Journal · 1 min read
Choosing an Interior Design Firm: What to Check Before You Sign
How to vet portfolio, real track record, and contract terms before hiring an interior firm.
2026-04-22
To choose an interior firm safely, look at three areas: a real portfolio matching your style and project type, experience seeing builds through to completion (not just pretty designs), and a contract that clearly states scope, payment stages, and warranty. These matter more than the lowest price.
Portfolio and real track record
Beautiful renders do not prove strong site management. Ask to see completed builds, and if possible visit a finished project or speak with a past client.
- Ask for finished-build photos, not just 3D
- Check they have done your project type (condo or house)
- Ask who supervises site and whether crews are in-house or subcontracted
- Ask to reach a past client about on-time handover
Read the whole contract before signing
A good contract states the scope, material list and models, payment tied to progress, the timeline, penalties for delay, and post-handover warranty. Do not pay a large deposit before work starts, and keep every agreement in writing.
Watch how they communicate before signing
How a team answers questions and prepares the quote early on usually reflects how the whole project will run. If replies are slow, the quote is vague, or they promise everything without explaining limits, be careful, because early communication problems tend to grow during the build.
How is the interior design fee calculated?
Usually per square metre, as a percentage of the build value, or a fixed project fee. Ask clearly whether the design fee includes 3D and how many revisions, and whether site supervision is included, since some firms charge for that separately.
Should design and construction be one firm or separate?
One firm is convenient and keeps responsibility in one place when issues arise. Separating them lets you compare construction prices and adds a second layer of checking. Choose by how much you can oversee: if you have no time to manage it, one firm is usually easier.