I honestly do not think there is a "typical" response for what an architect will do with respect to interior design. Having said that, our arch was not at all interested in performing that service; however, he had an in house design person with whom we could work for an additional fee. He was interested in our overall "feel" and "vision" for the house which was somewhat helpful. As much as I would have liked to work with a designer, we honestly were not willing to spend that type of money. Several outside designers were more per hour than our architect! I could not afford to spend that kind of money for someone to go "shopping" for me trying to find pieces/wallpaper/tile/flooring that I liked. Although a designer has resources that makes it easier to identify those items, our "look" is not mainstream, which meakes it more time consuming. I hope that helps. Teresa

From my experience as a designer, I'd give this advice. (I'll also tell you that I use a designer myself from time to time, because I get lost in my own ideas too, when it's my own place.) Before you start looking, make your own idea book...I usually recommend a three-ring binder. Fill it with notes and pictures and inspiration. Buy a bunch of magazines (if you don't already have a collection) and clip like crazy. Also use inspiration from other sources...like the colors of a painting in an art book, or a print dress you love. It's much easier to communicate visual ideas with visual things, because people don't always see what you see in your mind when you try to do it in words. And include a section of things you dislike, because ruling things out is a big part of the process. Get a list of the ASID members in your area. Then start asking everyone you know, and everyone you think might be connected to good designers...including the person who runs the kitchen store, and the local theatre director, and the owner of the best restaurant in town...anyone who might help you find someone. Then try to set the scope of what you are asking for. Do you want a staged plan that you can implement over a 5-year period, or do you want to go room-by-room, or do you just want help with a color scheme and fabric, or do you want your designer to be your contractor, who also finds you painters and upholsterers and other workers? Then start calling designers you might consider, and ask for an interview. If possible, go to them... if you see them in their workspace, and don't ask them to take the time to come to you, you can get a sense of them without a big commitment. If they prefer to come to you, make clear that this is only the start of your search, and that you will be interviewing several people. When you set up the meeting, tell them you want to see their book. How well they present their past work will tell you something, too. And don't be shy about asking for references, and then call and chat with those people. That way, you don't waste each other's time...and designers make a living on time and mark-up, or some combination of both. And the most important thing....don't work with anyone you don't just love, and who doesn't "get" you. Don't be intimidated. Don't agree to anything that doesn't feel right. A good designer will make you feel more confident, not less, and will execute your taste and wants, even if that requires helping you to figure out what they are. Go for the person with the best reputation and the best experience you can afford, and you'll save money and heartache in the end.

My kitchen is under construction and cabinets and counter are installed and now I see things that are "off". Just realized yesterday that the sink is off about an inch from the window. Too late though. It's things no one will notice and if they do I'm sure they won't mention it to me. With the exception of my OCD sister of course. LOL The main thing I learned in building a house is you can't trust anything that is on paper!! I measured, marked and remeasured that darn kitchen and in the end things are still a little off. We didn't have custom cabinets so that had a little to do with the final outcome, but it's really not a big deal. Having my new house is far more important than a kitchen that is "off" a tad. Those few inches here and there are not going to bother me, but than again I can't speak for how they will bother you. I've learned that before I get totally freaked out over a small error, I ask myself, is this something I would notice in someone's else's house. If I wouldn't, I feel no one is really going to notice it in mine. As far as the sink being a bit off, I have so many other pretty things going on in my house, I really don't think the kitchen sink is going to be the focal point and focus of people who visit. Not unless they have a hankering to do dishes. Good luck. I hope you can get this resolved to your satisfaction.

So you need an Interior Designer to make this your space.IMO the best thing to start with are the most expensive pieces so usually sofas, beds, and lighting. Mid priced photo frames I usually go to a framers work shop and order in bulk usually get a good deal. I would suggest you go to good furniture stores in your area and they often have designers on site that can start the ball rolling. You do not want to buy a sofa or chair without a test drive.