Hi all I'm looking for some advice on an interior designer. How feasible is it to hire one from out of state? I am looking for assistance with a kitchen renovation and design/decor for the entire apartment. I have an acquaintance who is a designer and I wouldn't mind using her since she's familiar with my taste. That being said, is it just impractical since the designer would only be able to visit... [more]
Hi all
I'm looking for some advice on an interior designer. How feasible is it to hire one from out of state? I am looking for assistance with a kitchen renovation and design/decor for the entire apartment. I have an acquaintance who is a designer and I wouldn't mind using her since she's familiar with my taste. That being said, is it just impractical since the designer would only be able to visit the apartment on occasion? One of the other main drivers is that I'm assuming that costs would be less using her since prices for everything in NYC (furniture, services, etc.) are higher than where she lives (down south). Do you think this would be a significant enough difference to warrant using someone who is not local to the NYC market?
I'm not familiar with how a designer plays into a renovation (I'm just getting started on learning about the process), so hence my cluelessness on the above.
Thanks in advance.
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Response by Primer05
almost 14 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009
UESNovice,
There is no problem hiring a designer from a different state. One of my favorite designers was just hired for a project in London. It is not an uncommon practice. Prices might be cheaper where she is but it is also good to have resources here as shipping could add up. I would have her spec out everything and price out some items here such as plumbing fixtures.
Designers can be involved as much or as little as you want. Some people hire designers just to design and some hire them to run the whole project.
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Response by ixdesign
almost 14 years ago
Posts: 5
Member since: Jul 2011
Hi UESNovice,
We often work with clients who have a designer from out of state. You may however wish to employ a local advocate/designer to handle the unique, local issues that arise when dealing with your building, the DOB (if applicable) and negotiating with NYC general contractors. Local knowledge can save you a bundle if Construction Administration is handled effectively.
As for the decor items, some interior designers make their fee by marking up furnishings vs charging you an hourly fee. If so, this may negate any perceived savings. Further, most NET/trade items and discounts for designers are the same in NYC as they are elsewhere yet the selection of fabrics, furnishings and decor items is considerably larger here than in most other major centers. You can find additional information regarding the entire process on our FAQ's page http://ix-dc.com/faqs
I hope this helps,
Michael Wood
Director of Interior Design
www.ix-dc.com
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Response by 5thGenNYer
almost 14 years ago
Posts: 321
Member since: Apr 2009
I would agree with Premier. Many interior designers do projects all over the country and the world. In terms of price I dont think that you will save money using a designer out of state - if a company has a showroom in NYC and one down south I doubt their prices will be different. on the contrary- in NYC you have the D&D and theh A&D plus other stores around those areas. TONS of beautiful furniture,fabrics, wallcovering, etc to choose from.
The obvious pro is you seem to really like your potential designer. This is key to any of your selections (architect, GC etc.). The obvious con is they won't be there! Can it be done? Of course. But, if you need someone to physically see the progress and shop alongside you, you need to find a local designer. How do you know they will cost more until you get a range of quotes? Shoot me an e-mail. I will be glad to refer some of my connections. stephen@capitalcraftsmen.com
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Response by UESNovice
almost 14 years ago
Posts: 6
Member since: Jun 2007
Thanks all for your insight... Very helpful. Sounds like I have a few questions to ask before deciding to go local or out of state.
UESNovice,
There is no problem hiring a designer from a different state. One of my favorite designers was just hired for a project in London. It is not an uncommon practice. Prices might be cheaper where she is but it is also good to have resources here as shipping could add up. I would have her spec out everything and price out some items here such as plumbing fixtures.
Designers can be involved as much or as little as you want. Some people hire designers just to design and some hire them to run the whole project.
Hi UESNovice,
We often work with clients who have a designer from out of state. You may however wish to employ a local advocate/designer to handle the unique, local issues that arise when dealing with your building, the DOB (if applicable) and negotiating with NYC general contractors. Local knowledge can save you a bundle if Construction Administration is handled effectively.
As for the decor items, some interior designers make their fee by marking up furnishings vs charging you an hourly fee. If so, this may negate any perceived savings. Further, most NET/trade items and discounts for designers are the same in NYC as they are elsewhere yet the selection of fabrics, furnishings and decor items is considerably larger here than in most other major centers. You can find additional information regarding the entire process on our FAQ's page http://ix-dc.com/faqs
I hope this helps,
Michael Wood
Director of Interior Design
www.ix-dc.com
I would agree with Premier. Many interior designers do projects all over the country and the world. In terms of price I dont think that you will save money using a designer out of state - if a company has a showroom in NYC and one down south I doubt their prices will be different. on the contrary- in NYC you have the D&D and theh A&D plus other stores around those areas. TONS of beautiful furniture,fabrics, wallcovering, etc to choose from.
If you need a more local one- I can recommend Design by Francois, LLC - www.francoistenenbaum.com
UESNovice,
The obvious pro is you seem to really like your potential designer. This is key to any of your selections (architect, GC etc.). The obvious con is they won't be there! Can it be done? Of course. But, if you need someone to physically see the progress and shop alongside you, you need to find a local designer. How do you know they will cost more until you get a range of quotes? Shoot me an e-mail. I will be glad to refer some of my connections. stephen@capitalcraftsmen.com
Thanks all for your insight... Very helpful. Sounds like I have a few questions to ask before deciding to go local or out of state.