When you hire an interior designer, you get the benefit of an experienced professional who can solve problems, help you avoid costly mistakes and, most importantly, create a space designed specifically to meet your needs.

Whether new construction or remodeling, a design project involves numerous choices and decisions. You want someone knowledgeable and experienced to advise you and make everything come out just right. Someone you can trust to listen to your ideas, understand your needs and help realize your vision. You want a professional.

Among the many areas of expertise a professional designer commands are

• Space planning and utilization, including organizational and storage needs
• Long-term project and lifecycle planning
• National, state and local building codes
• Safety and accessibility
• Ergonomics
• Design for people with special needs
• Conservation and "green" design
• Historic restoration and preservation
• Interior detailing of background elements, such as wall and ceiling designs
• Custom design of furniture, millwork, window coverings and accents
• Selection of appliances, plumbing fixtures and flooring materials
• Lighting and daylighting
• Acoustics and sound transmission
• Audiovisual and communication technology
• Construction documents and specifications

In addition to their in-depth knowledge of products, materials and finishes, professional designers have the training and expertise to plan, schedule, execute and manage your project from start to finish. They know and work closely with many vendors, contractors and other service providers, coordinating and orchestrating the entire design team. Designers also provide specification and purchasing services to procure materials, furniture, accessories and art, some of which you might not be able to find on your own.

---2010 American Society of Interior Designers