Home Decor: Whether you are beginning from the ground up, or remodeling a private home or public space, you want to make sure that your final project looks as luxurious as what you envision before you start the construction process. Los Angeles-based Architectural Detail Group's lead decorative lighting and iron designer, Gerald Olesker, gives us a list of questions, specially modified, to ask your design professional, in order to ensure that the design process is smooth and goes according to plan. To make certain you are comfortable with the design professionals you've hired, ask the following:

1. What does the architect see as important issues or considerations in your project? What are the challenges of the project?

2. How will the designer/manufacturer approach your project?

3. How will the designer gather information about your needs, goals, etc?

4. How will the architect and design team establish priorities and make decisions?

5. Who from the architecture firm will you be dealing with directly? Is that the same person will be collaborating on the project?

6. How interested are you in the project's details, such as lighting and decorative iron fixtures?

7. How busy is the design team?

8. What sets this team apart from the rest?

9. How does the firm establish fees/retainer and product sales?

10. What would you expect the fee to be for the project?

11. What are the steps in the design process? Has the firm shown you a project flow chart and walked through the steps with you?

12. How does the design professional organize the process?

13. What do you expect the team to provide?

14. What is the design philosophy for the project?

15. What is the team's track record with cost estimating?

16. What will the design professional show you along the way to explain the project? Will you see drawings or sketches?

17. If the scope of the project changes later in the process, will there be additional fees? How will these fees be justified?

18. What services does the designer and/or manufacturer provide during construction?

19. How long does the architect expect it to take to complete your project? How long does the designer and/or manufacturer expect it to take to complete the details?

20. Have you reviewed the firm's Web site and past projects? Would you recommend the design manufacturer to others? Would you use them for future projects?

As you choose your architectural firm, designers, decorators and key trades professionals like ADG Lighting ADG Ironworks, keep this list of questions handy and make sure you get them answered before you begin to build your project. For more information on how to complete your project with luxury design details, visit www.architecturaldetailgroup.com.

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For LxM Carly Zimmermann
With special help from Gerald Olesker