What is ASID?

ASID is the oldest and largest professional association for interior designers. Headquartered in Washington, DC, ASID provides more than 30,000 members with ongoing support, education and resources.

What is an ASID Interior Designer?

ASID interior designers are professional project managers who solve space problems for both residential and commercial projects. They create the function and feel you desire by listening carefully to your needs and integrating innovative design solutions with informed selections from the vast universe of product resources and services.

Why Do Clients Choose ASID-affiliated Interior Designers?

Professional members of ASID must pass rigorous industry standards including a combination of accredited design education and/or full-time work experience and a two-day accreditation examination administered by the National Council for Interior Design qualification (NCIDQ). Professional ASID interior designers also keep abreast of environmental safety laws, building and fire codes, accessible design regulations and historic preservation.

What Is My Role In the Design Process?

Before contacting an interior designer, take some time to think about what you want and what you need. The first step in this process is to consider some questions that an interior designer will ask regarding your project:

• For whom is the space being designed?
• What activities will take place there?
• How long do you plan to occupy the space?
• What is your time frame?
• What is your budget?
• Are you relocating or remodeling?
• What image do you want to project?
• What is the approximate square footage to be designed (for commercial projects)?
• Also, be sure to consider the positive and negative aspects of the space.

Are Contracts Important?

Contracts are very important because they allow us to define the scope of your project. A contract allows you to specify who will be responsible for what, how long the project will last and what the budget limits will be. It is in your best interest to have a signed contract before any work begins or any money is exchanged.

How Much Is This Going to Cost?

It depends on what you want. There are many variables including the size of the project (one room or whole house?), quality of products selected (custom or prefabricated cabinets?), and the timeframe in which the project needs to be completed (two weeks or two months?). Developing the budget is a partnership between the client and the designer. As the client, you should have an active role in developing the budget. If you're unsure about costs, your designer can help. Be honest with your designer about your budget. A professional designer assesses your needs and helps you determine where to spend and where to save, prioritizing expenses while creating an interior that is within your budget. Also, remember that not everything has to be completed at once. Your designer can develop a long-range plan, consult with you to establish a list of priorities and determine a time line for accomplishing your project.