Ugh - Design selection

[Eric Lahoda]

How do you find and compensate a good designer for overall material choices and color selections? I think I'm pretty good with most aspects of rehabbing. But I am very slow at designing choices. I know what I do or don't like when I see it.  But designing feels like it requires a different part of the brain. I hate cookie-cutter designing and copying everyone else's designs. I see so many rehabs that look like last year's styles copied and copied and copied. (gray, gray, gray, etc) or other old trends. Many rehabs look like the other guys "contractor specials" - no heart, no joy.

So how do you find a designer who will commit to creating and selecting a scheme for an overall project? What or how would you compensate that person? I don't want to design, I want to say, "Yeah, I like that"

[Ryan Treacy]

Hi @Eric Lahoda, I’m glad to see property owners recognize this as an issue. I’m an architect and do the interior design on my projects. I’ve found that a lot of owners, for financial and risk aversion reasons, want to repeat what they’ve done in the past. In my experience, good design is good business; building something with character stands out to potential tenants (increased rent) and helps lower vacancy rates. Building the right way the first time lowers future repair and capex costs. 

When hiring a designer, look at their past projects and speak with a few different offices. You can search on social media or search your local chapter of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) or IIDA (International Interior Design Association). I always recommend using a professional with a license or at least a certificate. If you find an architect that can do the interior design, you’re better off; if the project needs a permit, the interior designers cannot submit permit and you’ll have to hire an architect separately. Cost is always going to depend on project needs, but you can expect to be in the multiple $1000s.

You can always use Pinterest, Google searches, or websites like Material Bank to get a feel for what you’re interested in. I know you’re not interesting in designing it yourself, but inspiration images can help the designer understand your style.

I hope this is helpful. Reach out if you want to discuss more. I’d be happy to help give a recommendation for designers in your area. Good luck! 

Ryan Treacy
Habit Architects PLLC