The Worth of a Designer

"White Lashes" - Bonnie Edelman Photography

In the world of interior design, there is often a struggle to communicate and balance the value of such an esoteric service. Not until the end of a project, after all the final touches are in place, can the client understand the true worth of the designer.

The question then is; how do you place a monetary value on your time? As a designer, or for that matter, any other profession; educator, healthcare provider, writer, veterinarian, or parent.

Interior Design may be seen by some as impractical and dispensable. Others may consider our rates too high. What is it about designers that seem to influence our high price tag?

Let’s just look at the facts. Individuals and companies across the globe eagerly spend large sums of money for interior designers to decorate and design million-dollar headquarters and board rooms. These private and corporate consumers know that well-conceived, inspiring, out-of-the-box design solutions add value and panache to their building and boost their bottom line.

So what do we bring to the table; a thing that you can not immediately see or touch?

In a word, clarity. Any designer worth their hourly rate will utilize a design that uses all elements in moderation, creating the balance and an intelligent, nourishing flow.

At the end of the day, if you have made people happy and touched their lives in a small way, made a contribution to society, then you are worth your weight in gold. Whether in your personal relationships in life, or business transactions, how you’ve made an impact on an individual or group as a whole, creates the value.

When it comes to design though, I aim to take your breath away, and inspire for years and years to come. I am fortunate enough to have been told by several clients, “When I win lotto, you are worth many times more than what we’re paying you.”  Here is where I find the true value of Interior Design.

What is Interior Design Worth to You? 

Lower Saxon Harvest 2010 - Bonnie Edelman Photography