A designer’s relationship with the architects, contractors and tradespeople on the job is a two-way street—and for every interior designer with a bad experience, there’s a wallpaper installer or electrician with their own horror story. What separates a successful partnership from one that’s doomed? We asked some pros for their side of the story, from common frustrations to what makes a collaboration work.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

“Some designers I’ve worked with seemed to think that the more expensive a piece is, the better it must be. Just because a light fixture costs $15,000 doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for a space. I prefer to work with designers who are more interested in picking the best option than looking for the biggest-ticket items.” —Ciaran McCabe, owner and general contractor at CPMC Renovations, New York