Jul 28, 2025
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5 min read
The Experienced Interior Designer
Strengths:
Problem-solving on site: Years on the field means they’ve seen it all—from structural surprises to coordination breakdowns—and know how to navigate challenges calmly and efficiently.
Vendor & contractor network: With time comes trust. An experienced designer brings a tried-and-tested network of fabricators, carpenters, electricians, and suppliers.
Project planning & foresight: They can often anticipate what’s not visible on paper, helping avoid costly revisions down the line.
Refined design language: Experience hones a unique design voice, making it easier to communicate a cohesive vision.
Things to Consider:
Their processes might be more defined—leaving less room for constant back-and-forth iterations.
Their professional fees tend to be higher—reflecting not just design time, but years of learning, site management, and insight.
The New Practitioner
Strengths:
Fresh perspectives: They often bring unfiltered creativity, a hunger to explore, and an openness to new design directions.
Flexible and collaborative: Still building their portfolio, they may be more willing to iterate, experiment, and work closely with clients through the journey.
Strong presentation skills: Many newer practitioners are highly fluent in digital tools, rendering, and trend analysis.
Things to Consider:
They may not yet be fully confident or hands-on when it comes to site execution or technical detailing.
Project timelines may be longer, as there can be more trial and error involved.
They often lean on external consultants or contractors for execution, which can lead to a learning curve during coordination.
At Xception, while we don’t execute projects in-house, we have worked with most contractors and consultants in the city and can refer the right team if needed. More importantly, even if we’re working with a new team, we have the experience and foresight to navigate execution challenges effectively—ensuring that the design vision is translated seamlessly on site.
So, Who’s Right for Your Project?
It depends on what matters most to you as a client. If your project requires intensive coordination, on-site detailing, or integration with existing structures, an experienced designer may bring peace of mind. If you're open to a creative, collaborative process and want something that breaks away from the familiar, a new practitioner might be a great fit.
Some clients choose to work with studios that blend both—led by a senior designer with a team of young creatives supporting design development and delivery. Yes, experience usually comes at a premium. But you’re investing not just in a service, but in the accumulated skill, knowledge, and judgment that comes with time.
Monica’s journey as an interior design practitioner
"I began my career like many young designers—hungry to learn, excited to experiment, and ready to take on anything that came my way. I would take up almost every project that came through the door, working across styles, scales, and cities. As I grew in confidence and capability, I entered a phase where I managed around 12–18 projects at a time. It was intense, rewarding, and full of momentum—but I also realised that good design needs space: space to think, to collaborate, and to care deeply about each detail. Today, I work selectively—handling 4 to 6 projects at a time with intention and depth. This shift has allowed me to invest more fully in the kind of work that reflects not just my style, but my values."
Looking for the right design partner?
Whether you’re starting small or dreaming big, let’s talk about how we can bring your space to life—with care, creativity, and clarity. Explore our service packages to see what might be the best fit for your lifestyle, your budget and your project vision. Each one is crafted to meet clients where they are—whether it’s a single space or a multi-site project, our curated options help you choose the right level of support and customisation for your needs.
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