The Hiring Checklist

9 critical questions to ask before engaging an interior designer

hiring checklist free guide front cover

Hiring an interior designer is a big decision. Most costly mistakes happen before work even begins, not because of poor taste, but because the right questions weren’t asked early enough.

This checklist is designed for homeowners who want clarity and confidence before committing, whether you’re comparing designers or simply trying to understand what good professional practice should look like.

Inside the checklist, you’ll find guidance on:
• How to assess a designer’s real experience
• The specific 'Red Flag' answers that sound professional but signal danger
• What to ask about scope, documentation, and deliverables
• The difference between a 'Fixed Fee' proposal and the 'Hourly Rate' trap
• Where responsibilities are often misunderstood
• Why you need a 'Storage Audit' before you design a single joinery unit