This checklist is a useful guide to evaluate design firms in the selection process.
Selection Checklist
1. Professional chemistry - To achieve good results, you need a good relationship based on respect and trust. It is important to know who you will be dealing with and that there is the chemistry there to work well together
2. Understanding the client's needs - Your design firm must understand what your needs are, who your audience or market is, and the project constraints (time, budget, materials, approvals)
3. Design process - Different design firms have different design processes. They vary in degree of formality, documentation and account management. You need to select a firm with a management approach that suits your company and you.
4. Track record - Look at their previous work. Ask questions about the original brief and the success of the project in fulfiling that brief. Was there anything learnt from that project or others by either them or the client that would benefit your project?
5. Referrals - Ask the design firm for referrals so that you can speak to their other clients about satisfaction with the working relationship and the results. In this way, it is similar to what you would do if you were hiring an employee.
6. Fee Structure - Ask them how their fees are structured (with a breakdown where necessary) so that you can budget for other projects as they arise.
7. Value for money - Different clients have different objectives and budgets. It is unreasonable to expect high budget results on a low budget. Conversely, if it is a major project with a big budget, you will want to be sure that your design firm thoroughly understands and can handle the extra project management load these types of projects carry. Keep in mind 'You get what you pay for.' manage your corporate expectations appropriately.
