When talking to a designer it's important to include the styles you like and dislike. Always important to mention the things you dislike so you have a space you really enjoy. Look at photos from houzz for inspiration on your style. Tell them the colors you want in your space. Very important to talk about budget. It's important to have a limit so you don't over spend, which can be easy to do. You can get great furniture or other items for less.

There are lots of threads which answer the question asked by the OP. Have to search for them. :-)

If you are looking at renovating you need a designer and maybe even an architect if you want help with colors and decor a decorator is all you need. As for how to deal with them you need a budget, a list of must haves and an open mind .

I would start with a budget. That is going to dictate everything.

Tall, white hair, good sense of humor, . . . . . . .

Santa...?

Architects?

Here is a list of things that would be helpful when first meeting with an architect:

- Survey of the lot including topography, vegetation and natural features

- Soils report

- Good description of your family and your lifestyle

- Imagery of the style(s) you like

- Wish list including list of rooms and special features

- Budget

- An open mind

- Trust

What you don't need:

- Super detailed list of features or specifications

- A floor plan (you're probably just boxing your architect in)

- Pre-conceived ideas

Your first conversation with your architect should be a brainstorming session. The best creative ideas will come in an environment open to the free exchange of wild and crazy ideas.

Is that Frank doing his Johnny Cash imitation??

That's the fifth time someone's called me Santa.

Must run 6 days a week.

LOL, That's Frank Gehry for you " Once in a while, however, there's a small group of people who do something special. Very few. But good god, leave us alone! We are dedicated to our work. I don't ask for work. I don't have a publicist. I'm not waiting for anyone to call me. I work with clients who respect the art of architecture. Therefore, please don't ask questions as stupid as that one.”

This probably applies when hiring most professionals but I'd look for a one man shop. Multiple partners usually means an underlying, if unspoken, motivation to produce higher billing amounts by each partner. Also, large firms have higher overhead costs per individual and ALL these costs are passed on through to the client. And I know all about overhead relative to the size of a firm. I once was the head guy in a 16 person firm that included 6 architects until I left to just work out of my house.