Do I Need an Interior Designer or Architect?

We found this as a common question in an internet search and immediately took pause to determine exactly what the question is asking. With two possible interpretations, we thought we would take a moment to answer both from our point of view.

Which skill set is a better fit: an architect or an interior designer?

An architect is recommended when you are making changes to the “shell” of the building. Interior designers are not typically trained in footings, flashing, exterior wall water membranes, and generally exterior finishes. 

Interior designers and architects can help with a home remodel, and the professions are more alike than different, which makes the confusion so understandable! Both designers work in the design of buildings with the major difference being that one has a more thorough understanding of the exterior technical details and the other has more understanding of the interior technical details. It’s a matter of expertise, focus, and approach.

Additions or New Construction:

Many homeowners associate architects with the more technical side of design. And that’s for good reason. A lot of what an architect does is related to permitting or ensuring your home is weather tight. However, architects bring much more value than that. They take our technical knowledge and combine it with our artistic training to create spaces that work for you while blending (or thoughtfully contrasting) with existing architecture, structural elements, and your site. 

We’re also very attentive to the experiential aspects of design - separate from efficient functionality. We’re mindful of color, line, texture, proportion, and many other aesthetic qualities to create space that you love occupying. 

There are very few of these projects where we feel that an interior designer would not be recommended. 

We think of interior design as somewhat of a niche profession of architecture. Just as an architect or an interior designer can do a lighting plan, bringing in a lighting consultant will ensure that extra step has been taken to create something truly phenomenal.

Interior design does this for architecture. The architect will create a beautiful space. An architect with an interior designer will create a phenomenal space! Our team has these superpowers combined.

Interior renovations:

Interior architectural designers specialize in interior spaces, whether this be reworking the complete interior space, or working with the architect to develop an interior design complementary to the architectural design. 

If the project is not changing the exterior structure at all, an interior designer is typically a good fit for the job. This might include a kitchen remodel, a bathroom remodel, or an extensive complete interior renovation, including the removal of load-bearing structure and stair relocations. 

Structural work with either profession will require the services of a structural engineer.

Is a Designer (either architect or interior designer) required/recommended for a particular project type?

We all do DIY projects, and this is to be expected! In fact, there are times that we recommend NOT utilizing the services of a designer.

When you know exactly what you want.

A good designer is not a “documenter” or order taker. We chose this career because we love to create and share with you our expertise! If you know exactly what you want, we recommend taking this to a contractor who knows how to document for permitting purposes or a draftsperson.

It is still worth considering that the architect or interior designer will more closely consider life safety, best practices, and code details than the average contractor or draftsperson. It may be worth hiring a technical architect or designer for a simple project review once the drawings are near completion. Once again, if you are aiming for a thoughtful and well-executed space, bring in the experts.

When preparing to sell.

Have you ever bought a house where they had JUST put in new carpet that was not what you would have chosen? It’s pretty painful to tear that out, isn’t it? Even worse to know that you may have paid more for the home so they could update the kitchen with cabinetry that is not your style.

Part of preparing a home to sell is “de-personalizing” the space. Designers work with you to personalize your space. We suggest a stager to assist in the preparation of your home for sale. Ask your broker for a recommendation- they will likely have a stager they regularly work with. We urge our clients who are looking to sell to consider what will make the space lucrative to potential buyers while saving on the waste of materials and budget.

When establishing a better organization system/reducing clutter for your home

Home organizers are an amazing resource, and we cannot recommend this service enough. In fact, when our clients come to us asking for more storage everywhere, we often suggest a home organizer to help develop an organization system and storage needs prior to beginning design services!

As much as we like to state our importance, we simply don’t feel it’s necessary to involve a designer every time to want to modify your home. On the flip side, there are certainly times when we would recommend getting a professional involved. You probably already know the obvious project types: substantial remodels, reconfigurations or reuses of complicated homes or sites, and new construction. However, we feel there are other more subtle considerations that could benefit from a designer’s perspective. The following sections provide insight into those instances.

When you are looking for permanence in your space

If you feel like you are settling into your home for the long haul and want to have a design that lasts, this is a good time to get a designer involved. A designer will create a space that will accommodate your changing needs, and a good design (regardless of trendiness) will not typically fall out of fashion (no promises as to what the future holds!)

When you are doing a substantial remodel

Ready to change your space, reworking it to allow completely new functions to your spaces, and provide a different workflow? This is a great time to bring in a professional who will think through things you might not have the experience to consider. The creative mind of a designer can provide vision to solutions you may never have considered.

When sustainability is an important consideration

A designer not only has experience with sustainable options, but sustainable design firms will be well-educated on what products are truly “green” vs. those that fall into the deceptive world of “greenwashing.” They will know which sustainability considerations make sense for your property and space and which might not be appropriate. An experienced team of sustainability-minded designers will have this aspect in mind throughout the process of creation and buildout. 

Whether your project needs a full-time designer, a consultation, or even a second set of eyes, we’re here to help. We are happy to meet with you if you are unsure, to discuss whether we might be a good fit, or if it is a project best handled independently or with minimal assistance. Whether architect, interior designer, contractor, or DIY, let’s strive for creating sustainable spaces to feel proud of.