What You Should know Before you Hire a Designer

It has been said, "There are no new questions ... only new answers".  So, when the question comes up to designers, "What is the most useful advice you can give to new clients?" I sound like a broken record where    clients are concerned. In short, you are an integral part of the design process. The better you are at your part, the better the job and the better the results.

The most useful advice I can give to new clients:

1.    HIRE SOMEONE YOU LIKE .... as a person. Do not base this on taste alone. You're going to be dealing with this person on a regular basis, talking about almost everything concerning your personal life. This    constitutes a marriage in some states.  Make sure you like your decorator a lot.

2.  LET GO ... You have a perfect excuse, you've hired a designer. Time to purge. Throw away that old crap! Call The Salvation Army, give it to your friends, have an estate
sale, or recycle it. Keep only that which you are totally attached to or has sentimental value. If my memory serves me correctly, this stuff usually ends up in storage anyway.

3. COMMUNICATE ... with your designer. Not only in words but in pictures. Purchase architecture and design magazines. Tear out all of the pictures of things and looks you like.
You can keep adding to this until your next meeting with your designer. Remember, A picture speaks a thousand words! I guarantee this will be a very productive meeting.

4.    DEVISE A REALISTIC BUDGET .... with your designer. Keep an open mind. When was the last time you furnished a house? Designers are great guestimaters. They know what your place is more less going to cost    after the first visit. Believe them. More often than not, you get what you pay for. Also, keep in mind you are paying for all of that editing, budgeting, floor plans, drawings, designs/designing, billing (lots    o'paperwork), and shlepping ....  It is worth every red cent!

5.     TRUST .....When working with a reputable designer, keep in mind they've been to this rodeo a thousand times - Chances are they have been through every instance, experience, drama, strike, accident,     screaming match, late delivery, call it what you like ... Just like on your job.  Trust them and let them handle it.

6.     PRACTICE PATIENCE ......  Rome, Los Angeles, New York, or even Sioux City for that matter, were not built in a day ... So don't expect your house to be done in one either! Typically, the longer you give a designer (a reasonable time is a year or so depending on scope) the better the project will be. Simple as that. Forget throwing your Birthday Party, Cinco de Mayo Party, or Christmas Party. Not this year darling!

7.    TIME, MONEY, QUALITY ...... Pick two.  In other words, you can't get it fast, get the best quality, and get it for a cheap price - Trust me.  Many have tried, and whether they believe it or not, they have failed.
Remember, by following this rule, it is highly unlikely you will ever be disappointed.

8.    YES & NO ...... Designers love a simple answer. And, no is in the clients bill of rights.  If you like it, say yes. If you don't like it, say no.  Keep it simple and to the point. No need for a looooong explanation. You will     not hurt our feelings and we will still love you in the morning.  Promise!

Hopefully, these bits will help you in your quest for a perfect design job. Remember the process has it's ups and downs, but overall can be a great experience if you know your p's and q's first!
All my Best,

Martha Moos

Martha M. Moos - Principal Designer
MarthaMoosDesignGroup
1551 S. Robertson Blvd. Suite 201
Los Angeles, CA 90035
T 310.622.4822
C 310.422.8509
MarthaMoosDesign@mac.com