Interior design consultancy is all about ensuring that clients have an amazing experience as they buy and improve their homes decor to give them an aesthetic and modern outlook. When working with an interior design consultancy, of key essence is to put into consideration a number of important issues as will be discussed below.
1) Conduct research on the interior design consultancy
A little research verifies the consultancy and ensures a client’s hires just the right people. This also lays a firm ground for a fruitful working relationship. For example, researching on a leading interior design company in Singapore such as DB&B and Kyoob-ID will help a client identify what makes it stand out as the preferred brand in terms of the variety of services offered.
2) How long they have been in existence
A credible interior design consultancy is one that has been in business for a couple of years. This proves that the consultancy has gained a lot of experience over time through interacting and offering services to a wide range of clients. Besides, if the consultancy cannot offer the specified needs of the clients, they are in a position to refer them to other consultancies.
3) Networks and partners established over time
Networking is an important aspect for an interior design consultancy that desires to create new market avenues. A good interior design consultancy is one that has established personal contacts with a wide range of individuals both locally and internationally. This goes a long way in determining whether the consultancy can be depended upon by prospective clients/customers.
4) Level of technology used
In this modern era, interior design consultancies have no option but to use up to date technology which heightens the value of their services. This is because digital technology has revolutionized the interior design profession. Smartphone apps have made it easy for interior designers to artistically draw houses in a very fast manner.
5) Their charges
A client should first conduct a cost-benefit analysis when working with an interior design consultancy to ensure that the cost incurred is in line with his/her financial budget. Additionally, a client should negotiate the charges with a consultancy that offers excellent services but at a very high price to ensure that they get satisfactory services at an affordable cost. The client should also inquire if the consultancy offers any discounts on services rendered. Above all, a client should consider the duration of time the consultancy is willing to give them to make the payments.
6) Level of professionalism exhibited
Choosing an interior design consultancy that portrays a wide array of knowledge and skills is an added advantage. This is because one is assured that they will offer services devoid of mistakes. Further, the consultancy should uphold a strong culture of ethics. They should always deal with clients in an honest manner and practice utmost transparency and accountability. This makes the clients to trust them with their homes and feel safe with the interior designers around their personal space.
7) Customer reviews and feedback
This plays a great role in determining whether an interior design consultancy is worth a client’s time. An individual should assess the perceptions articulated by the customers that the consultancy has previously served. Positive feedback confirms that the consultancy addresses the interests of the customers while negative feedback shows that the consultancy did not meet the customer’s objectives. A consultancy that gets lots of positive feedback shows that it has a strong customer orientation. A prospective client can be sure that he/she will have a wonderful encounter working with such a consultancy.
8) References
An interior design consultancy that offers top notch services will be strongly recommended by other individuals who it has worked for previously. It is therefore important to contact these individuals and get as much information as possible about the consultancy. Questions should also be asked about whether the consultancy has been involved in dubious businesses to avoid becoming a victim.
9) Accreditation
A firm or an individual should only work with a certified interior design consultancy who uphold high standards of expertise when it comes to interior design. An accredited consultancy also is able to fill a market niche which other firms are unable to. In Singapore, for example, a person should find out if the consultancy has been approved by the relevant authorities such as The Design Singapore Council.
10) Whether they have taken insurance cover
An interior design consultancy needs to insure itself against risks that might occur leading to huge amounts of losses. Taking insurance cover ensures that the consultancy is in a position to resume operations within a short period of time as a result of compensation offered by the insurance company.
11) Proper communication between the parties involved
Clear and precise communication is unavoidable when dealing with individuals. The consultancy and the clients should at all times make their needs know to each other. This alleviates issues of under-performance and sees to it that the stipulated objectives are met accordingly. More so, respectful communication must prevail. This inculcates an environment of mutual agreement between the parties conducting business. Lastly, the two parties should offer constant feedback at every stage of the process to ensure that things are on the right path.
12) The capability to incorporate creativity and imagination
An interior design consultancy should strive to offer a variety of unique ideas to clients on the interior designs they should go for. They should ensure that the colors chosen, the art and the general interior design blend well creating a serene home environment. This necessitates the need for interior designers to keep abreast with current and emerging trends in the field of interior design. Benchmarking with other interior design companies also aids in brainstorming ideas which can be polished to add value to a consultancy.
13) The capability to work within a given timescale.
In any business endeavour, the ability to wisely manage time allocated for the project determines whether the interior design consultancy can meet tough deadlines. Delivering timely results also boosts the credibility of the consultancy on the part of the client.
All the aforementioned issues ensure that clients get both short and long term benefits as a result of working with interior design consultancies in Singapore.