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Here’s Why Architects, Interior Designers Should Definitely Take Commissions From Material Vendors

Writer's picture: Zeyka IndiaZeyka India

In architecture and interior design, the concept of taking a “commission” from material suppliers often carries an unwarranted stigma. 



People involuntarily think “bribe” every time someone mentions the word “commission”. 



The process of procuring building materials involves extensive collaboration between designers and suppliers. 



Unlike a one-off homeowner purchase (B2C), architects and interior designers (B2B) offer suppliers the potential for recurring business, warranting not only competitive prices but also commissions on every sale they bring in, as a form of partnership.



For e-commerce marketplaces like Amazon, taking a commission on each sale is how they make money.



A commission is essentially a reward for the designer's exhaustive efforts to secure the best materials at competitive rates for their clients. 



Consider the process: 


A design consulting project for a residence spans 50-70 days, with 40-60% of the project time dedicated to material selection. 



1. A designer must coordinate with 20+ material vendors for various types of materials. That’s 75+ phone calls and 24-48 hours to get a single quote. 



2. They spend most weekends visiting different markets with their clients. That’s 15+ market visits per project. 



3. More often than not, clients are indecisive and slow. On average, there are 30+ material changes/revisions and continuous adjustments to the BOQ.



A designer spends years cultivating a network of reliable material vendors. 


Getting access to high-quality materials at super competitive prices through a designer’s professional network, is reason enough for designers to take a commission on every sale. 



Brands like Century Plyboards (I) LimitedAsian Paints, and more have structured programs to legally incentivize designers through commissions, debunking the notion that these financial arrangements are underhanded or illegal.



Transparency with clients about this practice can mitigate any perceived ethical concerns, framing commissions as a legitimate component of the designer's compensation for their services. 



An alternative to taking commissions on each order is to let your clients know that to procure materials through your network, you’ll charge a 20-30% mark up on your design consulting fee. 



Having said that, the integrity of the design process must remain paramount. 


Designers should navigate vendor relationships without bias, ensuring that choices are made in the best interest of the project (high quality, reliable materials only).


This balance is crucial to maintaining professionalism and trust.



In summary, commissions represent a legitimate and practical aspect of the architectural and design professions, benefitting all parties involved. 



Tell us what you think about commissions within the design industry, in the comments section below. 

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