When hiring a designer, always ask for credentials. To be sure the designer is qualified they should have a degree in Interior Design. The degree is not comparble if it's Fine Arts, Art History, Fashion Design, Home Economics, etc. There are also many people with initials behind their name who do not have a formal education--they hide behind half attempts to make themselves look credible. Passing an industry exam for ten hours of study does not begin to equate to the value of a degree. There are many people who pose as Interier Designers who are nothing more than housewife decorators. Make sure you're getting what you paid for.