Hi there! I’m Jenny Murphy, founder and principal designer at J. Reiko Design + Co., an interior architecture and design firm based in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Hiring an interior designer is a big (and exciting) step. Whether you’re dreaming up a full home renovation, reimagining your kitchen design, or tackling one beautifully complex living room design, the process often starts with a consultation call — a chance for you to get to know the designer, ask questions, and make sure it’s the right fit.
That first conversation sets the tone for your entire interior design project, so it’s worth preparing a few thoughtful questions. Below are the ones I recommend asking any prospective interior designer, along with a peek into how I personally answer them during our discovery calls.
Questions to Ask an Interior Designer
1. “What services do you offer?”
- Why it matters:
- Not all design firms offer the same level of service. Some focus on interior decorating or styling, while others (like us) handle full-service interior design, including space planning, architectural design, furniture procurement, and project management. Knowing this upfront ensures your expectations align with their scope.
- Our answer:
- At J. Reiko Design + Co., we offer a full spectrum of interior design services — from architectural finish selections, construction documentation, to custom furniture and styling. We work on new builds, historic renovations, and everything in between, ensuring every project feels cohesive and considered from the foundation to the final layer.
2. “What’s your design philosophy or approach?”
- Why it matters:
- Every designer has a distinct lens. Some are trend-driven; others are timeless purists. Understanding a designer’s approach helps you determine whether their vision aligns with your personal style and the story you want your home to tell.
- Our answer:
- Our brand ethos is Holistic. Storied. Impactful. Balanced. We believe good design is about more than aesthetics — it’s about how your home makes you feel. We honor original architecture, layer in soulful materials, and curate pieces that reflect your life’s story.
3. “What interior design styles do you specialize in?”
- Why it matters:
- A designer who specializes in your preferred design style will interpret your vision with ease — whether that’s warm minimalism, modern classic, Japandi, or a historic restoration.
- Our answer:
- We’re known for blending eras and textures — a little European refinement, a little California ease, and a whole lot of timeless charm. We love working within the architecture of each home, whether it’s a mid-century renovation or a Denver foursquare.
4. “Can you walk me through your interior design process?”
- Why it matters:
- The interior design process varies from firm to firm. Knowing the structure (and the order of deliverables) helps you visualize how your design project will unfold and what to expect at each stage.
- Our answer:
- Our process begins with a design consultation, where we explore your goals, inspiration, and lifestyle. From there, we move into concept development, space planning, and design concepts, followed by detailed drawings, pricing, and procurement. Once construction begins, we collaborate closely with your general contractor, vendors, and trades to bring every detail to life — right down to the last styled shelf. You can find more details about our process here.
5. “How long will my project take?”
- Why it matters:
- Timelines depend on size, scope, and decision-making speed. Clear expectations here prevent frustration later.
- Our answer:
- Smaller furnishing projects can take a few months, while large-scale renovations or new builds may span 12 to 18 months. We prioritize time management and realistic scheduling, and we’re transparent about what could affect your project timeline, from permit approvals to supply chain delays.
6. “Do you collaborate with other professionals?”
- Why it matters:
- The best results happen when designers, builders, and architects work as one cohesive team. This question tells you whether your designer is comfortable coordinating with a general contractor or architectural planning team.
- Our answer:
- Absolutely. Collaboration is at the core of what we do. We often work alongside home builders, architects, and tradespeople to ensure that our design plan aligns with construction realities. That partnership keeps your design + build project on track and cohesive from start to finish.
7. “How do you handle budgets and fees?”
- Why it matters:
- Money can be the most uncomfortable topic — but it shouldn’t be. Understanding a designer’s design fee structure (fixed price vs. cost-plus) helps you compare apples to apples and avoid surprises.
- Our answer:
- We start every project with a clear furnishings budget and proposal that outlines what’s included (and what’s not). Most of our projects are billed on an hourly fee basis for design and a separate cost-plus or fixed structure for purchasing. Transparency is everything, and we’ll always align on your budgetary constraints before any work begins.
8. “Who will I be working with directly?”
- Why it matters:
- In larger firms, you may interact with a junior designer rather than the principal. Knowing your point of contact ensures smooth communication and realistic expectations about involvement.
- Our answer:
- Every client at J. Reiko Design + Co. works directly with me – or one of our lead designers, throughout the process, alongside our in-house team of junior designers and project coordinators. We’re hands-on from concept to completion, keeping the designer/client relationship highly collaborative and personal.
9. “What’s your experience with projects like mine?”
- Why it matters:
- Past performance predicts future success. Reviewing past projects similar in scope or style builds confidence in your potential designer’s ability to deliver.
- Our answer:
- We’ve completed dozens of interior design projects across Colorado — from full home remodels to historic restorations and modern new builds. You can explore a few on our Portfolio page to see the diversity of work and design depth we bring to each space.
10. “How do you manage communication and project updates?”
- Why it matters:
- Even the most stunning design concepts fall apart without communication. Understanding how your designer handles project management, meetings, and updates helps keep everyone aligned.
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- Our answer:
- We host structured design meetings throughout each phase and share all documents, drawings, and updates through your client portal. This ensures everyone — designer, contractor, vendors, subcontractors, and homeowners — stay connected and informed every step of the way.
11. “What happens if I need to make changes during the project?”
- Why it matters:
- Design is dynamic. Sometimes you fall in love with a new furniture piece mid-process or need to adjust your floor plan once framing starts. Ask how revisions are handled so you understand potential cost or timeline implications.
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- Our answer:
- We design homes that feel like you, only better. Our clients come to us for spaces that feel authentic, refined, and layered with soul. We blend architecture and interiors so the finished result feels effortless — never over-designed.
Final Thoughts
Hiring the perfect interior designer isn’t just about finding someone whose portfolio you love; it’s about finding someone who listens, collaborates, and translates your dreams into a home that tells your story.
At J. Reiko Design + Co., we’ve guided hundreds of homeowners through the design consultation process — helping them uncover their vision and define what “home” really means to them.
If you’re preparing for your own project, we’d love to connect.
Book your in-person or 90-minute online design consultation here to get started, or if you are curious about our full-service design services or have questions about which is right for you, reach out here.
Ready to enlist the expertise of a design team?
Reach out to us using the link below!
