The Professional Interior Designer is qualified by education, experience and examination to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces. The interior design profession provides services encompassing research, development and implementation of plans and designs of interior environments to improve the quality of life, increase productivity, and protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. Finding the Right Interior Designer

In Bermuda word of mouth is a very reliable method of finding a Professional Interior Designer. Ask friends, acquaintances, co-workers and family for names of interior designers they have employed and recommend.

Check local magazines and newspapers for photos of completed work by island designers.

Look in the yellow pages for the list of qualified professionals; members of the Bermuda Society of Interior Designers. Contact them to find out what their specialties are.

Browse the internet for photos of projects and review web pages.

Contact a short list of designers who are experienced in the type of work you require and interview each, view their portfolios and see examples of their work. Ask each to explain their approach to the design process, schedule and method of billing. Each designer has different ways of working and various fee structures. Make sure you're very clear on exactly how you'll be charged and what you will get. For large projects, particularly commercial, a Request for Proposal (RFP) can be issued to your short list.

If your project has special requirements ask for details of their expertise. For instance in designing for the elderly or the handicapped a good understanding of the American Disabilities Act (ADA) is highly advantageous. If sustainability is an issue ask if the designer has taken The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) examination.

Your selected designer needs to be able to communicate clearly and effectively, as well as be an attentive listener. They will need to work with contractors, engineers and other service providers so they will need to be both good team leaders and good team players. Make sure that you are comfortable with their ability to negotiate and mediate to problem solve. Make sure that they have good time and project management skills.