How to Hire the Right Interior Designer for You
Choosing the right interior designer is one of the most important steps when embarking on a renovation or new build or for finding someone to help you pull together the perfect furnishings, accessories, and artwork for your home. Your home is a reflection of your life, style, and values, and finding the perfect designer ensures that every detail of your vision comes to life. But with so many designers to choose from, how do you find the one that’s right for you?
At Andrea Rodman Interiors, we specialize in creating minimal, warm, and inviting homes with timeless elegance—what we like to call quiet luxury. Our approach is rooted in collaboration, thoughtful processes, and a passion for transforming spaces into personalized sanctuaries. We take the time to understand what our clients love—and what they don’t. From there, we blend their ideas with our own creative direction to craft spaces that truly reflect their wants and needs.
Through skill and expertise, our goal is to create the best version of how a client can live within their home. Sometimes that means presenting ideas clients may not have considered, while still capturing all the essential elements of what home means to them.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through understanding the different types of designers and why finding one who aligns with your values and goals is key to creating a truly unique and elevated home.
Understanding the Different Types of Interior Designers
Not all designers are created equal. And you may hear this from other designers as well. Just like doctors or lawyers - there are different types of Interior designers and architects for example. Some specialize in specific areas while others have their strengths and weaknesses. Finding one that works for you will be paramount to the success of your project.
Here’s a breakdown of the different levels of designers and what to expect from each:
Fast-Turnaround Designers
This might encompass a designer offering their services to give you a design concept, some basic drawings and specifications and then allowing your builder to manage the construction aspect of the project. They would typically be finished after they hand off the deliverables. These firms often focus on volume, offering quick solutions that prioritize speed and affordability - they may re-use older projects and recycle designs. While this approach can work for smaller-scale projects or those on a tight budget, the process is often less detail-oriented. Design decisions are typically made quickly, with less emphasis on refining and personalizing the space. Additionally, your project and home design will most likely be led by more junior designers in the firm with less experience.
Who They’re For: Clients seeking budget-friendly, fast solutions and who are less concerned with custom detailing or timeless design.
Where this may not be good for you - if you have someone that hands off the design and does not work with your team (contractor or builder) the entire way through - the contractor may interpret design elements differently than intended and you may not get exactly what you thought you were going to get.
Design Build
Design-build is a model where the builder includes design services in-house, allowing them to oversee and control every aspect of the project. This approach is often motivated by the desire to capture more revenue and streamline coordination by keeping services under one roof.
Typically, the design provided through design-build is more basic, leaning toward functionality over creativity. These services are usually carried out by junior or less-experienced designers, with limited input from senior-level creatives. As a result, the design output is often not highly customized or curated.
Builders may offer this model to ensure their clients—especially those taking a more hands-on or DIY approach—have some guidance without needing to hire an external designer. It also prevents situations where the builder ends up making design decisions with the client during construction, which can lead to inconsistencies or delays.
While this setup allows for a streamlined and cost-effective process, the results are typically best suited for budget-conscious projects where high-end detailing and elevated aesthetics are not the primary focus. It works well for simple renovations or refreshes that prioritize speed and affordability over personalized, bespoke design.
Who They’re For: Clients who are budget-conscious, prefer simplicity, and may be undertaking smaller or DIY-friendly projects. Ideal for those who want everything under one roof and are comfortable with a more functional outcome.
Where This May Not Be Good for You: If you’re looking for a highly customized, detailed, or creatively driven design, this approach might fall short. The lack of senior design oversight and creative input can lead to generic results that don’t reflect a unique or refined vision.
Mid-Level Designers
These designers often balance customization with efficiency, providing personalized touches while maintaining a structured process - high volume of projects may also be a focus to ensure company profitability. The creative director may hand off the projects to their team to do with minimal oversight - so the work will often depend on the skill of the employee/ designer at that particular time to produce the results - which may vary depending on the skill and talent for each team member and the turn around of their team.
However, their focus might still lean toward more templated approaches. While the results are solid, they may lack the depth of bespoke solutions and experience.
Who They’re For: Clients looking for a balance of personal input and budget-conscious design without requiring a highly elevated or unique home.
Why you might be disappointed: The designer you may be assigned to in the firm, might not be what you expected or the level of design you were hoping for, may not shine through. If you were hoping for something really unique and creative - you may not get this.
High-End, Boutique Designers
This level of designer offers a meticulous, process-driven approach tailored to each client’s vision. They work closely with clients, dedicating significant time to every detail to create homes that are elegant and truly one-of-a-kind. Their focus extends beyond aesthetics to the experience of living in the space and all the functional details, every storage detail how each door will function for millwork doors, hardware - everything you can think of . Projects are led by experienced and creative senior-level designers who oversee the design process and ensure that all technical details are accurately captured in site instructions and drawings. This attention to detail ensures the design intent is faithfully executed on-site. This process is of course, more Time intensive - as good design takes time. If you are hiring a designer like this -you will most likely noticed they get published in magazines, are often interviewed and their work grabs your attention.
These types of designers will manage your project from start to finish - this ensures that the contractor understands all aspects of your project and nothing is missed. Good communication is key to a successful project
When working on projects that have a higher level of detail - more construction experience and understanding is required. This is why you want a senior interior designer working on your project who has experience in these types of homes. This will show through in the IFC construction drawing package - the drawings will be more detailed, with sections and details - calling out specific areas that need to be zoomed in on or how certain elements need to be built with how finishes should come together and finish off.. There are many elements that all tie into one another and all have to be thought through thoroughly to ensure the trades and contractor can build what is designed.
Also lighting plans are a big part of a home - with having more layered lighting and thoughtful elements placed into the design, a space can create many experiences and function in various ways. Having a good understanding of how to layer lighting and create this effects are often captured in more high end and boutique design firms.
Who They’re For: Discerning clients who value good design, appreciate craftsmanship, and want to invest in creating a home that feels uniquely theirs.
Why you might be disappointed: Generally the cost for these designers is higher - they bring a different level of work and value to the project then other designers - however, overall the value shines through and adds more value to your home when its time for re-sale.
What Sets Andrea Rodman Interiors Apart
At Andrea Rodman Interiors, we define our work through creativity, craftsmanship, and a deeply personalized approach. We are proudly positioned in the boutique, high-end segment of the design industry, with a strong emphasis on refined, detail-oriented homes that reflect our clients’ unique lifestyles. That said, we also welcome smaller-scale and décor-focused projects when there's a creative opportunity or a desire for something truly distinctive.
Our services are tailored to fit your specific needs—whether it's a full-scale renovation or a curated package of furnishings, accessories, and artwork. What truly sets us apart is the level of thoughtfulness and experience we bring to every project, regardless of size. While our expertise often shines in complex, large-scale homes, we also love working on more intimate spaces that call for a refined, personal touch.
In short, if you're looking for a design partner who brings vision, care, and originality to the table—whether for a comprehensive build or a unique design moment—we're here to deliver something exceptional.
While based in Vancouver, we frequently take on projects across the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, and wherever meaningful and creative opportunities lead us—across Canada and globally. We're always eager to collaborate on inspiring work, wherever it may be.
At Andrea Rodman Interiors, we believe in a deep, collaborative process that leaves no detail overlooked. Here’s what makes us different:
A Thoughtful and Tailored Process
Andrea Rodman Interiors takes the time to deeply understand each client’s needs, preferences, and vision. Our design process is extensive and deliberate, ensuring that every decision contributes to a cohesive and timeless space. We work in 3D, allowing every area to be mapped visually so clients gain confidence throughout the design process. The team prides itself on being great listeners, recognizing that this is your home—and it’s an honor to help bring your vision to life. With highly refined processes in place, the design journey is made smooth from start to finish. As a boutique studio, Andrea Rodman is personally involved in every project. Clients work directly with Andrea and her talented team; projects are never handed off to junior designers. Andrea remains closely involved behind the scenes, ensuring each home exceeds expectations. As a team we are deeply passionate and thoughtful about every aspect of design. The studio strives for each project to be unique—an authentic expression of its clients—elevating their lives through thoughtfully curated environments.
High-Level Collaboration
We work closely with clients, ensuring their voice is at the center of each project. Our clients are more than just customers—they are partners in the design journey.
Quality Over Quantity
Unlike firms that prioritize fast turnarounds or high-volume workflows, Andrea Rodman Interiors intentionally takes on fewer projects to devote full attention to every detail. This allows us to create homes that are personal, elevated, and truly exceptional.
An Investment in Your Lifestyle
Our clients value design as an investment in their quality of life. They understand that exceptional design has the power to elevate the way they live.
Healthy Homes
Finishes and furnishings are carefully chosen with a focus on sustainability and safety, ensuring they contribute to a clean, breathable space. From paints and sealants to flooring and cabinetry, every element is selected to create an environment that supports comfort, health, and longevity. A healthy home is not only aesthetically pleasing but also nurtures a sense of calm and wellness, providing a sanctuary for its occupants.
Questions to Ask When Hiring a Designer
To find the right designer for your project, consider asking the following questions:
What is your design process like? Look for a designer who prioritizes a clear and collaborative process that aligns with your expectations.
How do you incorporate my vision? A great designer listens carefully and integrates your input into the final product.
What types of projects do you specialize in? Ensure their expertise aligns with the scope and style of your project.
What sets your firm apart? This will help you understand the designer’s values and approach to their work.
And lastly - don't be afraid to ask for references!
The Right Designer for the Right Client
At Andrea Rodman Interiors, we seek clients who value the art of design and understand its transformative power. Our clients are those who want to invest in a home that feels uniquely theirs—a space that brings calm, elegance, and timeless beauty into their lives. If you’re looking for a design partner who will guide you through an effortless and inspired process, we would love to collaborate with you.
Ready to transform your home into the space of your dreams? Contact us today to learn more about our approach and how we can help you create a home that reflects your vision.
