Guide
Interior design studios: what they do and how to choose one
An interior design studio, also called a design firm or interior consultancy, is a team that plans and delivers interior projects for homes, businesses or both. Studios differ from solo designers in capacity, specialisms and process, and choosing the right one shapes how a project runs as much as how it looks.
This guide explains what studios do, how they work, how they charge and how to choose one. It's part of the furniture for interior designers series.
What types of interior design studio are there?
| Studio type | Focus | Typical clients |
|---|---|---|
| Residential studio | Homes, renovations | Homeowners, landlords |
| Commercial studio | Offices, retail | Businesses, developers |
| Hospitality studio | Hotels, restaurants, cafés | Operators, brands |
| Kitchen and bath studio | Specialist rooms | Homeowners, builders |
| Staging and styling studio | Properties for sale or rent | Agents, developers, hosts |
| Multi-disciplinary firm | Architecture and interiors | Larger projects |
What services do studios offer?
Most studios offer a menu: consultation, space planning, concept and mood boards, colour and lighting plans, furniture and finish selection, custom furniture design, procurement, project management, installation and styling. See interior design services for what each involves.
What is a studio's typical design process?
- Discovery and brief
- Measured survey (room dimensions checklist)
- Concept and mood board
- Design development and furniture plan
- Specification and procurement
- Installation and styling
- Handover and aftercare
Each stage usually ends with client approval before the next begins, which keeps changes under control.
How do studios charge?
Studios charge hourly, by flat fee per room or project, as a percentage of the project budget, or through a markup on furniture and materials. Many combine a design fee with a markup. Trade pricing is what makes markups work: at Artisan Furniture Canada, trade accounts get 25% off MSRP and bulk wholesale orders up to 50% off MSRP. See trade discounts for interior designers.
How do you choose a studio?
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Portfolio | Style and project-type fit |
| Team | Qualifications, specialisms, who you'll work with |
| Process | Clear stages, deliverables and approvals |
| Fees | Transparent, in writing |
| References | Past clients' experience |
| Capacity | Can they meet your timeline? |
Platforms such as Houzz and publications such as Design Milk showcase studio work; IDC and provincial associations in Canada, and ASID and IIDA in the US, list members.
How do studios manage furniture sourcing?
Studios build a trusted supplier list for each category. Suppliers make the list by being easy to specify and reliable to deliver: published dimensions, spec sheets and CAD files, local stock, delivery to the client's home and a named contact. Artisan offers studios exactly that for handmade solid-wood furniture: prices visible on sign-up, no minimum order, CAD and SketchUp files, 1,710 designs held in Brampton, Ontario, and free delivery to residential addresses in all 10 provinces. See Artisan for interior designers.
Do studios practise sustainable design?
Many do: specifying durable, repairable furniture and natural materials, reusing existing pieces and reducing waste. Solid wood that lasts decades and can be refinished is one of the most sustainable choices a studio can make.
How do studios collaborate with clients?
Through regular check-ins, shared mood boards and plans, and clear approval points. Good studios explain trade-offs and keep a written record of decisions so nothing is lost between stages.
Need advice rather than a full studio?
A single interior design consultation or design services package may be enough for smaller jobs.
Frequently asked questions
What services do interior design studios offer?+
Consultation, space planning, concept design, colour and lighting plans, furniture and finish selection, custom furniture, procurement, project management and styling.
How do you choose an interior design studio?+
Review portfolios, check the team's qualifications, meet to test chemistry, and compare scope, timeline and fees in writing.
What does it cost to hire an interior design studio?+
Fees vary by scope, location and experience. Studios charge hourly, by flat fee, as a percentage of project cost or through a markup on furnishings. Ask for a written proposal.
How is a studio different from a freelance designer?+
A studio has a team, so it can run larger or multiple projects, cover more specialisms and keep work moving when one person is away. A freelancer offers a single point of contact and often more flexibility.
How do studios source furniture?+
Through trade accounts with suppliers that offer trade pricing, spec sheets and CAD files, local stock and delivery to the client's home.