1. Do you have an hourly or room rate?
你的收費是照鐘點還是房價？
Designers almost always charge their clients by the room or by the hour. As you might expect, room structures are more concrete, since you as the homeowner will know exactly how much the overall project will cost. Some designers charge up to $200/hour, and as you can imagine, those bills can add up very quickly.
室內裝修設計師通常都是依照房價或是工時來收費，一般來說，依照房價來收費對於屋主來說是比較可以先行評估預算的。有些照鐘點收費的設計師可能每一個小時就要200美金，你可以想像時間一拉長，你的帳單也會有多長。
The overall price will largely depend on the scope of work, but according to our interior design cost estimator, the average price to hire an interior designer is $3,816.
整體的價格基本上要看整個工作的結構，根據我們的統計，請一個室內裝修設計師平均會花費$3,816元。
2. When are my fees due?
我什麼時候該付錢？
As mentioned earlier, all homeowners should sign a design agreement or letter of agreement with an interior designer. One of the main reasons why is to schedule the exact dates that fees are due. Some designers charge half up front and half once the project is completed. Others like to set up a payment schedule. Also, know that it is typical for you to pay a down payment on the design fee to retain the services of your designer.
就像之前提到的，在動工前，屋主都應該要和室內裝修設計師簽訂合約。其中最大的原因就是要協定好付費的機制。有些設計師會先收一半，然後完工後再收餘款。其他當然也有其他自訂的付費方式。大部分的情況是你會需要先付一筆設計費作為給設計師的頭期款。
Either way, make sure you know exactly when each dollar is due to ensure there is no project delay.
不管是哪種方法，反正就是要確定你們對於付款的協議，也要確定這協議不會讓你的的工程有延宕的情形。
3. Do you offer designer discount fees?
你有沒有會提供折扣價格的合作廠商？
Designers have established relationships with manufacturers, retailers, and other designers. As a result, they often get discounts when they purchase products directly. Before you go jumping for joy, know that they will in turn mark up the products to you.
室內裝修設計師們通常會和一些建材商、經銷商和其他設計師有合作關係，所以他們通常可以互相取得一些折扣，在你開心付錢之前，要知道他們的成本是一層一層加在你的身上的。
For example, many designers have a standard mark up rate of 40 percent over their cost. Therefore, a sofa from a local trade vendor that sells for $1,000 retail could cost the designer $500 and could cost you, the client, $700. You are still saving money even with the 40 percent mark up. If your interior designer does offer discount fees, you wouldn’t be expected to pay a designer fee.
很多設計師會在成本加上40%作為對你的收費。比如說一個賣$1000的沙發，設計師可能只需要花$500買，但是會賣你$700。雖然設計師漲價賣你，但其實你還是賺到。如果你的室內裝修設計師很厲害可以得到很多折扣，他可能就不會要你支付額外的設計費。
4. Can you show me examples of similar work with my preferred style, room, and budget?
你能不能提供一些跟我想要的風格類似的案例，以及這些案子的價格？
If you’re having your first baby, it’s a safe bet you’d feel more comfortable if your doctor had some experience in the delivery room. The same goes for interior designers.
如果妳是一個準媽媽準備要生第一個寶寶，如果妳知道產房裡面的醫生經驗豐富，對你來說一定會比較安心。這個道理也同樣適用於室內裝修設計師上。
Make sure your interviewee has experience working with the room, styles, and budgets that are required for your interior design project. Ask for pictures. Ask for stories. Ask for obstacles. Get any information you need to feel more comfortable with your big interior design project.
要確保你準備要合作的設計師曾經有做過跟你類似需求的案子。跟設計師要他們的作品集、照片等等。盡量取得所有能夠讓你安心請他的資訊。
5. Can you provide a list of references?
能不能提供過去客戶的訊息
If you were interviewing for a job, the company would always ask for a list of references. Just as a potential employer would do, call their references. Talk to their employees. Talk to their past clients. Talk to their current clients. Ask what they are like on the job, ask how they handle pressure or a tight deadline, and ask how they deal with contractors.
當你在面試一個工作的時候，公司常常會要你提供前同事或前主管的聯絡方式。在這裡也一樣，打給設計師的關係人，比如說員工、過去的客戶、最近的客戶，問他們喜不喜歡這設計師的完成品，他們怎麼處理時程問題，怎麼和包商交手。
All of these questions—and more—will help determine if this interior designer is right for you.
以上這些問題(或你有更多問題)，多少都能夠幫助你決定如何選擇一個適合你的室內裝修設計師。
資料來源：cheatsheet.com
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