A recent article entitled “10 Things Interior Designers Won't Tell You”, (at Smartmoney.com) made the following proclamations to which we offer the following responses:

1. “Shop in the right store and you may not even need me.”

Their point being that large furniture stores employ sales people with design training.
True enough....but what do you do when you need goods and services that the store designer doesn't offer since they are employed to sell furnishings from THAT store, which by the way, has a 275% to 300% mark up from the wholesale cost of the goods. Then you have to wait for a “sale” to enjoy a “discount”.

2. “My title doesn't mean very much”

A.S.I.D., as a professional organization, requires that we know when to recommend calling in a structural engineer, architect, electrician or any trade with specialized knowledge or skill. We also utilize a detailed system of checks and balances to track ongoing projects. Should an error occur during your project, we rectify the situation as quickly as possible and intercede on your behalf with any subcontractors or manufacturers that may be responsible. You can be assured of this type of service, skill and professionalism when you see the A.S.I.D. credentials.

3. “You might as well use my estimate as wallpaper.”

We will have an honest and thorough discussion with you regarding your project, before we proceed, as to a realistic budget. It would be unprofessional for us to encourage you to pursue a project without sufficient funding. It is our job to guide you as to which design solutions will keep you within budget. YOU decide if you wish to exceed those numbers. We offer a range of pricing for any project! We never proceed with any order without your signed consent.

4. “You'd save a bundle if you knew how I set my fees.”

The article implies designers decide which billing method is most profitable for them.
We know that each project is unique. The IDEA Group offers several choices and can illustrate how each method would work. YOU decide which is most comfortable, economical and sensible for your project.

5. “My bills are laden with hidden costs.”

The implication here is that designers “hide” or pad cost of goods in an overall price, therefore request very specific, completely detailed proposals.
Using the analogy of your last hospital stay: Do you enjoy reading the itemized statements, listing every bandaid and kleenex used? Would you have asked the surgeon to leave out a few stitches as a cost saving measure? Would you have asked them to downgrade the quantity and quality of compresses used during your surgery? What if the service charge to prepare these statements increased the final price? Our clients trust that our experience, pricing and service justify the bottom line.

6. “It's not in my interest to hunt for bargains.”

That “bargain” may be the very thing that keeps us within budget or allows you to splurge on something else that you fall in love with. We love bargains, as long as we don't feel you're sacrificing the appropriate quality!! In addition, we have discouraged clients from proceeding with projects that will be costly and have limited value. We also know when and where it is appropriate to allocate dollars on your project. Our knowledge and expertise can help prevent costly mistakes and save you time, and isn't that a bargain??

7. “You don't need me to get big discounts from showrooms.”

The Boston Design Center offers this type of service...you still work through and with a designer. These showrooms are NOT retail stores...and they still can't help you with your paint color or what style draperies best suit your bay window. They sell materials only, NOT design service! They will not be worrying about whether your sofa is placed properly or even fits in the room! Do you really want to spend time and money going from location to location, making purchases and decisions and then wondering if it will all coordinate?

8. “I prefer big projects, but I'll take whatever I can get.”

Most of our clients have worked with us for many years and we usually started our working relationship with something very small. Of course we like big projects. That's when we get to use our “large muscle groups”...but some of our favorite projects are makeovers for wet bars, bathrooms or rooms that just need a face lift not a complete remodel.

9. “You have little or no recourse if I screw up.”

See response to #2.

10. “My work in Architectural Digest is a mirage.”

The suggestion is made that “smoke and mirrors” enhance a designers portfolio work, that magazine and portfolio photos are not what they seem and that you should ask for references.
Our portfolio's purpose is not to imply how your house should look. Its intent is to show you that we finish what we start and that our clients are happy enough with the end result to allow us to come back and take a photograph to include in our portfolio. We always offer you a list of references during our initial complimentary interview.