If you are simply sprucing up your house and you have a "knack" for decorating, you probably don't need to hire an interior designer.  But if you are building a new home or remodeling your home or office, you may want the advice of a professional.  A designer is trained to create beautiful spaces; assess the use, function and safety of interior spaces; develop, design and prepare drawings using extensive and specialized knowledge of design, furniture, materials, equipment, fixtures and construction; and hire and supervise a variety of subcontractors.

A designer can bring order to the project and help you focus your ideas, using an analytical problem-solving approach that focuses on your needs and aspirations.  This approach is based on listening, understanding and ultimately creating a space that exceeds your expectations.

An interior designer can bring you unique ideas, unusual styles, state-of-the-art products, and alternative sources that you may not know are available or do not know where to locate.  They can save you from a lot of headaches, from costly delays and from losing money.  They can steer you in the right direction when it comes to what to do in what order, how to get it done and where your money is most effectively spent.

Interior designers must know about materials, they must have budgeting skills, they must communicate well and oversee the ordering, installation and maintenance of all elements in the space.  They must be able to work with contractors, architects, electricians, plumbers, trim carpenters, tile setters and carpet installers.

You are paying for a designer's training, experience, expertise, creativity, network of professional contacts and resources, scheduling and supervision of subcontractors, deliveries and installation of products; and a guarantee of the quality of the work.

In the end, a designer should take the worry out of the design process, making the experience enjoyable for you.  Hiring a designer is like giving a gift to yourself.  You made the smart decision to hire an interior designer, you've been smart about the planning process, and now you can rest assured that the time, money and energy you have invested will give you truly smart, stunning results.