Interior Designer Question

[nicolewi]

We're in the final stages of designing a new cottage for our family. If/when we actually move forward into the building stage, I'm sure I will have many questions to post!

For now...the building contractor recommended an interior designer as a resource. I left her a message today just to get some general information about pricing and process. I can't find anything about her online. What can/should I know before we'd officially hire her?? I thought maybe at least see a portfolio and see if she seems like a fit personality-wise?? 

I'm not sure how much/how little we would need to use her, but we did an addition/remodel at our house and I helped my parents plan their condo, and both times, I know any design assistance was super helpful. 

[cuadrado]

I’ve done 2 gut job renovations and designers are 100% worth it. There are just SO many decisions and they save a lot of time and headache.

I would want to see her portfolio for sure.

Will she be coming to selection meeting with you?

How involved will she allow you to be? Like is she going to make a mood board and you just get 2 revisions or is it more collaborative?

[definitelyO]

portfolio - before and afters
costs - per hour - estimated # of hours for your project
their process - do they come to you? see the space? send images or bring actual samples? how do they react to feedback? do they have discounts on items? furniture/countertops/finishes, etc.. what is the discount and does it offset their fees - or help (it won't be a 1:1)

I used some interior designers for my kitchen/LR remodel and it took us a while to find our space with each other and honestly, they provided some good input - but I ended up sourcing and finding the items I liked that were close to but not what they picked for me. so I paid for inspirations. which IMO was worth it. My friend used the same company and paid for them to manage the entire reno project and was much more hands off and deferred to their recommendations.

Our ID would have managed the contractors for our project - so see if that's what they're offering as well (and if you want that). I PMd the reno myself with the GC.

[mrsukyankee]

As I did with all our contractors, I'd also want to be able to talk to or see in person a project or two.