Interior design is not one-size fits all. And interior designers’ service offerings reflect that. But understanding what services are offered can get confusing. Let’s change that.
Design-only & E-Design
Design-only is exactly what it sounds like. They provide clients with a design but do not provide project management services.
This means that once the design has been finalized, the designer hands it off to the client to implement. The designer does not work with contractor(s) to implement the design in the clients’ home.
The difference between an e-design and design-only is that an e-designer does all of their work online. They typically do not meet with their clients in person throughout the design process and provide their designs electronically. A design-only designer may provide both e-design services and provide in-person design services.
Design-only and e-design services are an excellent option for clients who want to:
- implement their design over an extended period of time (often due to budget requirements, time constraints, availability of choice contractor(s), etc.);
- make the investment in their home gradually;
- use a general contractor in whom they have a high level of trust or have a strong relationship with (or one in the family!);
- have significant control over the implementation of the design;
- don’t want to pay for project management services; or
- want to DIY their design.
This doesn’t mean that a design-only or e-design designer won’t help their clients during the implementation phase of their design. Often they will answer questions that arise. We want you to love your home and enjoy the design we created for you!
Full Service Design
Full service design firms provide clients with both design and project management services. That is, they will both design the space and oversee the ordering and installation of all components of the design in the client’s home. This often includes ordering finishes and furnishings and overseeing their delivery. As well as the construction phase of the project, if applicable.
This is an excellent option for clients who:
- would rather pay someone to manage the project than manage it themselves;
- may not be comfortable managing the project;
- or do not live near the job site so they can’t oversee or check-in on the project and don’t have someone who can do that for them.
Hire for Your Needs
Of course I think you should hire a designer who can provide you with a beautiful and functional space. But beyond that, I urge you to hire the designer who can provide you with the services you need. If you need or want project management services, there’s a designer out there for you. But there’s no need to pay for full service if you don’t need it or its not the right fit for you. I’ve worked with clients who have DIY’d the implementation of the design I created for them and I’ve had clients hire their own general contractor to do it. And each of them have turned out beautifully.
If you’re interested in my services, email me at elyse@elyselivinginteriors.com or inquire through the Contact page of my website, www.elyselivinginteriors.com. I look forward to learning more about your and your project.
