Navigating the World of High-End Remodels: Do you need an Architect or an Interior Designer?
How to choose the right designer for your home
If you are at the early stages of a remodel or addition to your home, you might not be sure if you need an interior designer, an architect, or both. To help you sort out which direction is best for you and your home we have outlined the roles and responsibilities of each profession. We explore the differences between architects and interior designers, how we bridge the roles in many projects, and what types of projects need both an interior designer and an architect on board.
Design meeting at Jenni Leasia Design.
let's clarify the fundamental roles of architects and interior designers.
Architects
An architect is a trained, licensed professional responsible for designing, planning, and overseeing the construction of your home. In Oregon, architects are responsible for reviewing and incorporating all elements of the Oregon Residential Structural Code, as well as interpreting and incorporating city land use standards and building design criteria. An architect designs the overall site plan, building layout, construction assemblies, and exterior appearance. When design is complete, the architect will submit the plans for permit and correspond with the city on any plans review comments.
Interior Designers
An interior designer focuses on creating functional, comfortable, stylish spaces within your home. The interior designer collaborates with the owner and architectural design team to curate the personal elements, such as room layout, interior finish detailing, wall and window treatments, colors, lighting, furniture, and décor. You might think of it as the architect creating a shell—the structure and siting of the house—which the interior designer fills in to create environments that reflect your taste and style. The interior designer assists overseeing the construction of your home, ensuring correct room layout and collaborating on finish details. After construction is complete, some interior designers will also furnish and decorate the home.
When do you need an architect?
Altering structure and land use.
If your luxury remodel involves significant structural or land use changes, such as removing major walls, expanding the building footprint, or altering the roofline, you will want to hire an architect. They possess the technical expertise to bring your vision to life while adhering to building codes and safety regulations.
When do you need an interior designer?
Integrating function and style in each environment.
An interior designer will curate exquisite flow, function, finishes, furnishings, and decor to elevate your living spaces. From optimizing floor plans for flow and functionality to selecting the finest (and most practical) fabrics, interior designers think through all of the details involved in creating livable interiors. Interior designers are trained to detail key functional spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, which are the rooms that are remodeled more often than any others. If your high-end remodel doesn’t include major structural changes or land use changes, an interior designer can design independently. JLD has designed many projects providing all of the drawings needed for permits and construction.
Why it isn’t always obvious which design professional you need.
There is some overlap between architects and designers. Some architects prefer to design the structure, the unfinished shell of the house, and have a designer come in and fill in all of the details. But I also know some architects who prefer to specify interior finishes and design casework and kitchen and bathroom details. At the same time, more often than not, we will design the entire project without an architect. We have the ability to design some structural modifications in coordination with an engineer, and provide permit ready drawings. We then follow up during construction and project manage in coordination with the builder.
The Power of Synergy: Hiring Both an Architect and an Interior Designer.
For a complex whole house remodel, hiring both an architect and an interior designer ensures that form and function unite in harmony. This powerful combination brings together the expertise of both disciplines, ensuring that your project achieves its full potential. Architects and interior designers work together to align the vision. For example, the architect will design the floor plan, placing the kitchen to have a captivating view and optimal natural light. The interior designer enhances the floor plan by strategically laying out the location of the sink, appliances and seating areas to take advantage of the view and create the best possible flow and function.
Conclusion:
If your project involves major structural or any land use modifications you will need an architect on your team. If there are minor structural modifications and you want a designer who will attend to every interior detail, you need an interior designer. In a major whole house remodel, ideally you will have both a designer and an architect collaborating on your dream home.
We are here to help!
If you are considering a project, give us a call. We are happy to answer your questions and help you get started! In the meantime, find out more about our process here!
