Finding the right design partner for your project.
By Mark Cutler
Like many things in life, having a partner can make them easier, more enriching and just better in so many ways. That is why I am so excited about my new partnership with my long time collaborator, Nichole Schulze. Together, we bring insights and years of experience with each of us coming from a different angle but landing in the same spot, it’s a great thing. The process of creating this has made me think about how a homeowner selects a designer, because what they are really looking for is a partner to go on this fabulous journey with them.
The right partner can save you time, money and even your marriage. So since I am in the partner frame of mind I thought I would share 3 ways to Choose the Perfect Designer (for you).
Make sure it is someone you like.
It does not matter how many magazines this person has been in or homes of your friends they have done, unless you like them, it should be a non starter. Designing a home is stressful and expensive, it takes a lot of time and back and forth, so make sure that you like and trust them. This of course doesn't mean you need to be best friends, but keep it professional.
When you are interviewing, ask questions about how they communicate, is it just through emails? How do they handle questions that come up after hours or on weekends? Also how do they resolve conflict, and ask for an example. All of these will help to give you a better understanding about how they communicate, and like any good partnership, communication is key.
Do they listen?
I love them too, all of those designers you see in the magazines and online whose work you can recognize in an instant, again and again and again. These are homes created by designers who are listened to, not ones that truly listen. At cutlerschulze, our mantra is “Interior design is a form of portraiture” we create homes that look like you, not like us. Our homes reflect your family’s history , your family’s values and your family’s aspirations. That can only be done by listening, carefully.
Listening can take many forms too, it’s about having a designer that pays attention to the small things about the way you need your home to work from the perfect spot to drop keys when you walk in the door to a closet with just the right amount of space for all those shoes.
Do you like their style?
This is always a bit of a tough question. I would like to think that when people are looking at our website, or portfolio or even touring one of our completed homes that what they are looking at the way we created a home that truly looks like the family that lives there. One of the greatest compliments we ever receive is when people say that they feel like they know the family when they see the home that was created for them.
So when you are looking for a design partner, look for someone who has proven that they can create homes that tell a story, not ones that picked the same sofa that you have always wanted (although that might be a good omen too).
Picking a designer can be a scary business and it often feels like a shot in the dark. But if you follow these 3 simple steps, you will find someone who will listen, share your values and create a home that emphasizes the best of your family. Partnerships can be great things, good luck on finding yours.