Q: Why should I hire an interior designer?
A: When you hire an interior designer, you get the benefit of an experienced professional who can solve problems, help you avoid costly mistakes and, most importantly, create an attractive, affordable space designed specifically to meet your lifestyle needs. In addition to their in-depth knowledge of products, materials and finishes, professional designers have the training and expertise to plan, schedule, execute and manage your project from start to finish. They know and work closely with many vendors, contractors and other service providers, coordinating and orchestrating the entire design team.
Q: What is the difference between an interior designer and a decorator?
A: Unlike many design firms, our designers have all attended 4-year colleges and universities and have majored in interior architecture or interior design. Each designer has either passed or is working towards the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) exam. All of our designers are members of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers), and some are members of AIA and NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association). Since they are all professionally trained, our designers are better equipped to serve all of your needs, especially technical design needs such as drawings, electrical plans, and other construction documents.
Q: What makes Gibson Design Group different?
A: Gibson Design Group prides itself on not only providing excellent design, but on also providing a great experience for our clients. We stress not only the end, but the means to that end--providing professional and conscientious service to our clients ensures that the design process runs as smoothly as possible. Professionalism is a key part of our mission statement. Additionally, we do not have a particular style (i.e. French country, contemporary, etc.) that shows through in all of our clients’ designs. We design with the clients’ needs and tastes in mind.
Q: Isn’t hiring a designer very expensive?
A: While hiring a designer is obviously more expensive than doing it yourself, there are many benefits that will save you from being “penny wise and pound foolish”. Have you ever walked into a home that has been professionally designed or a model home and said, “I know I like this, but I don’t think that I could recreate it”? In many cases, it is easy for a homeowner to make mistakes with scale, either choosing pieces too large or too small for the space. Another common mistake is buying something because it’s a great deal and not taking into consideration that the piece of furniture will be used every day, but will only last a year with that kind of use! Gibson Design Group has the knowledge, experience, and expertise to help guide you. It will be more expensive in the short run, but in the long run, you will save yourself great headaches and money and will have a space or project that truly comes together and fits your needs.
Q: How do you charge?
A: Generally, Gibson Design Group charges a flat fee for all projects. This allows our clients to budget appropriately at the beginning of their project and to not have a design fee as a variable. Also, if some aspects of a client’s design take us longer than usual, we do not feel that the client should be penalized by paying for those hours.