Hiring Out of State Interior Designer

[Anonymous]

We're interested in hiring a great designer who is based in NYC to do our extensive remodel here in DC.

Anyone have experience doing this? Maybe have any tips or experiences to offer about working with someone long distance?

[Anonymous]

When they come to you, you'll have to put them up (hotel, meals, car rental, etc.).

Jeff Lewis does it.

[Anonymous]

We are doing a custom build and using the same interior designer we used when we lived in CT (where she also lives). We are splitting travel expenses 50/50. She is well connected in the DC area through a design group she belongs to and is able to get local vendors when needed (e.g., warehouse for receiving furniture, faux painting, etc). Our project is good for her portfolio, and by using the same designer again, she already knows our style (which saves us time/money) regarding selections and how we live in our home.

For samples (fabrics, rugs, etc.), she just has the vendors send swatches to her and to us at the same time so we are looking at the same thing. We schedule calls frequently, can do Skype if needed, and do lots of things over email. Honestly, it's not all that different than when we were both in CT (we did an extensive remodel there that she led) and so far, I'm very happy with how it is going. In fact, we spent the last two full days together and did all of our plumbing selections, confirmed our tile selections, and worked on lighting selections. We also spent 3 hours with our architect and builder with her for a meeting to determine the exterior color scheme. I think the fact that she travels here makes us much more focused when she is here and we get a lot done.

Good luck!