How do I know if this Interior Designer is good for me and my project?
Alla Carrasco- 14 hours ago
- 9 min read
PART I (BEHIND THE SCENES SERIES)
Have you ever considered hiring an interior designer but have no idea where to start?
Just Google “Los Angeles Interior Designer” and you’ll come up with pages and pages of options. So HOW do you pick an interior designer that is right for you and your family home? This is the first in a series of Behind The Scenes series I’ll be revealing.
Interior Design Service is a very personal experience and it that requires quite a bit of trust – from both parties. When exploring how to pick an interior designer that is right for YOU, all of the following points below suggest if this project relationship trust. The client must trust the designer will be able to interpret their design-related wishes, style and be able to translate it all not only within the agreed budget, but also within the promised timeframe. On the other side, the designer needs to trust the client to speak up, share their honest thoughts, likes, dislikes, budget, timeline – and then allow the designer to express creativity in the design delivered.
Below are several key points to remember when you’re considering hiring an interior designer.
- CONSIDER DESIGNER’S PORTFOLIO -
Confirm the designer’s aesthetic lines up with what you want. Does the designer specialize in one specific style? OR Perhaps your designer of choice has extensive experience creating a successful project that are each in a different style? If designer’s specific style or in general aesthetics is not what you want in your house, the designer is not the best one for you. Make sure the photos in the portfolio are the work of the designer. Yes, some designers use stock photos, or other designers’ work downloaded from the internet to begin or expand their portfolio.
Our studio's founder - Alla Carrasco worked has worked as a senior designer and lead project manager for top hospitality design teams in Los Angeles over the course of 18 years. Working for a variety design teams exposed her to a different workflow and different design styles. She created design spaces in modern, traditional, transitional, mid-century, eclectic, modern organic, bohemian, Scandinavian, Industrial, coastal, japandi, biophilic and maximalist. Because of this exposure to a variety of projects she and her team can create a design concept of any style and work in any design flow working with large or small teams. All About Design Studio defined by a unique design philosophy that blends global aesthetic influences with local historical elements, merges modern lines with earthy textures, and combines vintage finds with contemporary designs, creating a unique & dynamic layered interiors that are rich in tactile materiality, while remaining functional, elegant and timeless.
- ASK IF THE DESIGNER INCLUDES BUDGET IN THEIR SCOPE -
Did you know that budgeting is not a subject taught within the interior design degree? Yes. Only designers with experience include budget proposals for their clients. It’s imperative that Budget creation is a part of the design process at your designer’s practice and he/she will be able to advise and get your approval on your budget for the deliverables you are asking for. If not, the experience is going to be very uncomfortable when you have to tell your designer to make different selections because you’re not willing to pay for what was presented, no matter how much you love it.
Discussing budget upfront in interior design projects is crucial for several reasons: it defines the project's scope, allows for realistic planning and prioritization, and helps avoid costly surprises later on. Without a clear budget, designers can't provide accurate design solutions or material recommendations, and clients may unknowingly exceed their financial limits.
Here's why creating an Interior Design Budget for your project is so important:
1) Establish realistic Scope and goals. A budget informs the designer about what's possible within the client's financial constraints, allowing for realistic design plans and scope of work.
2) Prioritization and Trade-offs. A budget necessitates making choices and prioritizing design elements. It helps determine where to allocate funds for the most impactful features while potentially reducing spending on less critical aspects.
3) Budget prevents Overspending and Cost Overruns. Discussing budget upfront helps avoid unexpected expenses and potential overspending later in the project.
4) Budget establishes clear expectations and communications. Openly discussing budget from the start fosters transparency and helps manage expectations between the client and the designer.
5) Budget streamlines the Design Process. Knowing the budget from the outset allows designers to focus on solutions that align with the client's financial reality, leading to a more efficient design process.
At All About Design Studio not only are we sensitive about your budget, we also know how to work within an agreed to amount. We don’t agree to a budget to spend… only to come back to you later with our hands out asking for more money. Alla Carrasco worked decades in Corporate Design Firms in LA running multimillion dollar hotel projects as a lead Interior Designer – you can rest assured we can advise you on AND manage your budget.
- WHAT IS THEIR DESIGN BUSINESS MODEL -
The topic of budget is a great transition to learning how the designer’s business model is basically set up. Yes, this is a business for most Interior Designers, and not a hobby, so we are here to make a profit. But you, the client, should understand where your money is going. General transparency is key. The business of interior design is not regulated, so all Interior Designers run their businesses differently.
In general, there is a Design Fee – this is the cost to receive the design genius solutions to your space.
There is a Procurement Fee, which is applied to the actual order placement and tracking. Let’s talk about the Procurement Fee—yes, it’s a real thing, not just a fancy way for designers to buy more coffee. This fee covers the actual order placement and tracking, which, believe it or not, is a lot more complicated than clicking “Add to Cart” and hoping for the best. In fact, there’s so much behind-the-scenes action in this step that I’ll be dedicating an entire blog post to it soon. Spoiler alert: it involves spreadsheets, phone calls, and the occasional existential crisis over fabric swatches.
Now, here’s a little designer secret: most of us have access to “To the Trade” discounts from vendors, which basically means we get to shop in the VIP section of the design world. This allows us to source unique furniture, art, and accessories that you won’t find in your neighbor’s living room purchased at West Elm or Crate and Barrell. The best part? We pass some of those sweet discounts on to our clients. Depending on the size and scope of your project, the savings off the MSRP can be so impressive, you might just forget about the design fee altogether. But don’t worry, I’ll break down all the juicy details in a future post. Stay tuned!
- WHAT KIND OF PROJECT ORGANIZATION OR DESIGN PROCESS DO THEY HAVE?
The sheer amount of detail that goes into designing a single room is enough to make even the most seasoned spreadsheet shudder. Seriously—have you ever considered how many decisions are involved in creating just one custom pillow? If not, buckle up! I’ll spill all the pillow secrets in my upcoming Procurement Blog (because yes, even pillows have secrets).
It’s not just about picking pretty things, either. There’s the glamorous world of tracking invoices, making payments, monitoring shipments, and hunting down damaged or mysteriously discontinued items—think of it as detective work, but with more fabric samples and fewer trench coats. Add in coordinating with tradespeople and keeping you updated every week, and you’ve got a logistical circus that requires the organizational skills of a NASA mission planner.
To keep all these balls in the air, we manage our details both online and in trusty project binders—because nothing says “prepared” like a color-coded tab system and a WiFi connection strong enough to withstand a design emergency. 😊 And this is all just a furniture discussion.
Interior designers meticulously select and source a wide array of materials and finishes for renovations, playing a crucial role in shaping the final design: floor tile or wood, wall covering or paint, stone slab or manufactured stone, white oak cabinets, quarter sawn of flat sawn, stained or oiled finish... After the client approves the chosen materials, the designer then organizes the project's materials in a systematic way.
Here's a more detailed look at the process of selecting and specifying finish materials:
1. Material Sourcing and Selection:
Interior designers need to be knowledgeable about a diverse range and variety of materials and finishes, including flooring, wall coverings, countertops, cabinetry, lighting fixtures, and more.
They research different materials, considering factors like budget, design preferences, durability, and the overall aesthetic of the project.
Designers visit showrooms and connect with suppliers to explore various materials in person and discuss project specifics.
They often order samples of materials for clients to see and feel, ensuring that the final selection aligns with their vision.
2. Client Approval:
Designers present their material selections to the client, highlighting the pros and cons of each option. They work collaboratively with the client to finalize the material choices, ensuring that the selected finishes meet the client's needs and preferences. Once the client approves the materials, the designer moves forward with the project.
3. Organizing Project Materials:
Designers create detailed lists or specifications for each material, including quantities, sizes, and specific details. These lists will also be organized into a finish schedule, which acts as a comprehensive guide for General contractors and suppliers and is usually included in Interior Design drawing package.
4. Material Management:
Designers manage the procurement and delivery of materials, ensuring that everything arrives on time and in the correct quantity. They coordinate with contractors to ensure that materials are stored properly and used effectively during the renovation process and installed according to owner approved design.
Mover, designers utilize interior design drawings to visualize, communicate, and document their design ideas, providing clients and construction teams with a clear understanding of the final space. These drawings serve as a visual blueprint for construction and guide the execution of the design, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
At All About Design Studio we begin each project with the end in mind, plan the space and troubleshoot any issues before they escalate. We create timeless designs that are durable and last through the trends so you're not feeling the need to update your spaces regularly.
All About Design Studio works collaboratively with an exclusive network of local architects, designers, contractors, artists, furniture manufacturers and artisans. Using our extensive expertise, innovative approach, and resources, we guide our clients through each project, from initiation to completion.
- DESIGNR’S PERSONALITY -
Let’s be honest: when it comes to choosing an interior designer, personality is the secret sauce. You’re not just picking someone to fluff your pillows—you’re signing up for a creative partnership that could last longer than some celebrity marriages. Ask yourself: Will you actually enjoy spending time with this person (or their entourage)? Do they seem like the type who’ll listen to your wildest ideas—or at least pretend to, with a straight face? Are they the life of the party, or do they take their throw pillows (and themselves) very seriously? And, more importantly, which vibe are you actually looking for?
Don’t be shy—line up a couple of designers for a friendly “audition.” See who you vibe with. Some may charge a little more, some a little less, but remember: you’re not just shopping for a price tag, you’re shopping for the whole experience. Pay attention to their promises, their process, and—most importantly—how you feel in their company. Do you feel like you’re being welcomed into a design dream, or are you suddenly back in high school, hoping not to get picked last? Trust your gut—it’s usually spot on (and it’s had plenty of practice at dinner parties).
This “HOW DO I KNOW IF THIS INTERIOR DESIGNER IS GOOD FOR ME AND MY PROJECT” post is a great start to the Behind-the-Scenes Series. in the future post I’ll share some specific questions you should ask when you’re interviewing designers that you can add to your ideas.
And if you would like to discuss your own project and “interview us”, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We have years of experience creating happier and more efficient spaces and begin our process with a (free) virtual Meet & Greet. Contact the team at All About Design Studio today at (424) 442-0251 or email us alla@allaboutdesignstudio.com
or via the website contact form.
We offer interior design services in all of the Los Angeles areas and beyond.
Originally published © in 2025 by All About Design Studio©
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