Guest Blog:
How to Work with an Interior Designer Remotely
There are a lot of remote interior designer openings in the labor market today, and this, of course, is great for designers. But what about customers when working remotely with such a designer?
If the designer you want to work with is located in another city, or even another country, that doesn't have to stop you from hiring them. No one denies that live communication and the opportunity to visit the facility together and control the redesign process is best. But with current technology, it is not imperative that a designer be able to be around in person to help make your home the exact look and style you're seeking.
Your designer will rarely appear on site...
...or the designer may not appear at all. Accordingly, you will have to follow the technical features of the process, the quality of work performed by the builders, and other nuances, and the designer will work behind the scenes as objectively as possible.
If necessary, the head designer of the project can be invited to the home - ideally, this should be done at least 3 times - at the beginning of work, at the time of selecting furniture and lighting, and when decorating. Of course, this comes down to a question of need and financial budgeting - as you will be paying for transportation costs.
Choose the most convenient means of communication
Live communication can be practically excluded. Fortunately, modern means of communication such as texting, Face Time, Zoom, Skype, social networks, and many special applications will greatly help you in exchanging information.
You can talk in real-time, or just share photos, videos, and texts. However, discussing the details and making notes together on the same plan, clearly explaining certain things in an accessible way, is highly likely to be challenging.
Explain as clearly as possible
Since you are far from each other and often do not even see each others faces, you should always discuss something based on graphic material when possible. It can be a photo, a web page, a drawing, or a plan.
Start the conversation with a clear understanding that you are both talking about the same thing. For example, "Let's open drawing 016. Look at the upper right corner. See the socket by the window in the bedroom?” and everything in the same vein. Speak specifically, with references to angles, letters, numbers, and shapes, so that the designer clearly understands exactly what you want to say to them.
Lack of work with suppliers
Living and working in another city, the designer is likely to be well versed in suppliers, manufacturers, and stores there. He or she knows what to go for, where to buy this or that product, and also from personal experience - which subcontractor is decent, and who should never be considered.
In a foreign city, of course, he likely would not have this information. And this burden will fall on your shoulders. But how can a designer remotely help you? Before going shopping, ask him for exact data on the maximum/minimum furniture sizes, so that you will definitely buy items that are suitable in size. The designer can also calculate the number of required tiles, parquet, the length of skirting boards, and wallpaper rolls.
Believe me, design projects take quite a lot of time. In addition, ask in advance which manufacturers are worth your attention. Even the name of several worthy companies will save hours of your time from searching for models of furniture and appliances you don’t need and will purposefully give you the right guideline for choosing equipment or household items.
What to do with color and texture?
Color and texture are perhaps the most pressing issue. Remember, you do not have to rely only on the perception of the designer. Neither the photo nor the video will convey the picture correctly. And what you see with your own eyes will not truly come across through the monitor. Therefore, questions like “How do you like this color?" and "Do you like the texture?" may not be as useful as you'd like. However, they can be beneficial for overall scheme.
Before going shopping, you will probably discuss the color scheme that you need to strive for. And the best thing you can do when shopping for new home decor is to follow a preconceived concept.
Conclusion
Cooperating with a designer remotely may well cause some inconveniences for both parties. But if you are determined and have found the designer for whom it makes sense to endure such expenses, your time and effort will be well spent. Good luck in creating a good and high-quality project!
About The Author:
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Ignacio Creamer: I am a digital marketer with more than 10 years of experience. I am a contributor to Content Marketing Institute and regularly quoted as an expert in large media outlets. My job is to make your business known all over the Internet. |
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