Finding the right Interior Designer – look at their Process, not just their pictures
- 360 Design Studio
- Aug 17, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: Feb 1
360 Design Studio has completed a number of residential, corporate and commercial projects. We believe the following go a long way towards identifying the right Interior Designer for your project.
In the age of Instagram and Pinterest, it's easy to choose an interior designer based solely on beautiful images. But as a diploma-qualified interior designer and member of the Design Institute of Australia, I've seen projects succeed or fail based not on aesthetic vision, but on the rigour of the design process and project management methodology.
This guide shows you what to look for beyond pretty pictures when choosing an interior designer.
Six Critical Signs of an Experienced Interior Designer
1. Don't Dive Straight into Aesthetics
Expert Interior Designers always start by mapping clients' daily requirements and understanding their vision for the space. Then they create bespoke layouts and designs that address every need, and focus on every detail, no matter how small, like the direction a door opens.
What this looks like in practice: At 360 Design Studio, our initial consultation involves walking through your space and asking detailed questions about what's working, what's not, your reason for renovating, and any unique or future needs. We assess how you actually use the space before suggesting any aesthetic solutions.
Red flags:
Designers who suggest solutions before seeing your space
Jump straight to showing you mood boards and finishes
No questions about your daily routines and functional requirements
Focus on trends rather than your specific needs
2. Don't Give You a Low Quote
This is a common tactic to get the job. Experienced Interior Designers understand the value and expertise they are bringing to the table, and are transparent in the breakdown of their fees. While they may cost more upfront, remember that the most expensive design is the one you have to do twice.
What transparency looks like: At 360 Design Studio, we charge fixed fees based on project complexity and time required, not a percentage of construction costs. We provide clear breakdowns of what's included, with no hidden charges.
Why low quotes are dangerous:
Often exclude critical services like building code compliance verification
May indicate lack of professional qualifications or insurance
Usually result in scope creep and unexpected costs
Designer may cut corners during construction phase
No proper project management or trade coordination
I completed my Diploma in Interior Design (Interior Design Institute, 2024) and maintain Design Institute of Australia membership with professional indemnity insurance. These qualifications and accountability cost money but protect your investment.
3. Don't Focus Only on Making the Space Instagram-able
Experienced Interior Designers know a successful project balances form (aesthetics) with functionality. They maximise every inch of space and focus on every detail, no matter how small.
Real-world example: In our Moves International office project, we didn't just create a beautiful reception area. We designed workflow patterns between customer service and operations zones, ensured proper acoustic treatment for phone calls, optimised natural light whilst reducing glare on computer screens, and ensured disabled access compliance (AS1428).
For commercial projects like our Saravanaa Bhavan restaurants, functionality includes:
Kitchen-to-dining flow optimising staff movement
Durable, easily maintainable finishes for high-traffic use
Acoustic treatments for comfortable dining
Lighting meeting food service regulations whilst creating ambiance
Fire safety and egress route compliance
Instagram designers create spaces that photograph well. Qualified designers create spaces that work flawlessly for decades.
4. Don't Focus Only on Overhead Lighting
Experienced Interior Designers start by studying the orientation of your space to see how much natural light it receives. Then they layer all 3 types of lighting (ambient, task, and accent) to support your activities, create depth and atmosphere. So your space looks its best and functions well day or night.
The three lighting layers:
Ambient lighting: Overall illumination meeting lux requirements
Task lighting: Focused light for specific activities (cooking, reading, working)
Accent lighting: Highlighting features and creating depth
Technical requirements: For commercial projects, we ensure lighting meets Australian Standards (AS/NZS 1680). In our Saravanaa Bhavan restaurant projects, we designed lighting achieving 70% energy reduction through LED fixtures whilst meeting commercial food service lux requirements and creating authentic dining atmosphere.
This requires understanding of electrical load calculations, fixture specifications, and building code compliance, not just selecting attractive pendants.
5. Don't Create a "Showroom"
Great Interior Designers use colours and textures to inject personality and create interest in your space. They understand how every element works together to look cohesive without being bland or boring.
How we achieve this: As co-founder of Dezinery (Australia's marketplace for recycled and reusable homewares), I understand how to incorporate unique, sustainable pieces that add character whilst maintaining cohesion.
In residential projects, we layer textures through soft furnishings, mix materials for visual interest, incorporate clients' existing pieces they love, and use accent colours strategically. The result feels lived-in and personal, not sterile.
Sustainable design adds character:
Upcycled vintage pieces bring unique personality
Recycled materials with history and patina
Locally sourced timber with natural variation
Low-VOC finishes in custom colours
We design spaces that reflect your personality or brand, not generic showrooms.
6. Don't Give You a Clear Schedule for the Work
Experienced Interior Designers will give you detailed timelines with built-in buffers for the inevitable surprises that come with any project.
Our project management approach: At 360 Design Studio, once design is approved, we prepare a comprehensive Trade & Materials Schedule (TMS) listing every task for every trade (plumber, carpenter, tiler, electrician) and all key furniture and fittings.
Why the TMS matters:
Provides clarity of scope (defines project completion)
Enables comprehensive quotes from trades
Highlights risks and dependencies (task A must complete before item B)
Forms basis of realistic project schedule with buffers
Minimises disputes about scope
We then work through scheduling and dependencies, build in contingency time for unexpected issues, visit site regularly to keep project on track, and provide regular updates on progress.
Important: At 360 Design Studio, our renovation consultants manage maximum 1-2 projects simultaneously. Renovation requires close coordination with no shortcuts. Designers managing too many projects cannot provide adequate attention or realistic schedules.
Education and Qualifications Matter
In Australia, anyone can call themselves an interior designer with zero formal training. There's no governing body or baseline standards for decorators or Instagram designers.
What qualified designers bring:
Formal education in Australian building codes (NCC)
Understanding of spatial planning methodology
Knowledge of building services (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
Material science and performance specifications
Structural principles and load-bearing assessments
Accessibility standards (AS1428)
Fire safety and egress requirements
Technical drawing and CAD software proficiency
Project management methodology
Sustainable design principles
My Diploma in Interior Design (2024) and Design Institute of Australia membership ensure I can produce technical drawings builders can work from, ensure building code compliance, specify materials correctly, and manage complex projects professionally.
Questions to Ask Prospective Designers
About Their Approach:
How do you start the design process? (Should start with understanding your needs, not aesthetics)
How do you balance aesthetics with functionality?
What's your approach to lighting design? (Should mention all three layers)
How do you incorporate personality without creating a showroom?
About Qualifications and Fees:
5. What formal qualifications do you hold?
6. Are you a Design Institute of Australia member?
7. Do you carry professional indemnity insurance?
8. How do you charge? What's included in your fee?
9. Can you provide a detailed breakdown of costs?
About Project Management:
10. What project management methodology do you use?
11. How do you create realistic schedules?
12. How do you handle unexpected issues or delays?
13. How many projects do you manage simultaneously?
14. Can you provide builder references?
About Building Code Compliance:
15. How do you ensure designs comply with Building Code of Australia?
16. Are you familiar with accessibility standards (AS1428)?
17. Can you navigate council approval processes?
About Sustainability:
18. How do you incorporate sustainable design principles?
19. Can you specify recycled materials meeting performance requirements?
Client Example: Process Delivers Success
Cathy, national manager in global company, initially planned to manage her kitchen renovation herself but realised she had no time whilst working demanding role with travel.
What convinced her: "Vinti's honesty and professionalism. She quickly pointed out changes (without compromising quality) enabling me to also renovate my laundry/powder room within original budget."
What she valued: "The practicality of your advice. You understood me, my budget, and what I wanted to achieve. The biggest surprise was that the total including your fees were no more than my budget for doing it myself."
Her conclusion: "You took the stress out of kitchen renovation. Having Vinti as my eyes and ears made it easy. For any future renovation I wouldn't hesitate to use 360 Renovation Consulting."
The 360 Design Studio Difference
At 360 Design Studio, we provide a full service from Interior Design to Project Management. You decide how much of your project you want us to manage.
Qualifications:
Diploma in Interior Design, Interior Design Institute (2024)
Design Institute of Australia member
Professional indemnity insurance
24 years financial and project management experience
Co-founder, Dezinery (marketplace for recycled and reusable homewares)
Our Process:
Initial Consultation: Map your daily requirements and vision before discussing aesthetics
Design Development: Floor plans, 3D drawings, mood boards balancing form and functionality
Lighting Design: Study natural light orientation, layer ambient/task/accent lighting
Material Selection: Colours and textures adding personality, not creating showrooms
Documentation: Technical drawings, Trade & Materials Schedule, building code compliance verification
Project Management: Detailed timelines with buffers, trade coordination, site visits, issue resolution
Sustainable Design: Circular economy principles, waste reduction, upcycling, sustainable materials
Service Areas:
Most Sydney suburbs (in-person)
Remote design services Australia-wide
Differentiators:
Don't dive into aesthetics first. Focus on your needs
Transparent, fair fee structure
Balance form with functionality
Comprehensive lighting design (not just overhead)
Add personality without showroom feel
Realistic schedules with buffers
Fixed-fee pricing
Formal qualifications, not just Instagram
Maximum 1-2 projects simultaneously
Professional accountability through DIA
The Bottom Line
The right interior designer doesn't just create beautiful spaces. They start with understanding your needs, provide transparent pricing, balance aesthetics with functionality, design comprehensive lighting, inject personality thoughtfully, and give realistic schedules.
Look for formal qualifications (Diploma, degree), Design Institute of Australia membership, professional indemnity insurance, systematic process, technical documentation capability, building code knowledge, and proven project management.
Remember: the most expensive design is the one you have to do twice. Choose process and qualifications over pretty pictures.
So call us now to see how we can transform your space!
About the Author: Vinti Verma holds a Diploma in Interior Design from the Interior Design Institute (2024) and is a member of the Design Institute of Australia. She specialises in sustainable commercial interior design and cosmetic renovations with environmental focus. As co-founder of Dezinery (Australia's marketplace for recycled and reusable homewares), she brings expertise in sustainable materials and environmental design. Based in Sydney with remote services available Australia-wide.
Learn more: Interior design services | Project Management services
Contact 360 Design Studio: Email: info@360designstudio.com.au | Phone: 0411 086 116 | Web: www.360designstudio.com.au
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