Do you start every interior design project with a client questionnaire, or do you try to remember everything discussed in your initial consultation?

Was it mirrored furniture they hated? Or did they say that was their favourite? And, what was their stance on the colour green?

Creating dream spaces for your clients means listening to what they want and using your special eye for design to pull it all together. And, the best way to really understand their needs and desires is with a new client questionnaire.

In this article, I’m going to explore the following:

• What is a client questionnaire?
• Why is an initial client questionnaire important?
• What questions to include in your client questionnaire
• Insights from experienced interior designers

If you’re tired of wasting time trying to figure out what exactly your clients want, keep reading.

What is an interior design client questionnaire?

An interior design questionnaire is as simple as it sounds. It’s a list of questions you ask new clients before you begin working on a project with them. It’s your chance to get to know your potential client’s interior design preferences and align your ideas, so you’re on the same page from the get-go. Without having a client questionnaire to refer back to, you may end up creating something your client is unhappy with. It’s also a great way to sift out any clients that don’t align with your way of working or your interior design style.

As an interior designer, being able to show your previous work is one of the best ways to get new clients.

Your portfolio will demonstrate your skills as an interior designer, show you style and can even set you apart from potential competitors.

You cannot underestimate the need for a professional interior design portfolio. By inviting potential clients to view the spaces you’ve created, allowing them to take in the lighting, textures, scale, ambience and style.

This lets potential clients immerse themselves in your work, delving deep into your designs from the comfort of their homes.

Why You Need An Interior Design Portfolio

As an interior designer, regardless of the specific niche, a portfolio is an absolute must. Simply put, the more creative and impressive your portfolio is, the higher your chances of finding new clients.

You can create an online or printed portfolio however, an online one is much easier to change and update. Ideally, you’ll have an always updated online portfolio and also a printed version which you occasionally update to keep it fresh. Most clients will just want your online portfolio, but there will always be a few clients that will love getting their hands on a hard copy.

Keeping great relationships between your interior design practice and clients is crucial to getting great testimonials to be used within your portfolio.

How To Create Your Own Interior Design Portfolio

There are two core ways to create an interior design portfolio:

• An online portfolio
• A printed design portfolio presentation

Today’s Photo Of The Day is “Klipspringer Summit” by Robert Henderson. Location: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.

“These agile little antelopes can easily outmaneuver lions and even leopards on the rocks in the daytime,” says Henderson. “Nighttime is another matter, of course. At dusk, their coarse, bristle-like fur takes on the colors of sunset.”

Today’s Photo Of The Day is “Little Giant” by Tom Thomson. Location: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.

“I set my camera on the ground upside down, hanging it out the window of the vehicle with a monopod and a cable release,” explains Thomson.

Exposure: 1/1000^th sec., f/11, ISO 720.