1. What is the difference
between a Interior Decorator and an Interior Designer?
An Interior Designer is a trained professional who creates and designs
interior spaces which are aesthetically attractive and functional.
An Interior Decorator, on the other hand, views interior design with a
largely cosmetic approach using decorative elements to merely rearrange
existing spaces.
2. If I have the time, money and the taste, why do I need an
interior designer?
Consider this : whether you're planning new offices, or renovating
your old ones, the investment is considerable. Wrong decisions could leave
you with expensive mistakes long after the project is completed. A skilled
professional with the requisite qualifications, resources and expertise,
will ensure that the job is done right, within budget and on time.
We add value : We'll shed light on new ideas, better ways of doing
things and ways to save money. We'll address issues you never even thought
of. Your offices will be ready on time and on budget, will look great and
will function well.
Good design : We provide you with a wide variety of choices
throughout the design process, that assure you that your new space will
reflect your unique personality, and not a standard. We create an element of
unpredictability. Space talk goes beyond your expectations. We add subtle
details that spark interest, make you and your employees want to be there,
raise spirits and exude life.
Team approach : We believe in a cooperative effort between the
client, designer and other professionals; sharing of ideas and consensus of
minds. You understand your needs, your desires and your corporate climate
better than anyone else does. We best understand how to give life to those
visions. Each project is focused and unique - a balance of aesthetics,
functionality, ergonomics and economics to suit your corporate culture and
personal taste. you are provided with a wide variety of choices throughout
the design process. We never lose sight of the fact that you will be living
with each decision you make, for many years.
3. Is it true that a designer's influence leads to an
increase in the project cost?
With years of specialized education and training, coupled with practical
experience in their field, interior designers are capable of bringing the
construction costs down considerably. Most importantly, they can guarantee
you value for money. Design solutions that ensure minimum wastage, assisting
clients to get discounts from suppliers, and verifying contractors
bills, contribute largely to achieving a reduction in wastage.
4. When should a designer be asked into a project?
As soon as possible : The ideal time should be during the planning
stage, i.e. before the actual construction of the building. Consider
creating the door and window openings as per the desired layout of the bed,
the wardrobe and the chairs, rather than trying to ill-fit the bed in a
existing small bedroom with fixed movement areas!! This additionally saves
upon money involved in making structural changes at a later date.
5. How early can we start work-at-site from the day of
commissioning the designer?
It is in the interest of the client, to let the designer freeze most of the
paper work, identify the materials to be used, as much as the respective
contractors, before starting the actual site work. It is better than trying
to hurry up initially and then increasing upon the costs due to the
subsequent delays in work and the ever-changing layouts.
6. How long will it take for the project to complete?
Completion of the project depends upon various factors like the scope of
work, complexity of the design, your own ability to make decisions using
choices provided by the designer, level of planning done before actual
construction, time at your disposal and flow of money.
7. How can the designer help me in procurement of the
materials?
Material procurement is something that we leave to our clients. However, if
desired, we can assist the client in procuring quality material at the best
possible price. Either way, we operate strictly on a fee-to-service basis
and pass on all professional discounts and commissions to our clients,
therefore protecting the clients interests at all times.
8. How does the designer go about the initial consultations?
At a retention fee, which is adjusted in the actual fee amount, we take up
the site measurement, come up with options for the basic plan and hold
initial meetings with the client so as to enable ourselves to know each
other better. This also helps us to arrive at the final estimated cost,
which is based on the clients brief and requirement. Our fee is
generally an amount decided by us in lump sum rather than as percentage, so
as to avoid any kind of influence on the total project cost.
9. Can cost be determined before the beginning of a project?
Certainly. There are two ways of achieving this. We've developed our own
hands-on system to take the guesswork out of interior design budgeting.
Using a systematic approach, all the items of work are clearly specified,
quantified and budgeted. Prior to the starting of the project, we provide
the client a final cost estimate. In a scenario, where there is a limited
budget, we can always work backwards and create the best possible design
solution within the given cost. We are always sensitive to our clients'
budgets.



