Barbara Dixon is an internationally recognized authority on architecture and home design. She has been associated with some of the nation's most important design publications, including Architectural Digest. Ms. Dixon was founding editor of Elle Decor magazine and has served for the past three years as Editorial Director of Cottages & Gardens Publications. Her design expertise is now available to those seeking advice for selecting an architect, interior designer, kitchen or bath designer, landscape designer or builder.

Q: How do you go about recommending a designer for a client?

A: First, we take time to understand the client's needs, personal styles and design preferences. The next step is to define the scope of the project for a realistic budget and time frame. For example, needs are different for a primary or secondary residence. I usually recommend at least four prospective designers I believe to be best for the project. Once a choice is made, I meet with both client(s) and designer(s) so that everyone understands the project fully.

Q: What makes C&G Design Consultants different from other designer referral services?

A: Having worked in every aspect of design, I bring a robust knowledge of the industry to the table. I have been publishing the work of top designers for decades. For the last three years I have been at the helm of Hamptons Cottages & Gardens and Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens magazines. In addition, I have helped conceive three Idea Houses, each time building a home from the ground up, interfacing with architects, builders and as many as two dozen designers, including kitchen, bathroom and landscape designers. Managing these masses of professionals called for astute problem solving and constant communication to keep everyone on track to finish on time—and on budget.

Q: Do you identify more with the prospective client or the design professional?

A: Few understand that designing one's home or commercial space is one of the most intimate experiences anyone can go through. Some design referral services consider the job done the moment they match a client with a designer. We see the process as more fluid, offering guidance and support on a continual basis as needed. Design projects are rife with intricacies. We maintain clear communication from beginning to end. As much as we might like to believe everything will run smoothly, there can be friction along the way. We help smooth out unexpected complications.

Q: Are there other services you offer?

A: If someone needs us to remain on the project from beginning to completion, we can do so. The client can stay involved in the process, but we handle the day-to-day details and keep clients abreast of all developments. This means serving as a so-called "owner's agent," we can do the managing so clients can go about their busy lives.

Q: How does one get the most out of a designer?

A: A client-designer pairing, like any relationship, it is all about clear and effective communication. Early on, the scope of the project must be defined, understood and agreed upon by all parties. After that, as mentioned above, client involvement varies. Some wish to include themselves in every aspect of the process, such as fabric and furniture shopping. Others prefer to see the designer's edited choices, from which they make final selections. So long as information is relayed openly, they decide what level of involvement works best for them.

Q: Which is more important—fashion or style in the design of the home environment?

A: Style is always more important. Fashion can be trendy and therefore not "wear" well over time, unless you have a budget that allows you to change your look seasonally. We strive for timeless style—style that speaks to who the client is despite changing trends. We're used to working with a range of styles. We understand how a client's style, which may be extremely nuanced, is often determined by where the home or business is located and how it is used.

Q: How does one set a budget and stick to it?

A: First, it is important to define the exact parameters of the project, whether it is designing an entire house or office, incorporating existing furnishings or editing them or completing a total gut renovation. After the scope is set, the designer explains fee structure. We suggest the owner approach this meeting with a realistic dollar figure in mind. Then, we review costs together, dissecting the fee structure as it applies to the designer's timeframe, costs of furnishings and major architectural changes. Working with an independent third party such as C&G Design Consultants can be extremely beneficial to both client and designer as they hammer out the financial aspects of the project.