I hired an architect already. Do I need a designer too?

I always emphasize to my clients that bringing a project to life is a collaborative effort involving the client, the architect, the designer, and the builder. While our roles may occasionally overlap, each of us contributes unique skills and experiences to the project.

So architect vs. designer...

Architects are specialists in technical requirements and building codes, and are responsible for creating the structural blueprints necessary for permits and construction. They often design the exterior details and plan the overall interior layout. With their high level of creativity and education, architects excel in creating plans for large construction projects including complex renovations, additions, and new builds.

Interior designers, on the other hand, will move those plans forward by crafting spaces that meets your family’s needs and ultimately give you a home you love. Interior designers will dive into the details, refine the specifics, select the proper finishes, create 3-D renderings and design schematics, and supervise the design’s implementation.

For instance, while the architect will create a 2-D drawing of your new addition and plan the bathroom layout, they are unlikely choosing specific flooring, creating detailed cabinet drawings, deciding on the right tile trim, or developing furniture plans—those details are owned by the interior designer in collaboration with you and the builder.

In an ideal scenario, you, along with the architect, designer, and builder, collaborate as a cohesive team to bring the project to fruition. This collaborative effort is essential as each of us brings our own expertise to ensure the success of your project.