Designer Advice or Recommendations?

[kriskap]

Can anyone help me with information on professional designers?

I'm in the GTA - Mississauga - and live in a 1973-built home in the Park Royal area of Clarkson. I have been mulling over a major remodel (expensive and disruptive) a move or just a renovation and will probably go with the latter.

If I do choose to sell some time down the road, the reno will hopefully help me get a better price.

The thing is - I need help trying to see the "big picture". All I can see now is what I don't like, and I know some of the things I want, but I'm afraid if I tackle things piecemeal, I'll make more of a mess. I have so many questions and I'm terribly indecisive.

I'm thinking a designer would help me formulate a plan that I could then execute with or without his/her help. Is this feasable?

Has anyone done this? Is it hugely expensive -- I'm not even sure of the ballpark figures here. Can you recommend any designers for me to contact for more information? Do they do consultations just to go over some possibilities?

I also need someone to do the same thing outdoors - with my deck and yard, but that's a whole other thread down the road. Sigh.

Thanks in advance!
Chris

[Dustbunny]

Yes a designer would help you plan what you can do. You can hire them just for that (vs handling the whole job as it's done) for about $100+/hr and they are really good when you need fresh ideas and to see the potential of your space. Same with the outside. That way you get a step by step plan and actual drawings (if you pay extra).

One thing, be sure you hire a designer, not a decorator who is just calling themselves a designer. The reason is you seem to be considering things that could be structural and that is one of the key differences between the designer designation and the decorator (who is not qualified for such things as structural). Unfortunately in ON there are no laws on the books at the moment (I've heard there is a bill on the table about that very thing) to prevent anyone who wants from calling themselves 'designer' so you may want to check with the association they belong to to see. I can't remember the name, but a google should bring it up with a listing of their members.

BTW another bonus to hiring a pro like that is they can also help you get good contractors, trades, and know where the best prices are for materials. So extra bonus.

[kriskap]

Thanks Dustbunny! Exactly what I was looking for.

I will look up the organization, but if anyone out there has any recommendations based on experience, I'd love to hear them. (I guess designers must sort of "fit" one's own personal style somewhat?)

All best,
Chris

[Dustbunny]

It does help to ask around, but also, always see their work (portfolio) to see if you like what they do. You want someone who has work that appeals to you and addresses your needs because you will probably just find it a more satisfactory experience to deal with someone who is on the same wavelength as you are.

[mallik]

Not to hijack this thread, but I'm also looking for an interior designer. I searched for some designers in the area and I noticed some also charge by the square foot with a minimum amount charged.

Dustbunny, I'm not sure if this is the association you were talking about but when I was searching I found this site: http://www.arido.ca/

[kriskap]

I checked there too Mallik, after Dustbunny mentioned the organization. I found a couple of them whose work looked like something I might like. One of the designers had a $250 service where they come to your house for 2 hours and just talk ideas. For a two-day more comprehensive visit with colours and fabric swatches, etc. (and I'm not sure what else) the cost ranged from $1500 to $2500. Of course this is just for ideas and suggestions, not any actual work or materials.

[CharmyPoo]

When I was doing my research, I really liked Rodney Deeprose ( http://www.rodneydeeprose.com/main.swf) but he wasn't cheap at $120 per hour. Or some TV ones like Robin Siegerman (http://www.sieguzi.com) is at around $125 per hour with retainer fees. Or maybe Cecconi Simone (http://www.cecconisimone.com/) - they host Design Interns.

I found most of the other designers were around $80 to $100. I was surprised that the Interior Decorators charges the same price!

[mallik]

When I was doing my research, I really liked Rodney Deeprose ( http://www.rodneydeeprose.com/main.swf) but he wasn't cheap at $120 per hour. Or some TV ones like Robin Siegerman (http://www.sieguzi.com) is at around $125 per hour with retainer fees. Or maybe Cecconi Simone (http://www.cecconisimone.com/) - they host Design Interns.

I found most of the other designers were around $80 to $100. I was surprised that the Interior Decorators charges the same price!

Roughly how many hours would it be if I wanted to get the basement done?

[CharmyPoo]

That will depend on the size and what you want to have done. It's best if you email them directly and find out.

I ended up doing a lot of designing myself since I think I am a "know it all" from watching HGTV. :lol: I am going through a kitchen reno right now and I went with my own design after speaking to many professionals. I even started using Design 20-20 because I wanted faster turnaround time. So far all my friends have loved what we have done but they wouldn't say anything even if they didn't like it.

I am not saying the best way to go is to do it yourself but it goes a long way if you have an idea of what you want. I was never completely blown away by what the designers told me. I did learn a few things about what can and can't be done.

[kriskap]

Thanks CharmyPoo -- It's great to hear from someone who has been through the process. I watch a lot of the H&G shows too. I think I need a designer to inject some new fresh ideas -- I've been staring at the same space for so long now I can't seem to get out of the rut I've "designed" myself into. :P

Then again, I may be on the right track and like you, may go with my first gut instincts...Maybe I just need confirmation that my ideas don't really suck.

Thanks also for the links.

[alcaatwork]

This is a good thread.