What Does a Full-Service Interior Designer Do?
It’s the age old question. And one that that comes up a lot in my conversation with prospective clients: what does a full-service interior designer actually do?
Simply put, hiring a full-service interior designer means having professional guidance all the way from the very beginning of a project through final installation. While the phrase is often used broadly, full-service interior design is a comprehensive, hands-on approach that supports clients through planning, design, construction, and completion.
Hiring a full-service interior designer means having professional guidance from the very beginning of a project through final installation. While the phrase is often used broadly, full-service interior design is a comprehensive, hands-on approach that supports clients through planning, design, construction, and completion. At Anna Reinhard Interiors, full service means thoughtful collaboration, clear communication, and attention to detail at every single stage.
Initial Consultation and Space Planning
We as full-service interior designers begin by understanding how you live, what you want to change about your space and what you want to feel in your space. This phase includes evaluating your existing space, discussing pain points, identifying goals and priorities, and developing an overall design direction that supports both your functional and aesthetic goals. For renovation projects, this involves space planning and landing on a floor plan that improve flow, function, and long-term livability.
These early decisions form the foundation of the project and help ensure the design works just as well as it looks.
Design Development and Material Selections
Once the overall direction is established, the design moves into development. This is where materials, finishes, and fixtures are selected with intention and cohesion. Tile, cabinetry, countertops, lighting, plumbing fixtures, hardware, paint colors, and millwork details are all considered together rather than in isolation. Each room should have its own point of view, but all together they should share a cohesive design language.
We balance aesthetics with practicality, taking into account scale, durability, maintenance, and budget. Presentations, drawings, and renderings help clients clearly understand the design before we move forward.
Collaboration with Contractors and Trades
One of the most valuable aspects of full-service interior design (and one of my favorite parts!) is the ongoing collaboration with contractors and trades. There are so many talented makers and subcontractors in Portland, and as a designer I’m able to act as a liaison between the client and the build team, helping to communicate design intent and answer questions as they arise.
This includes reviewing shop drawings, responding to site conditions, and making informed, collaborative decisions with the whole team . Having a designer involved during this phase helps minimize missteps (aka unforseen budget sucks!), manage details, and keep the project aligned with the original vision.
Procurement and Project Management
Sourcing and ordering materials, furnishings, and lighting is a critical part of the full-service interior design process. We as designers manage specifications, make recommendations on tried and true products, place orders, track lead times, and coordinate deliveries so clients are not left managing logistics on their own.
As items arrive, we oversee installation and final styling, ensuring everything comes together cohesively. This level of involvement allows the finished space to feel complete, intentional, and well considered.
A Truly Supported Design Experience
At its core, full-service interior design offers peace of mind. Clients are supported through complex decisions, guided by experience, and freed from the overwhelm that often accompanies renovations and large design projects.
Rather than piecing together decisions on your own, full-service interior design provides a structured, collaborative process that results in spaces that are both beautiful and functional. It is an investment in clarity, craftsmanship, and a home that truly reflects how you want to live. Full service means thoughtful collaboration, clear communication, and attention to detail at every stage.
Reach out if you’re considering hiring a designer for your full service interior design needs! Anna Reinhard Interiors is a Portland-based residential interior design studio specializing in thoughtful renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, and full-home projects.