Who Should You Hire? Architect vs. Interior Designer vs. General Contractor
When remodeling your home, perhaps the most important decision you have to make is selecting the right team to work with. You may be asking yourself, “Do I need an architect, interior designer, and a general contractor?”
To help answer that question, here’s a breakdown of the differences between the three roles and why your best option may be using a design-build firm.
Understanding the Individual Roles
What is an Architect?
An architect is the one who specializes in the big picture of structural design and planning the technical details. They’re primarily concerned with the structural design of your space, blueprints, permits, and adherence to building codes.
You’ll need an architect if you’re planning large-scale remodels, additions, or new home builds that require significant changes to the structure or layout of the space. Thanks to their expertise, they can ensure that the design is safe, functional, and compliant with local regulations. However, an architect isn’t typically involved in the aesthetic side of a project, such as selecting finishes, furniture, or color schemes. Additionally, while they can create blueprints, they don’t handle construction or oversee the day-to-day operations of the building process.
What is an Interior Designer?
Interior designers play the detail-oriented role in the construction process. Primarily, they focus on aesthetics, layout optimization, and choosing the finishes and materials that bring your space to life. They focus on selecting paint colors, cabinetry, lighting fixtures, furniture arrangements, and other interior details that enhance both the style and functionality of the room.
If you want help with choosing materials, designing the overall look of your space, or optimizing the layout for better flow and usability, an interior designer is your go-to professional. Yet it’s important to know that while they excel in aesthetics, they are not responsible for permits, blueprints, or overseeing the physical construction process.
What is a General Contractor?
While the architect and the interior designer create the concept of your home remodel, a general contractor is the person who actually executes the physical construction and renovation work. They manage the entire construction process, coordinate subcontractors (plumbers, electricians, etc.), and ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.
You most likely will need a general contractor for projects where a substantial amount of construction work needs to be done, from laying the foundation to shingling the roof. However, while they follow the plans laid out by the architect and interior designer, they do not do the design work or blueprints themselves.
The Challenge of Hiring Multiple Professionals
The architect, interior designer, and general contractor all play an important role in the remodeling process. However, juggling all three at once can lead to coordination challenges. It can be tricky to keep everyone on the same page, and miscommunication can result in design changes, delays, and budget overruns. It can also be difficult for homeowners to ensure their design vision becomes the construction reality, leading to frustrations and potential conflicts down the road.
The Benefits of Working with a Design-Build Firm
For a more simplified home remodeling experience, work with Sordan Construction. Our design-build process combines the roles of architect, interior designer, and general contractor into one cohesive team, providing a streamlined experience from start to finish. This means you won’t need to worry about miscommunication, conflicting goals, or schedules not lining up. Instead, you’ll get a harmonic, personalized, cohesive team that are all working toward the same end result—your dream home.
It’s important that your remodeling experience be an enjoyable one. With Sordan Construction, you’ll benefit from expert design, structural planning, and high-quality construction all under one roof. Our integrated approach simplifies the process, eliminates confusion, and ensures that your project stays on track from concept to completion. Contact us today for a free consultation so you can get started on seeing your dream home become reality.
