Many consumers are unaware of all the details involved in working with an interior design company. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers so you can see what goes on at an interior design company.

What is the purpose of an interior designer?

Your house should function in a way that suits the way you live your life, look wonderful, and be a reflection of your personality and sense of style. Amazing interior design does not just happen by chance. Professional Interior Designers work meticulously to research, curate and plan a design that is inspired by their clients. Remodeling a home is a major undertaking whether it be a single room such as a Kitchen or addition, or full home remodel, and our staff carefully oversees the entire process to make sure nothing goes wrong. Advanced works with Interior Designers everyday who specialize in a variety of home styles. Modern, Contemporary, Mediterranean, Mid-Century Modern, Traditional, Colonial, Spanish Revival... you name it, we've built it from the vision of a Designer. If you already have a designer you're working with and are simply looking for a General Contractor in Los Angeles to bring your design to life, or are looking to be matched with a designer who shares your style and priorities, contact Advanced.

What role does the interior designer play?

Color scheme, furniture selection, drapes, flooring, surfaces, counters, tiling, accessories, artwork, wall coverings, lighting, and cabinetry are some portions of the Designer's wheelhouse. They make sure everything pairs nicely, that the home has the right feeling and flow, and that the client achieves their dream home - within their budget. A Designer can help you make these big decisions so you are happy with your home for many years to come.

Do interior designers work on new builds or remodels?

Both! A Designer can even help you transform your interior space if you’re only looking for a facelift to your existing home. Anytime you want your home to look good, a Designer is going to be your go-to. When working on a new home or remodel, you will likely have your design team, which most likely includes an Architect, Engineer, and Designer, and then you will have your General Contractor who will be the one to bring these designs to life.

How do I work with an interior designer?

First, get an idea of what style you’re most attracted to. If you have multiple styles, that’s ok, begin compiling images and ideas. Once you have somewhat of an idea of what you’re looking to achieve style wise, decide whether you are looking to do a simple facelift, a remodel, addition or tear down and rebuild. If you aren’t doing any construction, and are just changing out finished materials, you may or may not need a General Contractor and could just work with a Designer. If you want to knock any walls down, change the layout, move utilities, or change the square footage or amount of rooms or bathrooms in your home, you will need an Architect and most likely a General Contractor. You can be your own General Contractor, but we don’t recommend it. Unless you would qualify as a General Contractor yourself, it’s better to leave this role to an expert who can make sure everything is done properly the first time.

If you’ve decided to skip construction and just go with a Designer, begin by getting referrals or looking online for local Designers in your area. Visit home design studios, look in local home magazines, check social media. Many Designers now use social media as a way to display their work. There are also websites like Houzz, Yelp, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest (all of which have featured Advanced Builders & Contractors) and many others which list and rate professionals in this field. Designers may also be affiliated with professional organizations such as the American Society of Interior Designers, Internations Interior Design Association, Council for Interior Design Qualification, Interior Design Society, or the U.S. Green Building Council.

If construction is in the project scope, apply this same search to find a qualified Architect and design team and General Contractor. You’ve already found Advanced! That’s a strong start, but we always suggest consulting with a few different companies to make the best choice for you and your home. We can connect you with a design team to fit your needs, or you can choose your own and Advanced will work with them. You can also find Architects and Contractors on websites like Houzz, Angi, performing local searches, asking friends and neighbors, as well as associations such as the California Architects Board, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Los Angeles Conservancy, Association of Licensed Architects, Architecture for Communities Los Angeles and more.

The Designer you choose to work with will be working with you, the other arms of your design team, and your General Contractor throughout the lifespan of the project. This is to make sure that the result matches the design, and make any necessary adjustments.

Review with them what services they will be providing, what is expected of them (and you), and after reviewing the contract terms, it’s time to get to work! In the beginning stage, provide your Interior Designer your inspiration images, as well as specifying what items in your home you want to keep. We won’t go over all of the options an Interior Designer will have for you as their services are vast. Some Designers offer 3D Design Rendering, design board, color scheme, some provide swatches and samplings, others will go to the warehouse with you. Regardless, working with a Designer is an exciting time. Keep an open mind, an eye on the budget, and have fun.