Do I Need An Architect or Interior Designer?

Many homeowners often go over the dilemma on whether they are supposed to hire an architect or is it really an interior designer that they need. For many small projects like widening a window or the removal of a wall to open up the room, the contractor can actually handle both the construction as well as the design afterward.

For bigger additions, though, such as a new kitchen, it is logical to hire an architect or an expert designer. A design professional can implement aesthetic alterations that will improve the overall beauty of a home.

Why an Architect?

Architects are specifically trained to handle engineering, design theory, as well as project management. The rates for these professionals vary for each region and for each architect.

If you want an architect to take on the remodeling or construction project, or to pick the contractor as well as the subcontractors, or even to oversee the work, know that they will charge 5% or more to the entire cost of your project.

Architects have been trained to come up with innovative ideas in solving design issues. They can also ascertain that the project will remain true to the aesthetic plans.

In hiring one, be sure to check if the expert is a member of the American Institute of Architects.

In dealing with architects, prepare to have our needs assessed and your plans edited. If changes have been made after the bidding is done, it is the architect who sill redraw to the plans (but at an additional fee).

Why a Designer?

If you have to hire a designer, be sure to find the ones that have been academically trained. This expert should know the fundamentals of architecture and engineering. He is a master in planning interior spaces.

The interior designer’s plans are then reviewed by the structural engineer who just makes sure that the plans are mathematically sound, meaning, that the beams will not fall or that the floors won’t creak.

There are laws governing the issuance of license for interior designers. These vary from state to state every state, though, require architects to obtain a license. To know the policy in your respective state, take the time to call the licensing board or to discuss this with your contractor.

As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to check your insurance policy. There might be a need to beef it up so that it will cover professional liability or even malpractice. Remember that the costliest repairs actually come if there is no clarity on who to blame.

There are interior designers that work with contractors. They join companies that are known as build or design firms. These are the companies that provide remodeling packages from the day that the planning takes place down to the finishing touches. More often than not, the project’s design includes an overall price.

Most design firms can easily handle residential remodeling projects. The contractor and the designer return for that second meeting when they would present the partial drawings which are rendering of the elevation, outer walls, and the rough floor plan.

The designer then is asked to finish the drawings once the homeowners agree to the preliminary drawings. As soon as the budget is approved, the project must already be on its way to being constructed. Even when the worst case scenario does happen, the cost will just be half of what an architect often charges.

If there is any drawback to hiring a designer, it is that you are not guaranteed of the level of education, training, and skills unless the expert presents a license together with a sound portfolio.

For a more specific mastery of skills, you can also hire the following people – Certified bath designers

Useful Reference Links

Do You Need an Architect or a Designer?
How to Decide Between Hiring an Architect or a Designer
What is a designer vs. an architect?
Hiring an Architect or Designer
Certified Kitchen and Bath Designers