Hiring a Designer
What to Ask Before Hiring an Interior Designer in Singapore
The questions that reveal whether a studio actually manages a project end to end, or hands off after the design phase.
Rachel Koh · 5 min read
Most of the disputes homeowners have with renovation projects come down to one thing: who was actually responsible once construction started. Before signing with a studio, it is worth asking exactly where their involvement ends.
- Ask whether the studio stays involved through construction, or hands off after drawings.
- End-to-end oversight catches problems earlier but usually costs more.
- Ask to see a project at least two years old, not just this year's portfolio.
Where does their involvement actually end?
Ask whether the studio manages the project through to construction completion, or hands off to a separate contractor once drawings are finalised. Studios that stay involved end to end tend to catch problems before they become expensive, but that oversight is usually reflected in the fee.
Ask to see something lived-in
Ask to see a project from at least two years ago, not just this year's portfolio. Materials and finishes that looked sharp on handover day do not always age well, and a studio confident in its work should be happy to show you something lived-in.