Choosing an Interior Designer Based on Vision and Values, Not Location

When embarking on an interior design project, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is selecting the right interior designer to bring your vision to life. While many people may default to hiring a local designer for the sake of convenience, the location of your interior designer should not be the deciding factor. In today’s digital world, collaborating remotely with an interior designer is not only feasible, but often the better choice when their values and design philosophy align with yours. Here is a bit more on the importance of choosing an interior designer based on vision and values: not location.

The Importance of Shared Vision

At the heart of any successful design project is the alignment of vision between client and designer. Your home or business is an extension of your personal style, values, and the way you live or work. The interior designer you choose should not only understand your aesthetic preferences but also resonate with your goals for the space. A designer’s ability to “get” what you’re trying to achieve matters far more than whether or not they are based in the same city.

Key questions to ask yourself before hiring a designer:

• Do they understand the atmosphere or feeling I want to create?
• Can they work within my budget while maintaining my vision?
• Do they have a portfolio that reflects a range of styles, particularly ones I’m drawn to?

If the answers to these questions are yes, the physical distance between you and the designer is secondary.

Values Drive the Creative Process

An often overlooked, yet critical, aspect of the client-designer relationship is shared values. Interior design is not just about making a space look good; it’s about creating an environment that feels good and functions in a way that complements your lifestyle. Designers who share your values will make decisions that reflect your personal priorities—whether that’s sustainability, functionality, creativity, or family-friendly design.

For example:

• Sustainability-conscious clients will appreciate a designer who prioritizes eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency, and responsible sourcing.
• Minimalists might prefer a designer who is an expert in decluttering and making the most of open space.
• Families may need a designer who knows how to balance elegance with childproofing.

When a designer’s values align with yours, they’ll be more in tune with the purpose behind each design choice, making your collaboration far more meaningful and productive.

Remote Collaboration: A New Standard

Thanks to advances in communication technology, it’s easier than ever to work with a designer remotely. Virtual consultations, video calls, and detailed mood boards can all be shared digitally, allowing for seamless collaboration regardless of physical distance. Many interior designers have embraced remote work and have systems in place that enable them to oversee projects from afar, whether it’s through local project managers or detailed 3D renderings.

Choosing a designer who isn’t local also opens the door to new perspectives. Designers from different regions or even countries can bring fresh ideas to your space—concepts that may not have been considered by a local professional.

Breaking the Boundaries of Location

When you limit your choice of designer based on proximity, you also limit the potential of your project. The designer down the street may be convenient, but are they the best fit for your project’s unique needs and goals? By broadening your search and focusing on designers whose vision and values align with yours, you allow yourself the chance to collaborate with someone who truly understands the depth of what you’re trying to achieve.

What you gain by hiring based on vision and values:

• A stronger connection between you and the designer, leading to more satisfying outcomes.
• The ability to create a space that feels authentic and personal to you.
• Access to broader design perspectives, including trends or techniques from other regions.

While location may seem like a factor for convenience, in today’s connected world it should never outweigh the importance of vision, values, and compatibility. Hiring a designer who can bring your dreams to life, no matter where they’re based, is ultimately what will make your project a success. When you prioritize shared values and creative alignment, your interior design journey becomes less about logistics and more about crafting a space that truly reflects who you are. At Beyond Interior Design, we work on projects across the United States from Los Angeles to Miami to New York City. If you are looking for an interior designer for your next project, visit our website to start the conversation.