Choosing an interior designer is one of the most important decisions you will make when developing or renovating a space. The right professional can help you use your space efficiently, control project costs and create an interior that supports its intended purpose.
The wrong choice can result in unclear costs, delays, unsuitable materials and expensive changes during construction.
Whether you are designing a home, office, shop, restaurant, hotel or Airbnb, this guide explains how to choose the right interior designer in Kenya.
Understand What an Interior Designer Does
Interior design involves much more than selecting colours, curtains and furniture.
A qualified interior designer can help with:
- Space planning
- Interior concepts and mood boards
- Furniture layouts
- Lighting plans
- Colour and material selection
- Custom furniture design
- Technical drawings
- Product sourcing
- Contractor coordination
- Project supervision
- Budget planning
The services offered will vary between designers. Some provide design consultation only, while others manage projects from the initial concept to final installation.
Clarify the services you require before requesting quotations.
Define Your Project Before Contacting Designers
Prepare a simple project brief explaining what you want to achieve.
Your brief should include:
- The type of property
- Its location
- The rooms or areas involved
- Your preferred design style
- The intended use of the space
- Your approximate budget
- Your desired completion date
- Whether construction work is required
- Whether you need furniture and product sourcing
You do not need to know every detail. The purpose of the brief is to give the designer enough information to understand the project.
A clear brief also makes it easier to compare proposals from different designers.
Review Relevant Interior Design Portfolios
A designer’s portfolio should demonstrate their design ability, project experience and presentation standards.
Look for projects similar to yours. A designer who specialises in residential apartments may not necessarily be the best choice for a large restaurant, hotel or corporate office.
When reviewing a portfolio, consider:
- The functionality of the spaces
- The quality of completed work
- Attention to detail
- Variety across different projects
- Material and furniture selection
- Relevance to your project
- Evidence that projects were completed
Do not select a designer based only on attractive computer-generated images. Ask whether the portfolio includes photographs of completed projects.
Look for Professional Industry Connections
Professional affiliation can show that a designer is actively connected to the wider interior design industry.
The Interior Design Society of Kenya brings together interior designers, design firms, suppliers, manufacturers, educators, students and other built-environment partners.
Through such industry networks, professionals can access learning, collaboration, supplier connections and discussions about professional practice.
Clients can also use professional directories and industry platforms as additional starting points when searching for interior designers.
Ask About the Designer’s Process
A professional designer should be able to explain how your project will move from the first meeting to completion.
A typical process may include:
- Initial consultation
- Site visit and measurements
- Project brief development
- Concept and mood-board preparation
- Space planning
- Material and furniture selection
- Technical documentation
- Cost planning
- Contractor coordination
- Installation and final handover
The exact stages will depend on the project. What matters is that the process is clear and documented.
Ask who will be responsible for each stage and how changes will be handled.
Discuss the Interior Design Budget Honestly
Your budget influences the project scope, materials, furniture, professional services and construction requirements.
Be realistic about what you can afford. Hiding your budget does not necessarily produce a cheaper proposal. It can cause the designer to develop ideas that cannot be implemented within your available funds.
Ask the designer to explain:
- Their professional fees
- What is included in the quoted amount
- What is excluded
- Whether site supervision is included
- How furniture and materials are purchased
- Whether transport is charged separately
- How variations are approved
- When payments are required
A detailed proposal is more useful than a single figure without a breakdown.
Understand Common Interior Design Fee Structures
Interior designers in Kenya may charge using different methods.
Consultation fee
This covers professional advice provided during a meeting or site visit.
Fixed project fee
The designer charges an agreed amount for a clearly defined scope of work.
Fee per square metre
The design fee is calculated according to the size of the project.
Percentage of project cost
The designer’s fee is calculated as a percentage of the total implementation cost.
Procurement fee
A separate fee may apply when the designer sources furniture, finishes and other products on behalf of the client.
No single pricing model is suitable for every project. Focus on the scope, deliverables and overall value rather than choosing the lowest quotation automatically.
Request a Written Agreement
Do not rely only on telephone conversations or WhatsApp messages.
A written agreement should identify:
- The client and designer
- The project location
- The agreed scope of work
- The professional fees
- The payment schedule
- Expected deliverables
- Project timelines
- Client responsibilities
- Designer responsibilities
- Procedures for approving changes
- Conditions for ending the agreement
The agreement protects both parties and reduces misunderstandings.
For large or complex projects, consider obtaining independent legal advice before signing.
Check References and Previous Work
Ask for references from clients who commissioned similar projects.
Useful questions include:
- Was communication clear?
- Were project costs explained properly?
- Were timelines handled professionally?
- How were problems resolved?
- Did the completed space match the agreed concept?
- Would the client work with the designer again?
References should support your assessment, but they should not replace reviewing the proposal, portfolio and agreement.
Evaluate Communication
Interior design projects require regular communication between the client, designer, contractors and suppliers.
Choose someone who:
- Listens to your requirements
- Explains ideas clearly
- Responds within reasonable periods
- Documents important decisions
- Raises problems early
- Respects the agreed budget
- Is honest about what is achievable
A talented designer who communicates poorly can make a project unnecessarily difficult.
Consider Supplier and Contractor Coordination
Most interior projects involve several suppliers and fundis.
The designer may need to coordinate:
- Carpenters
- Electricians
- Painters
- Plumbers
- Tilers
- Ceiling installers
- Curtain makers
- Furniture suppliers
- Lighting suppliers
- Flooring specialists
Ask whether the designer has an established project team or will work with contractors selected by the client.
IDSK’s Design Advantage programme supports connections between designers, manufacturers, suppliers and showrooms that can serve interior projects. More information about IDSK’s industry programmes is available on the IDSK website.
Watch for Warning Signs
Be careful if a designer:
- Refuses to provide a written proposal
- Cannot explain their fees
- Has no portfolio or references
- Promises an unrealistic completion date
- Requests full payment before beginning
- Uses other designers’ work as their own
- Makes significant purchases without approval
- Avoids documenting project changes
- Cannot explain who will supervise the work
- Pressures you to make an immediate decision
One warning sign may require clarification. Several warning signs should make you reconsider the appointment.
Choose Value, Not Just the Lowest Price
Interior design fees should be evaluated against the service being offered.
A more experienced designer may prevent incorrect purchases, inefficient layouts, unsuitable materials and costly rework. Good planning can protect the project budget even when the professional fee is not the cheapest.
Compare designers based on:
- Relevant experience
- Proposed scope
- Quality of work
- Communication
- Project-management capability
- Professional fees
- Understanding of your budget
- Confidence in the working relationship
The best designer is the person or firm most capable of delivering your particular project responsibly.
Finding Interior Designers in Kenya
Begin by preparing your brief and identifying professionals with experience relevant to your project.
Industry platforms such as the Interior Design Society of Kenya can help you understand the profession and connect with Kenya’s wider interior design community.
Interior designers who want professional visibility, industry connections and development opportunities can also apply to join IDSK.
A successful interior project begins with clear expectations, proper planning and the right professional relationship.