also seen through the lens of the designer—shaped by their experiences, education, and the elements they choose to be inspired by.

At Bee Designe, my inspiration is rooted in my curiosity for the world around me. Whether it’s a walk through Boston’s historic streets or travels abroad, our designs are a mix of traditional charm and modern elegance. By understanding what inspires your designer, you get a glimpse of how they will interpret your vision and make it uniquely yours.

2. What schooling, training, and experience do you have?

Interior design is both an art and a science. While creativity is at the heart of every project, formal education and technical skills play a crucial role in bringing a vision to life. Understanding a designer’s background in education can provide insight into their strengths—whether it's in architectural drawing, the ability to create detailed mood boards, or the skill to produce photorealistic renderings.

Designers with a strong educational foundation can transform abstract ideas into tangible, visual concepts. My studies in Interior Architecture, combined with years of experience in residential design, have sharpened my ability to communicate my vision not only through creative concepts but also through precise technical drawings, sketches, and digital renderings. I find these tools to be so, so necessary to communicate my vision and ensure the design aligns with your expectations.

3. What does your process look like?

Every designer has a unique way of approaching a project, and it's important to know what that looks like from start to finish. Ask questions like, “How involved will you be? How often will you communicate? What can you expect during the design phase, sourcing, and installation?” This process is personal and collaborative. It is important to know how much input you will have and how decisions will be made.

At Bee Designe, I believe in a balance of collaboration and guidance. After we spend time in conversation, as I learn more about you and your vision, I will present initial ideas and mood boards for your input, followed by detailed renderings that help you visualize the final space. From there, I oversee every aspect, from sourcing materials to coordinating with contractors, to ensure that your vision becomes a reality, while keeping you informed at each and every step.

Hiring an interior designer is a truly meaningful investment, one that I’ve seen elevate the entire homeownership experience for my clients—not only transforming their living space but enriching their lifestyle as well. Because it’s such a big step, you deserve a service that truly meets your needs. Your designer should not only get your vision but also have the expertise and passion to bring it to life. After all, we’re not just curating a vision board —we’re crafting the character of your home.