I am a true fan of Divine Design and Hidden Potential. I've recently relocated to Long Island New York. I want to buy a small cottage/house for a decent price and attack a renovation project.

My question: Who do I call? An Architect? A designer? Do I need an interior/exterior team? Who should my first point of contact be? I'm looking for someone like Paige or Candace...any ideas out there?

You need a designer w/ a background in architecture and renovation. He/She should be able to oversee the project from start to finish. There is a difference between the professions....I am a decorator/redesigner/home stager. There is no way I would ever consider taking on a renovation project that involves knocking down walls or moving things like sinks, etc around. Get references - I cannot stress this point enough. The last thing you want is to be half way thru the project and realize the professional you've chosen isn't able to follow through to the end. Interview more than one....credentials and experience are important but you also need to be able to relate to the person. This is a very close relationship and you will probably end up seeing this person as much if not more than your spouse so you have to feel comfortable that they listen to you.
Good luck!

First, find the property. Before putting the first penny down, have the property inspected by a professional. There are people who do nothing else. They will give you a complete work-up on the property, i.e. the condition of the roof, heating/ac system, plumbing, electrical, etc. These are the biggies where your pocket book is concerned and usually must be done by professionals in the particular field. Doing it yourself is not an option - the local laws come into play here.

After you decide you have found the property you wish to buy, get someone who will represent YOUR interests - your own real estate agent (called a buyers agent. The one who showed you the property works for the seller), a lawyer, dear old Dad... The market is in the basement. You should be able to pick up a house for a good price. There's no rush. The market is not going to turn around overnight!

Now, spend some time thinking about this new possession! You are doing the thinking as you walk through the house. You are ALONE. Susie from the office is not going to live here. While it's such a temptation to talk about what you're doing, it can become overwhelming when everybody starts putting their two cents in!

Once you really feel you know the property; know how you will use it; have some idea of what you want, then call in the experts. If there is a lot of mechanical and/or exterior work, you might consider a contractor.

An interior designer comes last. The house is now in good structural and mechanical condition, you bank account has recovered, and you are ready to pretty things up. Chosing an ID is a very personal thing. You want someone who works in your type - country, traditional, ultra modern, etc. Interview several designers. Ask to see their completed jobs and talk to their customers (without them around!). You are not selecting a new best friend. You are, however, putting someone on your payroll.

Once selected, the ID should do a work-up of the job - drawings, samples, etc. Do not hesitate to say NO. Like Susie, the ID isn't going to live there. Only when you are completely satisfied with the plans do you give the go-ahead.

If the work you are planning on doing is going to involve anything load bearing you need an architect to draw up plans. If you are not moving any load bearing walls etc, then a licensed interior designer can draw up the set of plans for you. (Look for the ASID behind that designer's name) You will need a contractor for the construction parts of the job. The contractor and interior designer should meet and form a team. For just decorative interior work and furnishings you could use an interior designer or a decorator.

And just for the record - you want someone more like Candice. Candice is a licensed interior designer. There is a lot of technical skill and education behind her pretty rooms. What you don't want is a Paige. Paige is an actress who hosts a TV show. No design credentials at all. You really, really don't want that.