Updated October 21, 2026
Where people usually start
Most searches begin online and locally. People look at portfolios, sample photos and client reviews to get a sense of style and quality. Word of mouth and recommendations from friends, family or builders are common, especially for larger projects.
When you search, focus on clear examples of finished work and projects similar to yours. If you have a narrow brief - small apartment, family house or commercial space - look for designers who show relevant experience rather than generalist portfolios.
- Search by service and location to find designers who work in your area
- Prioritise recent projects and before-and-after photos
- Ask for references for similar projects
How to check a designer's experience and portfolio
A portfolio gives the fastest insight into a designer’s style, material choices and attention to detail. Look for complete projects with photos from different angles, plans and, when available, client testimonials. If a portfolio lacks real photos, ask for more examples or a site visit.
Beyond images, ask about the designer’s role on past projects - did they do layout and specification only, or did they also manage contractors and deliveries? That affects who you will need to hire separately and how the contract should be written.
- Check project scope in the portfolio - concept, technical drawings, site supervision
- Ask how involved the designer was with contractors and suppliers
- Request contact details of a recent client for a quick reference call
Questions to ask before you agree
Before agreeing, get clarity on scope, deliverables, deadlines and who is responsible for what. Ask for a written brief and a sample contract or terms. Confirm whether drawings and permits are included, and who pays for materials, deliveries and site changes.
Discuss communication and decision points: how often you will meet, who approves orders and how change requests are handled. Ask about guarantees or remedies if work is delayed or not delivered as described.
- What exactly is included in the price - drawings, shopping list, site supervision?
- Who orders and pays for furniture, fittings and deliveries?
- What are the milestones, expected timelines and payment schedule?
What is specific to Czechia
In Czechia, architects are a regulated profession; if your project requires structural changes or building permits, expect to involve an architect or a registered engineer. For purely decorative or interior layout work, people commonly hire interior designers who may not hold a regulated licence.
Language and regional practice matter. Czech is the dominant language for day-to-day coordination; many designers, especially in larger cities, speak English, but you should confirm language for contracts and site instruction. Also check local rules or permit requirements with the municipal office if the work affects building structure or utilities.
- For structural work, confirm involvement of a registered architect or engineer
- Confirm language of communication and contracts
- Check local municipal requirements for modifications that affect permits
How quotes, contracts and payments are normally handled
Designers typically provide a written quote or proposal. Look for a clear breakdown: design fee, materials, contractor work, and reimbursable expenses. If the job includes project management, the quote should say so and explain how contractor invoices are handled.
Payment commonly follows a deposit plus staged payments linked to milestones. Many providers accept bank transfers; card or platform payments are also used depending on the provider. Always ask for an invoice and keep records of payments and changes.
- Ask for an itemised written quote and a sample contract
- Expect a deposit, then staged payments tied to milestones
- Get invoices for all payments and written confirmation for scope changes
How a Websta profile helps you compare providers
A Websta profile presents a designer’s services, photos, contact form and online booking in one place. You can compare portfolios, listed services and availability without visiting multiple websites. The marketplace lets you post a task for several providers to make offers, which can speed up initial price and scope comparisons.
Websta also supports card payments routed through Stripe to each provider’s bank account, and providers set their own prices. Use the profile to check photos, written descriptions and any client reviews available on the page. Treat what you find as starting information and follow up with direct questions and documents before you sign anything.
- Compare portfolios and services side by side
- Post a task to receive multiple offers and compare scopes
- Use the contact form or booking to request written quotes and contracts
Practical steps to hire and work with a designer
Start with a short list of 3 to 5 designers and ask for a brief proposal and estimate. Meet in person or by video and discuss the brief, timeline and budget. Request a simple contract or terms that specify deliverables, schedule and payment milestones.
During the project, keep decisions and change requests in writing. Arrange regular progress checks and keep a log of orders and invoices. If disputes arise, try to resolve them by reference to the written brief and invoices; if work involves permits or structural changes, include the relevant registered architect or engineer in communications.
- Shortlist a few designers and request written proposals
- Sign a brief contract with clear milestones and payment schedule
- Keep a written record of decisions, changes and invoices
Frequently asked questions
- Do interior designers in Czechia need a licence?
- Interior designers who work on aesthetics and layout often do not need a specific licence. If the project involves structural changes or building permits, a registered architect or engineer will usually be required.
- How should I compare quotes from different designers?
- Compare itemised scopes rather than total sums. Look for differences in included services - drawings, site supervision, ordering and delivery - and compare timelines and payment schedules.
- Can I pay the designer by card on Websta?
- Websta supports card payments routed through Stripe to the provider’s bank account; whether a designer accepts card payments depends on the provider and how they handle payments on their profile.
- What if I need permits for the work?
- Check with your municipal office whether permits are required. For permitted work, involve a registered architect or engineer and confirm who prepares and submits documents before work starts.
- How do I check references safely?
- Ask the designer for recent client contacts and request permission to call. Focus on similar projects and ask about timeline, communication and how changes were handled. Keep the conversation factual and confirm key points in writing.
About the numbers
Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.
Related guides
- Making Money as an Interior Designer in Brno
- How to earn money as an interior designer in České Budějovice
- How to make money as an interior designer in Czechia - guide
- How to Make Money as an Interior Designer in Hradec Králové
- How to make money as an interior designer in Liberec
- How to earn money as an interior designer in Olomouc