What’s the difference between an interior designer and decorator? When do I need an interior designer? How to find and hire an interior designer? What are their fees and what am I paying for? How to work with and get the most of your interior designer? These are some of the questions that Dalia Sadany answers in this article about the interior designer. The article, the second of a two part series about the interior designer, includes tips and illustrative diagrams

1. 36 DALIA SPEAKS JANUARY 2012 37
Picture credit John Morad & Ahmed Mleeg
In the previous issue I started discussing
the dazzling world of the Interior Designer,
as you have seen it is a rich topic , I have
partially covered it and will continue it
in this article .So let’s recap what was
formerly mentioned .
complement each other to end up in a lucid truth. Interior designers are professionals
The definition of interior design was collage.” I also explained the categorizing of in the art of creating the look that you are
clarified as “The protocol that looks after the types of Interior Designers whether by seeking, via combining several factors. This
designing all of the interiors of any given sectors, styles, spaces or elements. vibe specially, comes to some clients who
space “.Also the fact that interior design is have some knowledge of the procedures,
not exclusively implemented on residential I highlighted as well the reasons for hiring but look at it in this light; do you feel
projects, as a matter of fact all types of an Interior designer such as the fact that uncomfortable describing your vision to
building benefit extensively from the home owners have intense life schedules a painting contractor? You most likely do
significant touch of interior design, whether that would not commonly stretch to not, so why should you feel that way about
in beautifying the space, enhancing withstand such a rigorous job. As well a professional that combines paint ,wall
affecting mode, increasing market value, as the privileges of accessing materials, coverings with fabrics and furniture with
raising productivity and upturning profit. styles and trends database that only a lighting and all other vital factors to create
professional could. Another advantage the unique vision that you have for the
I elaborated on the definition of the for hiring a pro is mediating her/him as an inside of your home? Again I would refer to
Interior designer, “She/he the professional acting liaison between designated needed my motto “Hire Pro to do pro jobs “
concerned with the look and design of the technical engineers.
interiors of spaces. Their goal is to make a
What is the difference between
THE INTERIOR
space visually appealing while reflecting the Sometimes the decision to invest in hiring
space owner’s preferences and functional a professional to interior design a project Interior Designer and Decorator?
needs”. In this context interior designers could seem as an extra, unneeded, lavish There is a big difference between an interior
are mainly concerned with how to make expense, since some people have the designer and an interior decorator. Legally,
DESIGNER II
several factors work coherently together impression that interior designers are only in some countries abroad it is illegal to call
such as colors, lighting, materials, textures, relevant to those who are wealthy and yourself an interior designer if you are not
"
furnishings and that all these aspects pretentious; however, this is far from the certified. Interior decorators are concerned
with and change the aesthetics of a space.
They mainly work with surface decorations(
known as surface design) as they can
Dalia Sadany Ask Magazine's
change the walls, floors and add decorative
elements to the room, but they can’t do is
alter or change the structure.
design consultant, Chief Designer He or she will most likely be involved in a
& Founder of Dezines Architecture more temporary type of interior design that
is only seen for a few days and possibly then
& Interiors, Managing Director photographed for marketing and publicity
purposes. A common misconception here
& Partner of Divine Contracting in Egypt us that Interior Designers only work
with furniture, fabrics and accessories (i.e.
as well as the creator of the new the soft interior) that would be the job of a
decorator. In fact it is the interior designer’s
furniture brand GUSH is dwelling job to help you with all aspects related to
selecting the hard and soft interior, select
"
into the world of Architecture, sub-contractors, prepare sets of drawings
and eventually supervise implementation of
Interior Design and Contracting. the work. In a nutshell an interior designer
can do interior decorating job, but a interior
decorator can’t do an interior design job.
ASK JANUARY 2012

2. 38 DALIA SPEAKS JANUARY 2012 39
What is the difference between
Interior Designer and Architect?
Traditionally the architect use to interior design
their project, for example the master architect 8. Collaborate with other practitioners
Frank Lloyd Wright , exerted equal effort and who offer professional services in the
creativity into the interiors as in the exteriors,
technical areas of mechanical, electrical
he generated a building that is captivating
and Heating/air-conditioning engineers,
and mesmerizing both to look it and inhabit.
But the tremendous development in interiors and if a project requires structural work,
in modern times demanded a new set of skills the designer works with civil engineer for
and paved the way to the creation of interior that part of the project.
design as an area of study and a discipline in its 9. Prepare contract documents and
own right. Interior designers have a wide range administer bids as the client's agent, after
of technical and analytical skills spanning 3. He would then take inventory of old easier corrections than sketches made by cooperating with the client in choosing
various disciplines. furniture and other items that the client hand. Upon completing the design plan, the appropriate needed contractors to
would reuse if any, to incorporate them in the designer will present it to the client execute the required jobs.
While it’s the architect’s job to imagine the the design, so they would blend-in with and make revisions based on the client's 10. Finally, the designer develops a timeline
larger structure, it’s the interior designer’s job
the new design and its elements. input. for the project, coordinates contractor
to imagine the way the interior of that structure
4. At this stage, the designer needs to 6. When the design concept is finalized, and work schedules. The designer oversees
determine whether building permits are approved by the client, the designer will the installation of the design elements
will interact with the people inside it. This means
required for work involved. begin preparing working drawings and as well as, reviewing and evaluating
everything from the placement of lighting
fixtures to the style of handle that opens the
5. After collecting this data and integrating specifications for interior construction, construction during implementation
door. It is these elements that we interact with findings with knowledge of interior design, space planning, materials, finishes, and coordinate completion of project
every day, making them at least as important as economic trends, legal and regulatory furnishings, fixtures and furnishings with consultant team. Basically, act as
the structure itself. requirements, the designer formulates required, such as furniture, lighting, Project Manager on behalf of the client
preliminary design conceptual plan that flooring, wall covering, and artwork. to manage the project teams through all
Most of the good interior designers here is functional, fiscally appropriate, and 7. Depending on the complexity of the phases of the project.
in Egypt are architects with professional aesthetically pleasing and estimates costs. project, the designer also might submit P.S. The key word to each step is
experience in interior design while some like Today, designs often are created with drawings for approval by a permits highlighted in bold.
myself, have also studied interior design, as a the use of computer-aided design (CAD) committee to ensure that the design Below is a diagram to clarify the design
distinctive broad field by itself .
software, which provides more detail and meets building codes. process in its order of execution.
What are the types of services
Interior Designers provide?
Beside is a diagram listing the various
services an Interior Designer can provide,
I have chosen to divide them into three
categories, the technical services, The
hard interior services which is the scope
of work that requires contracting, and the
soft interior services is the department
of installation.
What will the Interior designer do?
Interior design services may vary with
each project, so whatever space they are
working on, almost all designers follow the
same process:
1. The first step, known as programming,
is to determine and analyze the client's
needs, preferences and wishes. The
designer usually meets face-to-face with
the client to find out how the space will
be used and to get an idea of the client's
preferences and budget.
2. She/he will also visit the space to be
designed in order identify positive
attributes of the space and potential
problems.
ASK JANUARY 2012

3. 40 DALIA SPEAKS JANUARY 2012 41
6. Discuss fees, payment methods and Before You Begin: You will save a lot of time Sticking to Your Budget: Make sure your A- Fixed fees are usually based on an
anticipated construction cost and and frustration if you know what you hope interior designer understands your budget a project's allocated construction cost
duration. to accomplish. Try to come up with an idea restrictions. Don't be shy about voicing your and can range between 10 to 15 % of
7. Ask for references from past clients. Find of the size of the project. Do you want to limit or overestimate what you can spend. the construction cost depending on the
out how past clients feel about their new knock down a wall or simply rearrange some A good interior designer will give you a size and complexity of the project. The
home. furniture? What colors do you like and what project budget and series of timeframes for portfolio of the designer, whether he /
8. Visit at least one project by your colors do you want to avoid? How would the project and will always be up front and she is a reputable, well known designer or
prospective designer. Ask the owners you describe your style? What activities will clear with our clients on how much they will a relatively young aspiring is also a vital
about any problems that may have been take place in the space? It is okay if you don't be billed and what services they will receive factor in the evaluation of the fees.
encountered during the design and know the answers to these questions. Your in return. He / she should excel at coming
construction of the project. interior designer will be able to give you some up with creative solutions that allow you to B-As for the fixed rate per visit, this is usually
9. Interview prospective designers at their guidance. However, the more you know now, maximize your budget while still achieving calculated as in the range of 1 to 2% per
offices, if possible. the easier it will be for your designer to create a space that meets your needs. visit of his fixed fees for the design phase.
10. Plan to spend at least one hour on your perfect space. It's also a good idea to
your first meeting with a prospective accumulate photos of rooms, furniture, and HOW TO PAY AN INTERIOR Tips;
architect. accessories you like. Don't worry if you like DESIGNER? 1- Make sure you question about the
many different styles. Your interior designer Abroad there are several methods to designer’s fees when you meet him /her
HOW TO CHOOSE AN INTERIOR After you have prepared your short list of
HOW TO WORK WITH AN will help you figure out what will ultimately
possible designers, you need to follow these calculate the fees of an interior designer
DESIGNER? procedures. INTERIOR DESIGNER? work in your room. , as a fixed fee, hourly fee, percentage 2- Make sure all means of payments
Part of your costs for your project will be 1. Call prospective designers. Find out You've decided to work with an interior fee, cost plus, retail charge and by square are clarified in your contract with the
the design fees and naturally you would whether they would be interested in your designer. This is an exciting time as you During the Project: Once your project is meter. While in Egypt it is usually split designer whether the installments are
be worried about the designer you end up project. prepare to create the space of your dreams. underway, make communication a priority. into two components by phase; preparing date of work delivery or phase related.
working with. That actually is a key point 2. Meet with several prospects. However, you probably have a lot of Listen with an open mind to your interior the project design documents during the
to consider, the "working relationship" you 3. Confirm that the designer you are questions, including "How will I get the look designer's ideas. At the same time, express design phase and site inspections during 3- Question your designer about any extra
develop with your designer not only for meeting is the person who will actually I want?" and "Am I going to get my money's your true feelings about your desires. Don't the construction phase. fees for any alterations you request due
design purposes, but also because he or work on your project. worth?" This month, I'm going to give you be afraid to speak up about your likes and to your change of mind in any aspect.
she will be your representative throughout 4. Question his or hers’ design philosophy. some pointers on how to get the most from dislikes. After all, you will be the one who The fee structures are typically based on
the project. 5. Ask how long the project will take. a relationship with an interior designer. lives with the final outcome. 4- As for inevitable alterations during
a percentage of construction value, a visit
rate or a fixed lump sum fee. Combinations the execution phase due to mistakes in
You will be working with them for a good of these structures are also common. design or lack of necessary data in his
deal of time so having rapport and good Generally, designers use a fixed fee for The drawings that are not a contractor’s fault
communication is a vital key point. first component ;the phase of the work that in construction and were not obvious
they have the most control over, such as the to the contractor to question before
Talking to your architect enables you to preparation of design, and use a fixed rate the start of work are all alterations free
verbalize your needs and desires for your per visit for the second component which of charge.
project. It helps him/her understand where is the phases that are less predictable, like
you are coming from and to respond site supervision. Generally the designer or 5- In case you want a preliminary
appropriately. Your home is a very personal their representative makes one visit per presentation from your short listed
and private part of your life, bringing in a week unless there is a problem and their designer before deciding to sign up with
professional to become part of this process presence is requested on site. . him, there is a retainer to be paid at first
requires a relationship built on trust. as fees for the work he/she will perform
Remember that when you work with the To give you an approximate margin for on this presentation that if you decide
right designer, it's a home you are designing calculating The Interior Designer’s fees, on signing up with will be inclusive in
and not just a house here is a simple rule; his fees.
Therefore it's advisable to make a short list of And now as we have clarified all need
Interior designer via the following channels;
to know information about the Interior
Designers, who are they, what do they do,
1. Ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers
how to choose them, deal with them and
about their architects.
pay them ,in the next issue we will extend
2. Also check with contractors you might
our protocol on how to build your own
know about the best designers they have
project by highlighting the new worldwide
worked with to find the who designed
spread method of design and build versus
projects similar to the one you plan.
old traditional method, in order to turn your
3. Check out online directories, for the
dream project whatever it is residential or
websites of Interior designers.
commercial into a reality.
4. Check out specialized magazines for
You can reach me at my email
information’s about interior design. askdalia@ask.com
5. Check out a literature as in a portfolio
that describes the firm's qualifications
and experience.
ASK JANUARY 2012