Interior Design FAQ
Patti answers your questions.

Why do I need an Interior Designer?

Whether you need a little help or a lot, from answers to a few questions on color selection or furniture layout to help on planning and completing a complicated remodel or new construction project, the advice and guidance of a Licensed Interior Designer is invaluable. Having a professional Interior Designer on your team who has the knowledge and experience of countless similar projects as well as the information and expertise for finding the exact products and tradespeople you need to get the best result for your project is priceless. As an experienced Registered and Licensed Interior Designer, I will help you to move seamlessly and efficiently through the project, as well as help you prevent costly mistakes or side-steps along the way.

When do I need an Interior Designer?

While a good designer can help you at any stage of the design, it is most advantageous for you to begin your work with a designer at the earliest stages of the design. As with almost any process, a good plan in place as early as possible is the best route to success. I can take your project from the initial point of gathering information on the requirements and needs that you have for your space, throughout conception, development, construction, purchasing and installation for every detail of your project – all the way to completion, the final result that shows the great result of a plan well thought out and well executed from the initial ideas to the final details.

Why should I pay for a designer when some retail and builder supply stores offer "free design assistance?"

While it is true that many retail establishments may offer "free" advice and assistance, and that sometimes, though not always, those consultants may be very good at what they do, it is also true that although the advice they offer you is "free," they definitely are not working for "free" and their primary allegiance and obligation is to their employer.

As an independent Interior Designer I owe allegiance to you, the client, and you alone. You, in a sense, are my "employer." The sum total of my designer’s knowledge, expertise, information, resources, creativity – all this belongs to you. I have no vested interest in whose products and merchandise you might purchase to achieve your design goal. My only concern is that you get the best design outcome.

What is the difference between a Registered and Licensed Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a significant difference between an Interior Decorator and a Registered and Licensed Interior Designer. Anyone can call him or herself an interior decorator, but the requirements which must be met in order to become a licensed and Registered Interior Designer (RID) are determined by and vary from state to state. The state of Texas requires that anyone calling him or herself a licensed and Registered Interior Designer must meet specific education and experience requirements and pass the rigorous NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualifications) examination. In addition, a RID must regularly keep up with new developments and information in the industry through CEU’s (continuing education units) on many facets of Interior Design, including sustainability (Green Design) and accessibility (ADA requirements.)

Interior Decorators and unlicensed Interior Designers are primarily concerned with surface decoration, such as paint, fabric, furnishings, accessories, lighting and other materials. While a licensed and registered Interior Designer is also concerned with these issues, they are trained in deeper aspects of the design as well. For example, a designer would be concerned not only with a fabric's color, pattern and fiber type, but also it's flammability, acoustic properties and impact on the environment.

What should I expect from an Interior Designer?

My job is to work with you to build your dream, and give you my absolutely best in experience, thinking, creativity, and wise judgment. I will endeavor to keep you on focus in your design project, to communicate quickly and clearly with you throughout the design process and to make this a fun and enjoyable project in your life.

One of the most important things I can do for you as a designer is listen, listen, listen! As a designer, I never want the completed design to be "about me." Instead it should be a well thought-out, well functioning and aesthetically beautiful design that tells about you, the client, and speaks to you, the client, in a very special and meaningful way.

How does the process work?

Although I may do only a part of this process for your specific project, depending on your design needs, the complete interior design process includes the following steps:

1. Programming – Though the client may not initially realize the importance of this step, it is the first and often most critical step in a successful design project. It is the process in which the designer learns your needs, goals and priorities for the space. The designer also records all the parameters of the project, dimensions, and design requirements for the project, and takes into account any code or clearance issues as well.
2. Schematic Design – The programming phase is followed by research and schematic design by the designer – a "big picture" concept or ideas which the designer creates based on information from you, the client, as well as the designer’s own knowledge, expertise and creativity. The designer shares this with you and implements your feedback into the concept.
3. Design Development – This is the phase throughout which the designer presents the client with specifics, such as detailed floor plans, specific finishes and furnishings, as well as accent and accessory items.
4. Project Management and Implementation – At this point, construction and/or installation takes place. The designer follows this step closely to insure timely and proper implementation that carries out the design plans precisely.
5. Project Follow-Up and Evaluation – A good designer always follows up to insure that the last details are in place and that the finished project is what you expect it to be. As a part of this step, I will talk to you about the finished project and ask you to fill out a "Post-Completion Evaluation."

Is this affordable?

Absolutely. Not only is it affordable, it is crucial to avoid spending money unwisely or unnecessarily. Having the advice and expertise of a Licensed Interior Designer, such as myself, up front can help you from wasting money by preventing you from making costly design and purchasing mistakes.

How do I prepare for my first meeting and/or phone call with my Interior Designer?

A picture really is worth a thousand words, so if you have pictures from a magazine, newspaper, website, or photos, by all means bring those to your first meeting. But if you don’t have pictures, just come ready to talk to me about your ideas for your project, however vague or clear they may be.

How do I get started?

If you are ready to get started or if you have a few more questions, you may contact McConnell Allen Interiors in any of the following ways:
Call: 940.390.1698 or 972.979.7840
E-mail info@ma-interiors.com
or fill our our contact us form