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Scouting for an
interior designer?
Anybody and everybody is a designer today. So scouting around for a genuine one is no easy
task. With no government license required to practice, individuals are free to masquerade
as designers. In India, a designer might hold a three-year diploma or may have completed a
part-time course through a polytechnic.
An affiliation to the Indian Institute of Interior Designers (IIID) is one way of ensuring
some professional responsibility of the designer concerned. Designers who are members of
the IIID are obliged to follow the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct laid down by
the body.
Individuals with a five-year degree in architecture may also practice interiors and for
major works involving demolishing of internal walls it's advisable to consult one. Since professional credentials are not easily
verifiable, your best starting place is the grapevine. Ask friends, relatives and
colleagues to throw up some names. Did you like the way a friend's house was done up? Ask
him for a reference.
Here are tips which will help you get by:
- Question the designer as to his experience, the name of the
institute from where he passed out and the type of projects he has handled.
- Looking for something offbeat? Design firms with signature
styles may not be suitable. A big name might not be apt for someone with conservative
tastes.
- Don't make a decision based on photographs and 3-D images.
Lighting, a bunch of flowers and slight shuffling of the furniture can make the appearance
deceptively glamorous, which could be a far cry from reality.
- Ask the designer for references and make a trip to the homes
of previous clients. Preferably visit an ex-client who had done a job of a similar size as
yours. Ask what existed before and how it was changed. Did they have any problems? Was he
adamant or to suggestions? Did he stick to his budget? Was he accessible, punctual, prompt
with the deadlines? If the end result looks mediocre, take the hint.
- Look for honesty, clarity of thought and a professional
attitude. Some designers might not value your interaction and involvement in the process
while others are able to implement ideas effectively.
- A willingness to experiment with innovative ideas is also
something to look out for. A designer relying too heavily on formulas may be unable to
provide dynamic solutions. Then again, if you know exactly what you want, go with the
designer who can implement your ideas speedily.
- Give him an idea of what you would like done and then
request him to give a ballpark figure for a quote. Get quotes from a couple of them and
look into the reasons for the discrepancy.
- Ask him from where he plans to get his materials and if he
can produce bills for each and every payment made.
- Once you shortlist a designer, you can request him to draw
up a blueprint, which he may do for a fee. That should help you make your final decision.
Most importantly, you must be very comfortable
with your designer. His task is more than just selecting and arranging furniture, fabric
and accessories. His aim is to let your home reflect your personality and speak about the
person you are or aspire to be. The only way you can achieve this is to work closely with
your designer and ensure that he understands your requirements clearly to provide the best
solution.
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