A professional interior designer budgets your money, selects materials, finds the right contractors, schedules jobs, coordinates projects and oversees the job on a daily basis from conception to completion. An interior designer should be licensed and affiliated with one or more of the industry's professional organizations. He or she acts on your behalf, as your agent, to see that the selected choices are used and that the work begins and ends in a timely manner. A professional interior designer relieves you of the stress of dealing with the contractors and takes full responsibility if there are problems. Most importantly, he does whatever is necessary to overcome any obstacles that may occur.

A substandard interior designer will not take responsibility and often abandons you when you need him most. Your designer should be present to correct any problems as they occur, maintain focus on the quality of the workmanship, and be attentive to the budget, materials and labor costs.

Your designer should have good people skills, be concerned about safe working conditions and only promise what he or she is capable of delivering. It is always advisable to ask a lot of questions. Ask about their credentials and educational level in design. Ask to see their portfolio and inquire about the location of a recent project and whether or not you can go in person to visit the site. Ask for references, and call each one to see how the job turned out for that particular client. Remember to get your agreement in writing before the job starts.

The interior designer makes sure the quality, function and style of the project meet your expectations. The designer is the most important member of your team, bringing in all the necessary people to get the job done. All communication is channeled through the designer to the workmen. From cabinetmakers and electricians, to drapery installers and faux finishers, the designer has a wealth of quality craftsmen to draw from to accomplish the job. Your interior designer is there to protect your interest. It is all about you and your vision. The designer is a tool at your disposal to get the job done right.

Castle Draperies has two qualified interior designers on staff, and if need be, we can recommend several others that we have worked with over the years. Castle Draperies is a lot more than just a window covering store. We started our business in 1955 and draperies were just about the only product we offered. Today, we offer over 30 choices of window covering for every type of window. If you require the assistance of a professional, contact us today and we can have one of our designers meet with you for a free consultation.