Choosing an interior designer is a big decision. You will work together for weeks or months, and the result will shape how your family lives every day. Portfolios look beautiful everywhere, so how do you know which designer is right for you? Here are seven questions worth asking before you sign anything.
1. Will I work with you personally?
In many studios, the person who sells the project is not the person who designs it. Ask who will actually lead your project, who you will talk to and who will visit the site. Working directly with the designer usually means faster answers and fewer misunderstandings.
2. Can I see real projects similar to mine?
Ask for projects close to yours in size and style: a villa, an apartment, a majlis, an outdoor terrace or a commercial space. Look at the details, not only the main photo: ceilings, lighting, joinery and how materials meet.
3. What exactly is included in the price?
Make sure you know what you receive: layouts, 3D visualization, working drawings, material selection, site supervision. Ask how the fee is calculated, per square metre, fixed or hourly, and what is paid separately. A clear price structure protects you from surprises later.
4. Will I see the result before work starts?
Photorealistic 3D visualization lets you see your rooms with real materials and lighting before anything is built. It is much cheaper to change a render than a finished wall. You can read more about it in why 3D visualization matters before you renovate.
5. Will my contractor get proper drawings?
Beautiful images are not enough for a contractor. Ask whether you will receive a full set of working drawings: floor plans, wall elevations, ceilings, lighting and electrical plans, tile layouts. Good drawings are what turn a design into the home you approved.
6. How many revisions are included, and how long will it take?
Agree on the number of revision rounds and on the schedule before you start. As a guide, an apartment design usually takes around 10–15 working days and a villa around 20–25 working days, depending on the scope.
7. How do we communicate?
Many clients in the UAE are busy or live abroad part of the year. Ask how decisions are made: WhatsApp, video calls, site meetings. Also ask which languages the designer speaks. At Ashraf Design, I work with clients in English, Russian and Farsi.
A quick checklist
- You know who will lead your project.
- You have seen projects similar to yours.
- The price and what it includes are clear and written down.
- You will see 3D images before construction.
- Your contractor will receive working drawings.
- Revisions, schedule and payments are agreed.
In short
The right designer is not only talented but also clear, reachable and honest about price and timing. If you are planning a villa, apartment or commercial space in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE, request a consultation and we can discuss your project.