When selecting an Interior Designer for your project, there are several important factors to consider. While the initial cost might seem high, once you go through the process, you’ll realize that having a professional in charge is worth every penny. To help you make this decision, we’ve outlined the different ways Designers may work and charge for their services, along with the pros and cons of each option.
Design Only.
A fee is charged for the design, and the plans are then released to you to find your own manufacturer.
Pros
- One-off fee
- Flexibility to choose your own manufacturer
Cons
- No production plans are provided
- Designer won’t be involved in the manufacturing process
- You’ll need to manage all aspects of the project, including sourcing and coordinating builders, plumbers, electricians, tilers, council approvals, manufacturers, deliveries, and timeframes
- No guarantee of product quality or that the end result will match the original design
Design and Manufacture In-House.
These services are often offered by retail stores or manufacturers with showrooms. They employ their own in-house designers, and the design cost is typically included in the overall product price.
Pros
- Usually, no additional design fee is charged.
- Suitable for those on a limited budget.
Cons
- The design cost is integrated into the overall project cost.
- You’ll need to coordinate with other trades and contractors independently.
- In-house designers may not always hold formal qualifications or extensive design experience.
- Designs are often limited to what can be easily and economically manufactured.
Design Then Manufacture.
In this approach, you work with an independent designer who collaborates with various manufacturers to bring your project to life. You pay a fee to the designer, and you make purchases directly from their chosen manufacturers.
Pros
- Clear Cost Structure: A one-time fee is paid for the design and production drawings, usually in instalments.
- Project Coordination: The fee often includes coordination of the entire project.
- Personalised Choices: Colours and products are selected with your input to ensure the design reflects your preferences.
- Seamless Collaboration: The designer manages communication with the manufacturer throughout the process.
- Comprehensive Liaison: The designer coordinates with other professionals and trades involved on-site.
- Designer Discounts: You benefit from the designer’s exclusive discounts on materials.
- Maximised Budget: Your project budget goes directly into the final product. For example, if you allocate $60,000 for your kitchen (excluding design fees), that’s precisely the amount used for materials and production.
Cons:
- Higher Initial Fee: The upfront design fee may seem steep at first.


Design on an Hourly Rate.
This approach works in some cases but can become quite costly, especially if changes to the plans are needed or the process of product selection and installation takes longer than expected. On average, I spend about 60 hours just developing an initial concept design. Additional time often goes into making necessary changes, coordinating with other professionals, selecting products, creating production drawings, and managing the manufacturing and installation process. As you can imagine, the hours can really add up.
Pros
- Flexible: You can use the designer’s services as needed to match your budget.
Cons
- If costs aren’t closely monitored, the final expense can escalate quickly.
- Costs can quickly add up, potentially leading to budget overruns before the project is completed.
Retainer.
With a retainer, you pay a set monthly fee for an agreed number of hours, with additional charges for any time beyond this. This option is often chosen by niche clients, typically for extensive, intensive builds.
Pros
- You have a designer readily available for the duration of the project.
Cons
- This can be an expensive choice unless the project is extensive enough to justify it.
As you can see, there are many factors to weigh when selecting an option. There’s no single right choice—it all depends on what best suits your needs and budget.
The views shared here are based on Mal Corboy Design’s experience and do not necessarily reflect the practices of all designers or companies.
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