How to find an interior designer

If you’re planning a home renovation and this is your first time, it only takes a few weeks into it that you realize there are a lot of decisions and that’s just the beginning. Hiring an interior designer can help bring your true vision to life with clarity, creativity and a lot less stress.  For many homeowners one of the first big questions is, “How do I find the right designer?”

As a design studio that believes in clear communication, we want to break down some simple steps you can take to find and hire the right designer. We will then show you steps of the design process, as done at Janzen Design, so you’re familiar with a project flow and thereby know what to expect in your own project to get the most out of your renovation experience.

How to find an interior designer for  your project?

Start first by gathering inspiration from Pinterest, print magazines, pictures from travel, stay in hotels, restaurants, etc.  Do you like simple and clean? Or expressive with color? Maybe your own blend of the two?  Save inspiration photos that really speak to you, you will start to notice recurring themes in color, materials, moods, etc.

You’ll then want to start exploring local design studios with the goal of finding one that you genuinely connect with

• Ask for referrals from friends or colleagues who’ve worked with a

  designer.

• Search on Instagram using geotags or hashtags such as #marindesigner, #marininteriordesign #marindecorator #marinhomedesign

• Look for real homes in your neighborhood or a friend or family’s house you’ve visited where you really appreciate the interior design

Once you’ve found a few studios you like, take time to look at their websites and read about their approach and process. Does their work resonate with your style? Can you picture yourself living in the spaces in their portfolio? Look for a tone and design philosophy that resonate with you.

Hiring an interior designer is not just about loving their aesthetic and their portfolio of complete work.  The process for how they manage projects is paramount. 

• Design process clarity- a good studio will outline their design process, what’s included in services, and how regular communication will take place

• Experience with your type of project- does the studio have experience with the type of project you have? Some studios specialize in renovations, some in new builds, and other in decorating/furnishing

• Collaborative style- do you align with the principal designer personality and can you envision having a fruitful collaboration with them over the duration of the project?

What the design process usually looks like…. (with Janzen Design)

Every design studio works a little differently, but with Janzen Design you can expect the following design process steps.  We want our clients to be clear with this process, so they know what to expect.

1. Discovery & Consultation- Every project begins with a conversation.  In this first step we want to take time to understand  your lifestyle, goals with the project (both visually and functionally), and the architectural context of your home.  This is where we start gathering the information to shape how you want your space to feel and function.

During a couple of the first meetings, we ask pointed questions to begin shaping the project scope, a feel for your budget and project timeline. This stage helps us to determine if we are the right fit, setting a strong foundation for a healthy working partnership, and also gives us information needed to make a clear and accurate Proposal.

2.  Concept Development- We will present the proposal for design services and  take time to review together to ensure its captured the essence of the project . After the proposal has been approved, Concept development can begin. We get to work on the design concept- complete with the of use moodboards, color chips, fabric samples to portray the vision of the target design.  It’s a collaborative, iterative phase where we shape the vision together and refine details with your input.

3. Detailed Design- With the concept design identified, we work to assemble the full vision of your renovation or furnishing project. We create items such as custom millwork, custom  tile finish, custom architectural details, custom upholstered pieces, etc. We begin sourcing custom furnishings, fabric and wallpaper samples, paint and wood finish samples, hardware finish samples.  All of these materials, finishes, fabric, wallpaper, paint, etc. fold into the creation of a completely detailed design for your project  Once the detailed design has been reviewed, the detailed ‘Build-ready’ package is created and published for client approval- complete with detailed drawings and finish and fixtures specifications.

4. Production phase- Procurement, Implementation, Project oversight

With a complete design package done, we request general construction bids, sub-contractor bids, and request quotes for materials and custom items. This is when we liaise with contractors, trades, and consultants to ensure everything in the renovation or installation progresses smoothly. 

Our design studio sources the materials, fixtures and items.  And we  execute necessary contracts to fulfill the design package, completely seeing each item through installation. We coordinate consolidation of items to keep the renovation progressing smoothly. During this phase, we also act as your design advocate—providing ongoing communication with your builder and trades, ensuring all the details are shaping up to fulfill the design vision as intended.

Working with an interior designer isn’t about handing over control—it’s about creating a space that feels like you, but with the support of someone who:

1. Can translate your ideas into something cohesive and beautiful

2. Can be a resource for outstanding  trade professionals

3. Can be an advocate for your project and committed to seeing the design vision through

Whatever the scope of your project, choosing the right partner in design makes all the difference. If you'd like to schedule a complimentary Discovery call, please email

jodi@jodijanzen.com- we’d love to hear from you!