Frequently Asked Questions

Interior Designers

What is an accredited Interior Designer?

An individual who has completed an accredited college or university degree in interior design is an accredited Interior Designer. They are eligible for membership in one of the many professional affiliations such as the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) or the Interior Designers Institute of BC (IDIBC)

Why use an accredited Interior Designer?

You have just bought a new house. You may or may not be new to Victoria. You are wondering how you are going to manage the logistics of moving, the desire to create a unique home special to your family, and the demands of an already busy life. An accredited Interior Designer can help you create that unique home, giving you more time for other two and they can do it in a timely and cost efficient manner.

Interior Designers can translate your tastes and ideas into a uniquely designed and functional home.

It is unusual to find a house that is perfect for your needs. Your new house may just need a face lift – new paint, wall paper, carpets, drapes, blinds, etc. Or it may need some minor or major renovation – updated bathrooms, new kitchens, innovative floor plans, etc. Interior Designers provide a comprehensive approach to planning for functionality, comfort and beauty of the home. They translate your preferences and ideas into concrete designs for a livable home that is uniquely yours. An Interior Designer will integrate your existing furnishings with colours, materials, finishes, and, if necessary, new products. They provide unique solutions to your design problems.

Interior Designers can save you money and time.

Interior Designers save you money and time in your quest to make your new house a unique home. They have the training to provide comprehensive interior drawings of major or minor renovations. These can be used to obtain competitive accurate bids from the trades for implementation of the designs. They have established contacts with suppliers to facilitate finish and product selection for your new home. You do not have to travel to showrooms or galleries on spec. If the designer cannot bring a sample to your home, he/she is able to direct you to a specific showroom, saving you time. With their connections, they are also able to locate available products for the best prices. Because they deal directly with suppliers, they often can provide products cheaper than available from local showrooms or retail outlets. Most Interior Designers are aligned with reputable craftsmen that are able to implement quality work in a timely fashion. Although you are not obliged to use them, you will save time because the designer has already vetted their qualifications.

Can Interior Designers find you unusual or rare products?

Interior designers have established contacts around the world as well as the local area, giving them access to a wide variety of products and services. If you are looking for something unusual or rare, they will know of suppliers that are not always represented by local showrooms and galleries. This can give excitement and pizzazz to your home – the WOW factor.

Interior Designers are an asset.

Interior Designers have the experience and expertise to deliver complete projects or provide specific design components that enhance residential new construction or renovations. They de-stress your life by handling all the details of the design process from planning to implementation. Finally, Interior Designers will do as much or as little as you need them to do – whether it is only colour selection or redesigning your entire house.