Project design by Bria Hammel Interiors, photo by Graphic Executions Design Studio.
Who we are:
The American Society of Interior Designers Minnesota Chapter (ASID MN) is a community driven by a common love of design; a community committed to the belief that interior design, as a service to people, is a powerful, multi-faceted profession that can positively change people’s lives. Through education, knowledge, sharing, advocacy, community building and outreach, the Society strives to advance the interior design profession and, in the process, demonstrates and celebrates the power of design to positively change people’s lives. “ASID MN advances the profession by requiring education and testing, setting standards for competency,” explains Randy Nelson, past president of the Minnesota chapter of ASID. More than 30,000 members engage in a variety of professional programs and activities through a network of 48 chapters throughout the United States and Canada.
Featured Project
An example of what an ASID designer can do for you!
The Designer:
Brandi Hagen, Allied ASID, principal designer, owner, Eminent Interior Design
The Architect:
Peterssen/Keller Architecture
The Builder:
Streeter & Associates
The Challenge:
This Minneapolis family with four young boys wanted to remodel their 1970s home while keeping the spirit of the era.
The Solution:
Develop a hip, contemporary retro theme that was also practical and durable.
The Process:
After getting on the same page with what, exactly, “a 1970s spirit” meant to this family, the task of choosing styling finishes, fabrics, and furniture came easily for Brandi Hagen, principal designer/owner of Eminent Interior Design. Natural materials such as a red birch wall and stacked slate fireplace gave Brandi anchors to work with and contrast against. They also added warmth to a space that could have been overly dominated by high vaulted ceilings. In keeping with the funky style, artwork and cushions added pops of color. Groovy accents—like the starburst mirror and narrow walnut table—matched the fun spirit of the family and their newly redesigned 1970s home. 612-767-1242, eminentid.com
Photos by Paul Crosby Architectural Photography
Why Should You Hire an Interior Designer?
You know what it’s like. You find pictures in magazines, you clip them out, you have a vague idea of how to incorporate these ideas into your own space. And then, a few years later, it’s still just an idea.
When you’re ready to take those ideas to the next level and make them reality, a member of ASID MN can help. “ASID Minnesota is a community of people—designers, industry representatives, educators and students—committed to interior design,” explains Angela Parker, President of the Minnesota chapter of ASID. “We inspire and enrich our members by promoting the value of interior design, while providing indispensable knowledge and experiences that build relationships. From corporate boardrooms, to home offices, hotel suites to health care facilities, ASID Minnesota designers create the places we live, work, play, heal, and worship.”
Not only do ASID MN designers have valuable technical and artistic training to help you formulate a solid plan of action, they have experience working with architects, contractors, trade-only businesses, and vendors that allow them to help you make the best selections and negotiate fair values. They also save you time by doing the overall big-picture-thinking, looking at the furniture, the lighting, the color combinations, the patterns, the accessories, the spatial relationships, then do the measuring, researching, shopping, ordering, delivery-coordinating, and problem-solving. Most importantly, a designer will help bring out your personality and inject it into the space, allowing you to tell your own unique visual story.
Project design by Engler Studio Interior Design, photo by Karen Melvin Photography
How to Hire an ASID Designer?
Once you’ve decided to hire a designer, what do you do? According to ASID MN, think about what you want and need in your space. Your designer might ask about activities, how long you plan to stay in your home, your timeframe, your budget, and an overall feeling you want the space to convey.
It can seem overwhelming, but your ASID MN interior designer will patiently guide you through the process. The more information you can provide, the better. You want to give your designer the necessary tools for meeting (and exceeding!) your expectations. Gather visual references of what you like and don’t like (photos, postcards, logos, examples of rooms or fashion pulled from the pages of magazines). Think about your favorite room in the house (why is it your favorite?). What unites the things in that room (color, simple lines, scale, shape?). Where do you like to travel? What’s your favorite hotel? Is there one piece of furniture in the room that’s different from the others? Why? The best designs are ones that are thoughtfully collected, a reflection of your personal style.
The second step is to interview ASID MN designers. Interview several designers to compare personalities, styles, and business methods. Explain your project. ASID MN designers will listen to your ideas and concerns, bringing expertise, education, integrity, and insight to the table. They will give you as much—or as little—hand-holding as you need and offer objective solutions, taking the time to carefully explain design decisions.
Once you’ve interviewed several designers, take time to compare their estimates. According to ASID MN, “Don’t base your decision on price alone. Keep in mind that differences in each proposal reflect variables such as level of service and quality of merchandise.” With experienced designers, you’re paying a premium for their experience and inside knowledge/tricks of the trade, but don’t discount the younger designers. Younger designers with less on-the-job experience are often energetic and excited to try and learn new things. They are ready to take on the world.
No matter what, be honest with your designer about your budget. According to ASID MN, “A professional designer assesses your needs and helps you determine where to spend and where to save, prioritizing expenses while creating an interior that is within your budget. Also, remember that not everything has to be completed at once. Your designer can develop a long-range plan, consult with you to establish a list of priorities and determine a timeline for accomplishing your project.”
Hiring an ethical, professional ASID MN member can result in a beautiful, functional space designed specifically to meet your needs.
Project design by Lisa Ball of Design by Lisa, in collaboration with RLH Studio, photo by Ehlen Creative
Contact Us
Visit www.asidmn.org for a list of current interior designers, including their contact information, expertise, and sample portfolios.
ASID Minnesota Chapter
275 Market Street, #160
Minneapolis, MN 55405
612-339-6003 | Email: info@asidmn.org
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