It shouldn't take that long for an initial call back from a well organized designer,
even if they are booked solid, they should at least acknowledge your call, or have a staff member do so, in order to proceed with a date for a meeting, or at least answer a few basic questions you might have regarding rates, etc...

That is crazy and a good indication that you should look elsewhere. I make it a point never to hire anyone I have to beg, whether its begging them to return my call, come for an initial visit, or follow-up with a quote. I look at the quotation stage of any project like courting. If they aren't responsive while trying to woo your business, just imagine how inattentive they'll be once they have you.

In my own business, I return all calls or e-mails within hours usually, never any later than the next morning, depending on when the contact comes in. Of course, I am a small, one-person business. I am very busy, but never too busy to return a phone call promptly.

One of the benefits of working with a smaller business is that you will hopefully get more personal attention. If a designer is so busy that he or she can't return a phone call, I do wonder about the kind of attention you'll get throughout the project.

I have always gotten immediate answers or return calls within an hour when working with designers.

I feel that any company that doesn't respond within 48 hours, just isn't hungry enough for my business. I'd look elsewhere!

In this day and age of cell phones, computers, etc, if a business doesn't return your call within 48 hours, look elsewhere. And especially in a business such as design where customer service is key!

Thanks everyone. Contractors are usually pretty good about getting back to me,since I have no experience with designers, I wasn't sure if I was expecting too much. If anyone knows of a good designer in the Rhode Island area that has a casual, beachy and slightly contemporary look please let me know. Thanks everyone. I guess it's back to more research.

I suggest you contact Suzy Box. She is an incredible person, intuitive and empathetic, and I think she could help you achieve the look you're after. If you look at her website, you'll see she is not a "traditional" interior designer. I suspect she isn't going to sell you a sofa. But, she may be able to guide the process in a way that works for you. You'll have to call her and see.

I know she also used to lead trips to Bali, so she may be way out of town. That might just mean she would not return your calls right away, a problem we are trying to avoid! But, I do think she is worth a shot.

Here is a link that might be useful: Living Design Studio

Thanks Amy! I bookmarked her site and will give her a call. :)

Believe it or not, even in this economy, there are some companies that feel that jobs are too small and not worth their time. So, as suggested above, keep looking and also ask around if anyone has used a designer that they were happy with. I paid a designer for ideas and wound up not using anything she suggested!