5 Things You Should Discuss with Your Interior Designer Before Signing With Them

Hiring an interior designer is an exciting step toward creating a home that reflects your style and needs. However, before signing on the dotted line, it's essential to have a clear understanding of how they work and what to expect throughout the process. Here are five key topics to discuss with your interior designer before making your commitment.

1. What They Deliver to You & the Builder

A professional interior designer provides different types of deliverables depending on the project scope. Make sure you understand exactly what you’ll receive as the client and what your builder or contractor will receive.

For You: Expect design boards, material samples, furniture layouts, and 3D renderings to help visualize your space.
For the Builder: Construction drawings, detailed specifications, fixture and finish schedules, and technical documents that outline exactly how the design should be executed. Having clarity on this will ensure there’s no confusion about what you’ll be able to review and approve during the design process.

2. How They Handle Revisions in Their Designs

Design projects rarely follow a straight path, and revisions are a natural part of the process. Before hiring your designer, ask:

How many revisions are included in the design fee?
What happens if you need additional changes beyond that?
How long do revisions typically take? Understanding their policy upfront will help avoid unexpected costs or delays later on.

3. Budget Expectations and Fee Structure

Interior design fees can vary widely based on experience, project size, and services provided. Make sure you understand:

Whether they charge a flat fee, hourly rate, or percentage of the project cost.
If they require a retainer or deposit upfront.
How they handle purchasing furniture, materials, and contractor costs—do they offer trade pricing, charge a markup, or allow you to purchase directly? A transparent conversation about budget and fees will help prevent surprises and ensure the project aligns with your financial expectations.

4. How Often You Can Expect to Hear from Them

Clear and consistent communication is key to a smooth design experience. Ask your designer:

How frequently will they provide updates? (e.g., weekly, biweekly, or only at project milestones)
Will they be the main point of contact, or will you be working with a project manager?
What is the best way to reach them—email, phone, or scheduled meetings? Setting communication expectations early helps ensure you feel informed and involved throughout the process.

5. How They Will Communicate with You

Beyond frequency, it’s important to understand how your designer prefers to share updates. Some may use detailed email reports, while others might favor quick text updates or client portals for tracking progress. Ask about:

Project management tools they may use (e.g., Asana, Trello, or private client portals).
Whether they provide progress photos, video calls, or in-person meetings.
How they handle urgent questions or decisions that require quick approval. By aligning on communication preferences, you’ll feel more comfortable and confident throughout the design process.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right interior designer is about more than just style—it’s about making sure you understand how they work, how they handle changes, and what to expect in terms of budget and communication. Taking the time to discuss these five key topics before signing a contract will set the foundation for a smooth, enjoyable, and successful design experience.