Why hire an interior designer?

Making significant design changes to your home or multi-resident facility is an important and often daunting undertaking. There are so many decisions to make, from scope and budget to the intricate details of the finished product. One of the common questions we get from our clients is: “Why do I need to hire an interior designer?” Great question!

As interior designers, we advocate for our clients. In most construction projects, there are many consultants involved, including the general contractor, electrical, mechanical and structural engineers, vendors, and suppliers. We look out for the client’s best interests and ensure the full team has a clear understanding of project scope to avoid cost overruns and significant schedule changes. We know what questions to ask and how to solve problems.

The Schulman Design team focuses on function. We map behaviour. We study trends. We analyze the end user’s needs to make sure the design fits the purpose ad budget. We consider aspects such as building usage, safety, and maintenance. Using that information, we work closely with architects, consultants, contractors, and suppliers to package it into an ideal solution that is functional and aligns with our client’s preferences.

We are experts in spatial planning, function, programming and scheduling, and can help design and renovate interiors, right from concept plans, architectural designs, elevations and sections. We are formally educated and trained in technical functions, such as computer-aided design (CAD), sketching, space planning, furniture design, architecture, HVAC and electrical systems, colours and materials and more.

Many of our clients require modifications to their homes or workspaces as they age or experience physical and cognitive challenges. While lighting, finished and other visual cues are critical, we also consider aspects such as accessibility. Certain finishes are low maintenance while others require more up-keep, so we help you select finishes and furniture that function well and align with your lifestyle and preferences.

We also have access to the latest materials, furniture, fixtures and designer-only products, which aren’t available to the public. We pass along our designer discounts to clients, saving you hundreds to thousands of dollars, which often outweighs our design fees. You reap those savings while also benefiting from a streamlined design and construction process.

So, if you’re building from the ground up or renovating, we’re the ones to call at the onset to make sure your project executes flawlessly at the best possible price.

Margot