I totally get where you’re coming from. When I hired someone to design my own place, I actually asked her to sketch out her process on a napkin over coffee—no joke. It wasn’t super detailed, but she did walk me through the big milestones and how she deals with curveballs. That gave me a lot more confidence than just flipping through her portfolio. Honestly, seeing how someone reacts to “what if” scenarios tells you way more about working with them than any glossy photos ever could.
Honestly, seeing how someone reacts to “what if” scenarios tells you way more about working with them than any glossy photos ever could.
I get what you mean, but I actually lean the other way. For me, a designer’s portfolio is still king. I want to see their taste and attention to detail in finished spaces—sometimes people talk a great game but their work just doesn’t vibe with what I’m after. The process matters, sure, but if the end result isn’t stunning, it’s a no-go for me. Maybe it’s just that I’m super visual...
The process matters, sure, but if the end result isn’t stunning, it’s a no-go for me.
I see your point about the portfolio being “king”—it’s hard to argue with finished work that speaks for itself. Still, I’ve found that a designer’s ability to handle curveballs can be just as important, especially when site conditions or budgets shift unexpectedly. The best results usually come from someone who not only has a strong visual style but can also adapt when things don’t go as planned. Maybe it’s a balance between the two?
I’ve definitely seen both sides of this. One time, I worked with a client who loved a designer’s portfolio—super glossy, magazine-worthy stuff—but when the project hit a snag (unexpected plumbing issues), the designer just froze. The end result looked good, but getting there was stressful for everyone. I guess I’d rather have someone who can roll with the punches, even if their style isn’t quite as flashy. Has anyone ever hired someone mainly for their adaptability rather than their “wow” factor?
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
I get what you mean about the “wow” factor not always being the most important thing. I once worked with a designer who had a reputation for being super creative—her Instagram was full of jaw-dropping spaces. But when we hit a delay with custom cabinetry, she just kept insisting we wait for her preferred vendor, even though there were decent alternatives. It dragged the whole project out for weeks. In hindsight, I wish I’d gone with someone a bit more flexible, even if their portfolio wasn’t as flashy.
But here’s the thing: sometimes the folks who seem adaptable at first end up compromising too much on quality or style. It’s like, where’s the line between being easygoing and just not having a strong vision? Has anyone found that sweet spot, or is it always a bit of a gamble?