John, it depends on the interior designer, the services they offer, and sometimes how well known they are. It also depends on the extent of services you require. Commonly off-the-plan apartments have got a limited palette of finishes such as carpets, tiles, paint colours, window furnishings etc that are largely pre-determined by the developer with little scope for change. These existing elements should inform your interior designer, unless you have the budget to redo new building work!

Some interior designers can source furniture at wholesale prices from some suppliers, then organise delivery and installation, but charge you the retail amount, which is where they make their money. High profile interior designers, who are often featured in glossy home magazines, often charge a premium, and a rate determined by the value of the work, as they are in demand. Recent interior design graduates, who have less experience, and fewer resources, are more cost competitive, and will sometimes charge by the hour, or by the visit.

However the most important element in selecting an interior designer, whether they are well-known, or just starting out in the business, is their communications skills, and how well they understand your household's needs, likes, and who can design around accommodating any existing furniture that you own and want to keep. Don't spend big bucks on an interior designer who wants to do their own things to satisfy their own ego as it is your home...

Best of luck,

Dr Retro

of Dr Retro House Calls

BUILD Architecture Award 2018 · More Info

Thanks very much for taking the time to reply. Really appreciate the input.

Typically you can start with a reasonably modest hour or two site consultation/assessment/discussion that shouldn't be more than a few hundred $$ give or take

From that point it will depend upon extent of services required. It's great to see you thinking in this way and understanding how investment in this "finishing" advice is just as important as the physical investment itself.......this is where so many people go wrong and undercook/sell themselves short........depending on the extent of advice and specification/research you are seeking, and the quality/style/size of your apartment, you could be talking anything from several hundred to several thousand in professional fees.......I'd encourage you to speak directly to a few selected local interior professionals and trust your instinct from the conversations you have with them & go from there

Good Luck! PD:)

Appreciate the input. We want it to look great not just nice.

Depending on the level of expertise (whether it be a graduate or a senior Interior Designer), many normally charge by the hour. For example, at my firm we have a range of designers charging slightly different hourly rates.

But a good designer will always take into consideration what you want whilst putting their own flair and experience into play!

If you have any other questions in regards to this, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Good luck!