Interior Designer

Their trade association's web site covers this topic pretty well:
http://www.asid.org/content/how-interior-designers-charge-their-services

Because the charging models vary, apples-to-apples comparisons can be elusive. One particularly confusing twist is the cost-plus approach - especially if the designer acts as a retailer. This model can be advantageous for all parties; just make sure you know the markups. (Ideally, you should have access to the wholesale invoices.) Otherwise, you might actually be paying the designer more than you think, because so much of the professional fee is embedded in the prices you pay for furniture and other tangible stuff.

Another thing to keep in mind, no matter which model you pursue, is that the "trade" discounts designers receive are sometimes less impressive when compared to street prices than when quoted as a percentage of MSRP. It's great that your designer can get you the awesome Eames lounger you want for 40% off; but that's only the right benchmark if you would you actually walk into DWR and pay retail.

That said, I think a good designer can deliver great value. It's a little like having an accountant do your taxes: you could probably do a decent job yourself, but the risk of expensive mistakes and missed opportunities is pretty high. If you and your designer are on the same page aesthetically and agree a clear all-in budget, the charging model is probably something you can cover in your first conversation and not worry about after that.

Egolub,

If you would like some recommendations for great designers feel free to email me at primerenovations@mac.com

Do designers really get 40% of on things like an Eames lounger?? Sign me up. I though it was more 15%.

Ottawanyc: I don't know Herman Miller's trade discount. I can find out. Primer probably knows. The Eames chair was just the first iconic item that popped into my head.

It was actually round 50% a couple years ago on the Eames lounge chair. Not sure if it's changed. I think it varied a bit depending on the Herman Miller product.

I purchased the embody chair which I love but do not remember if I was able to get a discount

flat fee and they typically get a discount off the price of the goods that they retain. I would highly recommend Robyn Bishop as a designer. She has worked with a bunch of my clients and has done a great job and is reasonably priced.

ROBYN PAYNE BISHOP INTERIORS
OFFICE: 631.566.4311
CELL: 202.276.0505
robyn@rpbinteriors.com

As a former decorator I can tell you that the fee structures are really all over the place, but for larger NYC firms the following pretty much holds true (I worked at 4 of them and they were all the same).

Fees:
1. Some sort of a fee based on the size of the job. We'd usually do a budget before starting a job and the fee would be based on that.
2. 15% - 18% of construction fee. The bigger the job, usually the lower the percentage.

Markups:
1. Fabrics, upholstery and "designed" items (like custom furniture, etc.) 50% - 52% markup.
2. Anything bought at a regular store or at auction: 30% markup. Of course this changes as the dollar value of what you buy increases. If you are buying a $250,000 dining table, the commission usually drops.
3. Things bought at to the trade shops. Usually, the decorator buys at net and sells at retail. The markup varies depending on the shop.
5. Rugs are all over the place.

I think that the best firms show all of the markups on the estimates and invoices sent to clients. I know some firms try to hide the markups and I think that that causes more problems than it solves. Let's face it, an interior designer is a luxury and luxuries usually are not cheap. Goodness knows I'd hire one if I could afford it.

Hope that helps.

The internet offers great resources when it comes to making interior design pricing transparent. E-design sites are making it more affordable for regular people too. One great site that generally pays for itself by passing on all it's trade discounts to customers is Decorilla, http://www.decorilla.com/ . They provide clients with discounts to their favorite decor brands, color palette suggestions, and realistic 3D models with new furniture, and existing pieces, placed into an actual floor plan. The pricing is really clear and up-front with them too. Hope that helps.