Interior designers are professionally trained. They must pass a strict exam and be licensed. While both designers and decorators are concerned with aesthetics, style and mood, interior designers have comprehensive training and command skills that may include an understanding of:

• flame spread ratings, smoke, toxicity and fire rating classifications and materials
• space planning for public and private facilities
• national, state and local building codes
• standards regarding the needs of disabled or elderly persons and other special needs groups
• ergonomics
• lighting quality and quantity
• acoustics and sound transmission

A decorator works only with surface decoration - paint, fabric, furnishings, lighting and other materials. Because no license is required, upholsterers, housepainters, and other tradespeople also claim the name "decorator."

In addition to the aesthetics of a space, an interior designer creates a space that is functional, efficient and safe and enhances the quality of the working and living environment.

Before contacting an interior designer, take some time to think about what you want and what you need. The first step in this process is to consider some questions that an interior designer will ask regarding your project:

• For whom is the space being designed?
• What activities will take place there?
• How long do you plan to occupy the space?
• What is your time frame?
• What is your budget?
• Are you relocating or remodeling?
• What image do you want to project?

Contracts are very important because they allow both you and the designer to define the scope of your project. A contract allows you to specify who will be responsible for what, how long the project will last and what the budget limits will be. It is in your best interest to have a signed contract before any work begins or any money is exchanged.

It depends on what you want. There are many variables including the size of the project (one room or whole house?), quality of products selected (custom or prefabricated cabinets?), and the timeframe in which the project needs to be completed (two weeks or two months?). Developing the budget is a partnership between the client and the designer. As the client, you should have an active role in developing the budget. If you're unsure about costs, your designer can help. Be honest with your designer about your budget. A professional designer assesses your needs and helps you determine where to spend and where to save, prioritizing expenses while creating an interior that is within your budget. Also, remember that not everything has to be completed at once. Your designer can develop a long-range plan, consult with you to establish a list of priorities and determine a time line for accomplishing your project.

Variables such as complexity of the project and its geographical location and the expertise of the designer. Most designers will work in one of the following methods, or combine methods to suit a client's particular needs:

• Fixed fee (or flat fee) -- The designer identifies a specific sum to cover costs, exclusive of reimbursement for expenses. One total fee applies to the complete range of services, from conceptual development through layouts, specifications and final installation.
• Hourly fee -- Compensation is based on actual time expended by the designer on a project or specific service.
• Percentage fee -- Compensation is computed as a percentage of construction/project costs.
• Cost plus -- A designer purchases materials, furnishings and services (e.g., carpentry, drapery workrooms, picture framing, etc.) at cost and sells to the client at the designer's cost plus a specified percentage agreed to with the client.
• Retail - The designer sells furnishings, furniture and all other goods to the client at retail rates to cover the designer's fee and services. This is most applicable to retail establishments offering design services.
• Per square foot - The designer charges fees based on the area of the project as might be calculated for large commercial properties.

In addition to the fee structures outlined above, designers may require a retainer before beginning a design project. A retainer is an amount of money paid by the client to the designer and applied to the balance due at the termination of the project. The retainer is customarily paid upon signing the contractual agreement in advance of design services.