How to Hire a Design Firm for Your Remodel
Part 2 of the Design Process Blog Series
Choosing the right design firm is key to ensuring a smooth and successful home transformation. If you’ve read our previous blog on how inspiration is the starting point for any project, you’ll understand that the next step is working with professionals who can turn that inspiration into functional designs.
What to Consider When Hiring a Design Firm
Hiring the right design firm is crucial to ensure your project meets your expectations, stays on budget, and is completed on time. Here are some key factors to consider:
Review Their Portfolio – A firm’s past work speaks volumes about their style, capabilities, and expertise. Review projects similar in scope and aesthetic to see if they align with your vision. View some of our projects here.
Check Credentials & Experience – Verify qualifications, industry certifications, and years of experience. Memberships in professional organizations like the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) or the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) can be a good sign of credibility.
Our designers hold multiple certifications.
Jim Wright: Fellow of American Institute of Building Design (FAIBD), Certified Professional Building Designer (CPBD), Certified Green Professional (CGP).
Dominic Luppino: Certified Professional Building Designer (CPBD).
Both Joshua Brashear and Julianne Grove are graduate architects working towards their licenses.
Jim Wright
Dominic Luppino
Joshua Brashear
Julianne Grove
Read Client Reviews & Testimonials – Check platforms like Google, Houzz, and social media for reviews from past clients. Prioritize firms with positive feedback on communication, professionalism, and project execution.
Ask for References – A reputable firm should be willing to provide references. Speaking with past clients can give you a real sense of their experience working with the firm. We are happy to connect you with some of our clients.
Understand Their Process – Every firm has a unique workflow. Ask about their design process, project timeline, and how they handle revisions. Clarity upfront prevents surprises later.
Discuss Budget & Fees Transparently – Ensure you understand their pricing structure, what’s included in the services, and how they handle unforeseen expenses. Clear communication about costs helps prevent budget overruns.
Evaluate Communication & Compatibility – The right design firm should listen to your ideas, communicate clearly, and be open to collaboration. Good rapport is essential for a smooth working relationship. We pride ourselves on communicating with you.
Confirm Project Management Capabilities – A well-organized firm will coordinate with contractors, manage timelines, and oversee details to keep the project running smoothly.
Architect vs. Designer: What’s the Difference?
One of the first things to consider is whether you need an architect or a designer. Both architects and designers create home design plans, but their focus differs. Architects are trained to handle both aesthetic and structural elements, making them ideal for projects that involve major structural changes or require permits. They often lean toward modern styles but can work across various architectural aesthetics. Designers focus on the layout, function, and aesthetics while working within the existing structure. RDS is a residential design firm, meaning we work specifically with homeowners to create designs tailored to their needs.
Learn more about the difference between home designers and architects in this blog.
Why Choose RDS?
RDS stands out with a team of seasoned designers, led by Jim Wright, who bring extensive field experience to every project. We understand the market, the costs involved, and how to design within your budget. Additionally, we work closely with your builder throughout the process, ensuring a collaborative approach that keeps costs transparent from start to finish.
Key Benefits of Working with RDS:
Budget Awareness: We provide a broad cost range from the beginning and keep budget conversations open throughout the project, giving our clients multiple opportunities to check in with their builder. This ensures you achieve a design you love within a budget that feels just right.
Collaboration with Builders: We work hand in hand with your contractor to establish feasibility and cost efficiency.
Design Process: Once we complete the conceptual design, it is reviewed by the client and then handed over to the contractor for implementation.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a design firm should feel like an exciting and collaborative experience. Based in Columbus, Ohio, we guide you through every step, from initial inspiration to the final design, ensuring a seamless transition from ideas to reality. Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact us today to start your remodeling journey!
Stay tuned for the next blog in this series!