One thing to note when embarking on the journey to find the perfect ID is that you're essentially choosing a creative partner who will bring your vision to life. When we set out to find an ID for our home, we first asked friends for recommendations. Turns out, no one would recommend their own ID because they didn't have the best experience with them. We were also constantly told no matter how good an ID you find, you'll still have to monitor and hound them throughout the process. This was disheartening because the whole point of getting an ID was so that we didn't need to worry about project management. However, the stars aligned and we couldn't be more thankful for our ID - shoutout to Justin from The Interior Lab! We have absolutely no complaints and would recommend him to anyone who asks! Sharing with you what worked for us in our ID hunt - after meeting with at least 8 - and what green flags we saw in ours and why we went with him. 
1. An authentic portfolio aligned with your theme 🏠 Ask about their past projects, but don't stop there—ensure they're genuine. In our experience we found that some IDs would just show you what their firm has done but it may not have necessarily been done by them. Or, they get images from the internet which isn't the most assuring as they could not be familiar with executing it. While having many years of experience is good, what’s more important to finding the right ID for you is that they have worked on projects aligned with your vision. Our ID's work was featured in a few home décor magazines and he also graciously offered us a glimpse into his current projects (with client consent!). This transparent approach reassured us of his credibility and commitment to quality. 
2. Realistic Expectations & Transparent Communication 📱 A great ID isn't just a creative, they're also a pragmatic planner. Look for someone who doesn't oversell or overpromise but instead offers realistic insights into budget and timelines. We heard so many people complain about "surprise charges" and delayed timelines but our ID was honest and transparent about the process and any potential delays due to holiday seasons. This approach fostered trust and ensured a smoother journey from concept to completion. Even when there was a delay with carpentry, our ID was upfront about it and we much rather this open and transparent communication than promising a timeline and not sticking to it. 
3. Chemistry: The Secret Ingredient 🧪 Chemistry isn't just for personal relationships, it's important in professional collaborations too. You'll be in close contact with your ID for months, so rapport matters. While another ID's credentials had also impressed us, it was our ID's ability to grasp our vision and provide creative solutions that led us to our final choice. He was also one of the only few IDs that treated our Pinterest board as an inspiration rather than take it too literally. Also, every meet up with him was honestly like hanging out with a friend - relaxed and fun 🫶🏽 ------ While our journey had its highlights, we also encountered some red flags that steered us away from certain designers: • Sexist remarks during discussions are an immediate disqualifier - someone actually told me I know it's hard to visualise "because you're a woman" (!!!!!!!!!) • Beware of deceptive firms. We did some digging on a highly rated firm and found it was boosted by fake reviews, mostly from overseas. • Pay close attention to the quality of past work. We had some share with us past work from their website but they looked overly polished and we suspected they were renders. In summary, trust your instincts, but also look out for these green flags and red flags alike. Finding the perfect ID is not just about aesthetics; it's about finding a partner who shares your vision and values.
9 April 2024
