Do I need an architect or an interior designer?
Images: Lived In 365, Rabbit Hole Studios
Whilst us humans have been decorating our homes since we had homes to decorate, the discipline of interior design only really began gaining momentum around 100 years ago. It is probably no surprise, therefore that it still remains a bit of a moveable feast. Whilst some still associate the role with the delicate art of choosing cushions and plumping them just so, the reality of the role has moved on to a considerable degree.
Although it is true that a large part of the job remains focused around selecting the right internal colours, textures and finishes for a scheme, a role creep, hastened by the use of various modelling software packages, means that the line between the role of interior designer and architect are increasingly blurred.
Image: Lived In 365, Rabbit Hole Studios
So as a client, how do you decide if you need an architect, an interior designer, or both?
As a rule of thumb, an architect has overall responsibility for the structure and façade of a building whilst an interior designer, as you might expect(!), deals with the interior. We can, and do, work seamlessly together on projects by articulating clearly delineated roles, each feeding into the work of the other to create a building structured and designed with thought and care.
A few recent projects, however, demonstrate when the line becomes less clear.
The first, a renovation project with no architect on board. The clients wanted a reconfiguration of the interior including removing internal walls and creating new partitions for a downstairs WC. This is something that we can happily cover, proposing a scheme which cover the relatively simple architectural changes and bringing an eye for interior details such as nooks that allow for a small pantry to elevate the kitchen and internal windows to bring in natural light and visual interest. When the concept is agreed we can work with a structural engineer directly to ensure that the design works and the builder has a detailed plan to work from.
This kind of reconfiguration is something that architects do also regularly provide however, if you are also considering getting help with interior decisions it can make sense to combine the two aspects into one role for cost efficiency.
Image: Lived In 365
On the second project there was an architect on board, plans already drawn up and submitted for planning, in fact planning had already been approved. The dilemma was around internal partitions and where best to place them to get the most out of the newly created space.
Again, this is something that architects will typically provide as part of their design concept including suggested locations for key elements such as kitchens and bathroom fittings. We can help you take this a step further however, and in this case we provided two options, including detailed models of two kitchens with details of what elements would go where, and layouts of en suite bathrooms and dressing rooms to help with the decision making.
For many clients this additional step is worthwhile. It helps them to visualise the space they’re getting more easily and prevents them from making mistakes that could prove very costly to correct when the project is on site.
Image: Lived In 365, Rabbit Hole Studios
In the final example, there was no architect on board and the client was considering whether an internal reconfiguration could give them what they wanted or whether they would need to consider a side return extension to make the house work for them.
This is a question that comes up again and again as a small extension is not always very cost effective so if there are clever ways to reconfigure rather than extend this can be a good way to go. As in the first example, we can look at that reconfiguration including moving or removing walls and using clever storage or built in seating to make the most of the space that you have.
If, however, it’s a case of looking at both reconfiguration or extension then we would bring in an architect to work up extension options and, if required, work alongside them on an internal layout that maximises the increased space as well as giving it some interior panache.
In summary, every project is slightly different and requires a different combination of professionals to achieve the best result. The best advice is to find a professional whose work best reflects what you are hoping to achieve and start from there!