Red Flags: How to Identify an Unprofessional Design Approach
- Jennifer DeWitt
- Jul 7
- 5 min read
Let’s be honest—hiring an interior designer can feel overwhelming. You’re about to invest significant time, money, and emotional energy into transforming your most personal space. The last thing you want is to partner with someone who’ll turn your dream project into a design disaster.
After 21 years as an interior designer and 16 years of running Rachel Cannon Limited, I’ve seen it all. I’ve identified the biggest red flags that signal an unprofessional design approach. Spotting these early can save you from heartache, budget overruns, and subpar results.
Red Flag #1: They Can’t Clearly Articulate Their Process
This is the big one. If a designer can’t walk you through their step-by-step process from concept to installation, run.
At Rachel Cannon Limited, we’ve refined our process over 16 years into a clear, structured journey that clients can understand and follow. We know exactly what happens in each phase, who’s responsible for what, and when decisions need to be made. Our clients tell us constantly how much they appreciate knowing what to expect.
When a designer is vague about their process, it usually means they don’t have one—which means you’re essentially paying to be their guinea pig while they figure it out on your project.
What to ask: “Can you walk me through your design process from start to finish? What are the key milestones, and what will you need from me at each stage?”
Red Flag #2: No CAD Drawings, 3D Renderings, or Comprehensive Presentations
If your designer is still sketching floor plans on napkins or expecting you to “just trust their vision,” that’s a problem.
Professional design requires professional tools. At our studio, we provide detailed CAD drawings of floor plans, elevations, and millwork, plus 3D renderings that help clients visualize their completed spaces. We create comprehensive presentations at both schematic and final design stages because guessing games have no place in a six-figure renovation.
Why this matters: These visual tools aren’t just pretty pictures—they’re communication devices that ensure everyone is on the same page before construction begins. They also help prevent costly changes and misunderstandings down the line.
Red Flag #3: Hourly Billing
Here’s what you need to keep in mind if a potential designer says they charge an hourly rate: hourly billing is an open-ended financial arrangement that never ends well for either party.
Think about it—if your designer is paid by the hour, where’s their incentive to be efficient? Hourly billing creates an inherent conflict of interest and leaves you with no idea what your final investment will be.
The most professional designers offer clear, fixed-fee packages that outline exactly what’s included. This protects both you and them, and it demonstrates confidence in their process.
Red Flag #4: No Clear Contract or Terms
If a designer doesn’t have a comprehensive contract that clearly states expectations, scope, timelines, and payment terms, they’re not running a business—they’re winging it.
The contract should spell out everything: what’s included, what’s not, how changes are handled, payment schedules, and what happens if things go sideways. It should leave no room for interpretation or surprise charges.
Pro tip: A good contract protects everyone involved and actually makes the relationship more enjoyable because there are no lingering questions about who’s responsible for what.
Red Flag #5: They Promise Unrealistic Timelines
“We’ll have this done in 6 weeks!”
Unless you’re refreshing a single room with existing furnishings, this is likely nonsense. Quality design takes time—for planning, sourcing, fabrication, and installation. A designer who promises lightning-fast results is either inexperienced or planning to cut corners.
Reality check: Most comprehensive projects take 4-6 months minimum, and that’s with everything going smoothly. Custom pieces, special orders, and permit approvals all take time.
Red Flag #6: They Don’t Ask About Your Budget
A professional designer needs to know your budget range to recommend appropriate solutions. If they’re suggesting $10,000 sofas without knowing your comfort level, they’re not listening to your needs.
Conversely, if you don’t know what your budget is, your designer should be able to tell you - within a few hundred dollars - what your project’s all-in number will be. It might be startling to hear that number, but a seasoned designer knows how to detach the emotion attached to those prices and just be honest with you.
Red Flag #7: Poor Communication or Slow Response Times
If getting a response feels like pulling teeth during the initial consultation phase, imagine how frustrated you’ll be mid-project when decisions need to be made quickly. A truly busy professional will always respond in a timely manner because they understand the value of your time.
Responsive communication doesn’t mean they need to answer emails at midnight, but it does mean establishing clear expectations about response times and sticking to them.
Red Flag #8: No Portfolio of Recent, Relevant Work
If their portfolio consists entirely of projects from 2015 or work that’s completely different from your style and scope, that’s concerning. You want to see recent projects that demonstrate their current capabilities and aesthetic evolution.
Bonus red flag: Photos that look suspiciously like they came from Pinterest or magazine shoots without proper attribution.
Red Flag #9: They Push Products or Vendors Immediately
While designers often have preferred vendors and relationships, someone who immediately starts pushing specific products or insists you can only use their preferred vendors is likely more interested in their kickbacks than your best interests.
The Bottom Line
After reading all of that, you might be thinking RCL is a stuffy firm to work with. In fact, we’re quite the opposite! We often become genuinely close with our clients (some have become lifelong friends!), and our meetings are filled with laughter and creative energy. The reason we can be so relaxed and enjoyable to work with is precisely because we have rock-solid systems in place.
Here’s what I’ve learned after 21 years: The best design relationships combine creative vision with professional structure. You should feel excited about the creative possibilities and confident in the business side of things.
At Rachel Cannon Limited, our structured approach isn’t about being rigid—it’s about creating the freedom to have fun, be creative, and build genuine relationships with our clients. When everyone knows what to expect, we can focus on the good stuff: creating spaces that spark joy and tell your unique story.
The right designer will make the process feel effortless, even when tackling complex projects. They’ll educate you without talking down to you, respect your input while providing expert guidance, and deliver results that exceed your expectations.
Your home is too important to trust to anyone who can’t check all these professional boxes. Hold out for a designer who brings both creative vision and business acumen to the table. You (and your sanity) will thank me later.
Ready to experience the Rachel Cannon Limited difference? Our structured process, comprehensive presentations, and clear communication make even the most complex projects feel effortless. Schedule a discovery call to learn more about our approach to creating spaces that spark joy.
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