Building your dream home is an exciting and rewarding journey that requires careful planning and preparation. So who do you hire first, and in what order? Do you need all three? Short Answer… yes you need all three. Having an interior designer, architect, and contractor on your team is crucial to achieving the best outcome for your construction project. Think of it as your A team, each with unique skills and expertise that can work together to make your construction dreams a reality. In this blog post, we'll explore the roles and responsibilities of interior designers, architects, and contractors and help you decide who to hire first for your construction project.
An interior designer brings a unique set of skills to the construction process. They are experts in design, color theory, and space planning and can help you develop a design concept that reflects your vision and preferences. They learn who you are and how you want to live. They think through the space in how you would live daily. Is doing yoga in your shower important to you? Or maybe you are 6’ 7” and need your shower head to be higher than the standard height. Ladies, do you sit or stand putting your makeup on? Working with an interior designer early in the process ensures that your space is designed to meet your specific needs and preferences and function the way you want to live. Working alongside an architect, an interior designer can help ensure the space is appropriately planned from the interiorand designed to meet your unique needs. This means considering lighting, flow, and views when designing the space. An interior designer can also help ensure you don't have a view of the toilet from your powder bath while sitting on your sofa or any other similar aesthetic challenges.
An architect is responsible for designing the structure and layout of your home or building. Typically, they start working from the exterior inwards and collaborate closely with an interior designer to guarantee that the space is thoughtfully planned and designed to cater to your specific requirements. Additionally, an architect can assist you in navigating the intricate realm of building codes and regulations, ensuring your project is safe and structurally sound.
Once the design and plans have been finalized, the next step is to bring in a contractor. A contractor is responsible for overseeing the construction process, coordinating with subcontractors, and ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget while maintaining the highest quality and safety standards.
Having an interior designer work closely with your contractor will ensure that the finished product meets the design vision and the construction process runs smoothly. The interior designer will provide the contractor with detailed drawings, elevations, and specifications for the project and can be a liaison between the contractor and the client, ensuring that your needs and requirements are met throughout the process. During the construction process, the interior designer will also visit the site to oversee the work and communicate any changes or modifications that need to be made to the contractor in real time, helping to avoid delays or costly mistakes.
In conclusion, if you're planning a construction project, it's a good idea to hire an interior designer first; they play a critical role in ensuring your construction project is a success. By working alongside an architect and contractor, an interior designer can help ensure that the space is planned according to your lifestyle, the drawings are accurate, and the aesthetics and functionality of your home are perfectly balanced. With an interior designer on your team, you can be sure that your home will be designed to meet your specific needs and preferences.
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XOXO,
Ashley
"Ashley was great to work with for our house project! She was so patient and explained everything in detail. She really took the time to understand what we wanted and how to make it fit with some existing pieces. She is very creative and always quick with responses. Highly recommend!"
"During the process of building our home, Ashley was a true lifesaver. With our busy schedules, we found it overwhelming to select colors and finishes. However, Ashley took care of everything from start to finish, including handling all communication with our contractor. This allowed my wife and I to focus on our daily lives without any added stress. Ashley's impeccable design sense was evident in every detail, from selecting finishes to coordinating materials. Her expertise and hands-on guidance made a world of difference, and the end result exceeded our expectations. If you're looking for a top-notch, approachable interior designer who gets things done, Ashley is the perfect choice. To sum it up, Ashley's involvement was a game-changer, giving us not just amazing design but also peace of mind during the construction process. We highly recommend her services to anyone looking for a stress-free and satisfying home building experience."
“If you need help with making a room function to its fullest and look amazing at the same time, Ashley is your girl! She has a keen eye for organizing everything so that each piece in a space feels purposeful and special."
"If you are looking for the most amazing Interior Designer, then your search is over! Ashley met and exceeded all my expectations for the remodel of my kitchen, bar, living room, and bathroom. Ashley designed the layout and walked me through every step of the way with picking out paint colors, tile, countertops, cabinet pulls, lighting, and even appliances. Ashley listened to all of my ideas, and with her guidance the final product is so much more than I could have ever dreamed! Ashley is so fun to work with and really takes the time to get to know not only the design features you like, but also what will be functional for you and your family."
"Ashley did an amazing job. She got a good feeling for our style right away and selected high quality pieces within our price range. Super easy to work with and was super patient with us as this was our first time hiring an Interior decorator!"
"Ashley was an absolute delight to work with! She was so patient with me and listed to all my likes and dislikes before we began. The entire remodel process was such a great experience and something I’ll never forget.”
"I highly recommend Ashley and her business! She was amazing through the entire process with her extreme talent for color and design! I love my new flooring and beautiful new kitchen!! I highly recommend her and her company!"