In part 2 of our new blog series aimed at answering the most common questions about interior design, we’re tackling the question I received from potential clients more than any other question last year.
“I know I want to remodel my home, but I have no idea who to hire first! Where does the interior designer fit in the process?”
The truth is, successful remodels require a team of professionals, including an architect, a contractor, and an interior designer. Each expert plays a critical role, but the order in which you bring them on board can significantly impact the efficiency, cost, and final outcome of your project. In today’s post, I’m breaking down each party’s respective role in the remodel process and explaining the order in which they should be hired to make sure your remodel goes as smoothly as possible.
Each Party’s Role
As you can imagine, the architect, the contractor, and the designer are each experts in different parts of the remodel process.
The Architect: Structural Expertise
The architect will assess the existing structure, develop solutions to improve flow and efficiency, and ensure structural integrity of any major changes being made. They will, for example, make sure that if we knock down a wall, the house will remain structurally sound. Architects also navigate zoning laws, building codes, and permit requirements, preventing costly mistakes and delays. If your remodel includes major structural changes—such as removing walls, vaulting ceilings, or adding square footage—an architect is crucial in making sure those modifications are safe and structurally sound. However, architects typically do not select materials, finishes, or fixtures, leaving an important gap in the decision-making process.
The Contractor: Execution
The contractor manages the construction process from start to finish. They coordinate with subcontractors (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, etc.), handle material sourcing, oversee installations, and ensure the project stays on budget and schedule. While contractors are skilled in execution, they do not focus on the aesthetics of the project. Their job is to follow the provided plans—but if those plans lack clarity or detail, miscommunication and unexpected costs can arise.
The Interior Designer: Function and Aesthetics
As you may be able to tell by now, the interior designer bridges this gap between function and finish. While designers can (and often do) propose structural changes to improve the function of the space
(e.g. let’s open up this wall…) the architect will be the person to confirm those changes are feasible without undermining the structural integrity of your home. The designer decides the details of layout, materials, furnishings, and finishes, and the contractor will bring it to life. At the end, after the construction is complete, the interior designer then goes a step further to ensure that furnishings are installed and the space is styled to perfection.
How These Roles Intersect
The ideal project includes all three of these roles. By bringing their respective expertise together, you can be sure that your remodel is structurally sound, functional, beautiful, and to code. Remove any one of these parties from the process and you run the risk of making more mistakes, dealing with communication gaps, and a finished product that doesn’t quite match what you had in mind.
Who to Hire First
That’s great, you say, but WHERE DO I START?
If your project involves structural changes, such as moving or removing walls, adding a second story, or vaulting the ceiling, I suggest you begin with an architect. They can put together construction plans that will dictate how those changes can be made while maintaining the structural integrity of your home. By having an architect’s plans in hand, your designer and contractor can then put together accurate, detailed estimates to help you understand your project costs before you begin.
Once you have hired the architect, or, if your project doesn’t involve structural changes, then I suggest hiring the interior designer. Your designer can capture your goals for the space and put together construction plans that your contractor will need in order to provide an accurate estimate – demo plans, construction plans, reflected ceiling plans, electrical plans, finish plans, etc. The more detail your designer provides, the better and more exact your contractor’s bid can be. To put this in context, consider this example:
Let’s say you want to remodel your fireplace, add some custom built-ins, and redo your kitchen. With no design plans, your contractor could likely put together a rough estimate including ballpark costs for these changes. Their bid would be based on several assumptions, such as the level of finishes you want. There’s no guarantee that their bid will be accurate, because if you choose a material that’s more expensive than they assumed you would, you’re already over budget.
Imagine the same scenario where we provide your contractor with the exact make and model of the fireplace insert and mantel they need to install. We provide them detailed shop drawings of the built-ins, which specify the species of wood to use, the thickness and distance between shelves, and the exact paint finish and color we want them to be. We give them drawings and elevations of the kitchen, with your selection for countertops, backsplash, and appliances.
Which bid do you think will be more accurate?
Exactly.
By hiring the designer first, you’re able to provide your contractor with the level of detail they need to give you accurate costs, estimate their timeline, and begin the work. You’ll minimize delays, answer questions before they are even asked, and make the contractor’s job a lot easier.
If you’re interested in working together on your design project, we’d love to talk to you! Our process starts with a free 20-minute intro call.
For more answers to FAQ’s, check out our blog!
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