Believe it or not, the process that results in The Symphony Guild ASID Designer House Fall Tour begins even before the prior year’s Designer House closes.  The Guild President-elect forms a Designer House-hunting committee, which seeks news of potential Designer House sites through realtors, friends, neighbors, and general word of mouth. Once a home has been offered by its owner, the committee carefully evaluates the intrinsics – including location, number of design spaces, flow pattern, space for Gala Events, Cafe and Shop, parking and accessibility, among others. As the selection process draws to a close, the homeowner receives a contract prepared and reviewed by the Guild’s attorney and insurance agent.

The Guild also negotiates a contract each year with the Carolinas Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) for their design services. Plans are made for designer and landscaper walk-thrus, where all can evaluate the design potential, followed by room and garden selection by lottery.  Once the areas are awarded, the fun really begins!

June is generally the month that The Guild takes possession of the Designer House.  In mid-month, we celebrate the approaching Designer House Season with the ever popular Empty House Party.  Guests come to view the “bare bones” of the House, only to return in the Fall to see the astounding transformation designers and landscapers have wrought.

The Designer House Opening Day traditionally features a lawn concert by the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras. During the Designer House’s three-week run (this year, from September 16 to October 7), The Guild plans special events.  This year, we are offering the following to celebrate the Designer House's 36th anniversary – Tuesday Night Seminars, Thirsty Thursday evening wine tastings and The Shop and The Cafe, which are open during Designer House hours.

Over 2,000 volunteers contribute untold hours to bring this showcase of ASID design and landscape talent to fruition. The Symphony Guild ASID Designer House would never come into being without the work of these many volunteers and our generous contributors.  And, without this amazing fundraising project, The Guild could never have donated in excess of $4,500,000 to the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and Youth Music Education Programs – funds that have been our privilege to raise over the past thirty-six years.

Would you like to be considered as a potential Designer House?

Click here to see if YOUR house might qualify!