Do I Need an Architect or an Interior Designer First? A Homeowner's Guide to Planning Your Remodel
When You Should Hire an Architect First
If your project includes:
A home addition
New construction
Significant structural changes
Major exterior modifications
Projects requiring architectural drawings for permits
...an architect should absolutely be part of your team from the beginning.
Architects are experts at solving the big-picture challenges of a home. They're balancing structural requirements, building codes, engineering, and how the exterior of the home comes together architecturally.
They're designing a home that can be built.
When an Interior Designer Can Lead the Project
If you're staying within the existing footprint of your home, you may not need an architect at all.
Projects like:
Kitchen remodels
Bathroom remodels
Cosmetic renovations
Interior finish selections
Furnishings
Cabinet design
Space planning
can often be completed with an interior designer working alongside a structural engineer if engineering is required.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn this.
The Ideal Scenario: Hire Both Early
If your project includes an addition or new construction, my favorite approach is having the architect and interior designer involved from the very beginning.
Not because either professional is more important than the other—but because they're solving different problems.
Architects are thinking about structure, permits, massing, and how the home relates to the site.
Interior designers are thinking about how you actually live inside the home.
When those conversations happen before plans are finalized, the end result is almost always better.
Why Interior Designers Need to Be Involved Before Plans Are Submitted
This is probably the biggest piece of advice I can give homeowners.
Once architectural plans have been submitted to the city, making meaningful changes becomes significantly more difficult.
That means opportunities to improve the home may already be gone.
Because when you're building a new home or removing walls, the possibilities are almost endless.
This is the stage where decisions have the biggest impact.
I've seen kitchens that technically worked—but could have functioned dramatically better with a different layout.
I've seen windows placed exactly where a sofa, bed, or dining room hutch naturally belongs.
I've seen circulation paths that make a home feel awkward, even though everything technically fits.
None of these are necessarily "mistakes." They're simply decisions that benefit from someone whose entire focus is how people live inside a home.
Architects and Interior Designers Focus on Different Things
One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is that architects design every aspect of how a home will function.
In reality, architects have an enormous responsibility.
They're balancing structural systems, engineering, building codes, exterior elevations, rooflines, setbacks, and making sure the architecture works as a whole.
An interior designer is asking a different set of questions.
Where will the furniture go?
How will you entertain?
Can you unload groceries efficiently?
Will the kitchen island actually function the way your family cooks?
Does the dining room feel connected to the living room?
How does natural light move through the house throughout the day?
Where should lighting be placed?
Will this floor plan still feel functional ten years from now?
Neither perspective is more important.
They're simply different.
The best homes are created when both perspectives inform the design.
What Happens When You Hire a Contractor First?
There's nothing inherently wrong with meeting with a contractor early.
But homeowners should understand what they're asking the contractor to estimate.
Without a completed design, the contractor is pricing a hypothetical project.
They don't yet know:
Which walls are moving.
What cabinetry is being installed.
Which materials have been selected.
Whether plumbing locations are changing.
The lighting plan.
The level of finishes you're expecting.
As the design develops, those assumptions change.
That's often where change orders and budget surprises begin.
When a designer completes the design package first, the contractor can prepare pricing based on exactly what will be built. That creates a much more accurate budget from the beginning and typically minimizes scope creep during construction.
My Real Estate Perspective
One thing that shapes the way I design is my background in real estate.
I've walked through hundreds of homes and watched buyers respond to floor plans over and over again.
Certain layouts consistently feel intuitive.
Others create friction without homeowners even realizing why.
When someone is investing a significant amount of money into remodeling their home, I believe the floor plan should work not only for their current lifestyle but also support the home's long-term value.
Good design isn't just beautiful.
It makes everyday life easier.
A Real Project Example
I recently worked with a client who brought me into the project before their plans were submitted to the city.
My primary role was designing the interior.
As we reviewed the plans together, I noticed something unexpected.
The front elevation had a beautiful traditional farmhouse character, while the rear elevation leaned much more modern. The two sides of the home felt like they belonged to different houses.
Because we caught it early, we were able to adjust the exterior details before construction began, creating a home that felt cohesive from every angle.
Those are the kinds of improvements that become much more difficult once plans are finalized.
My Recommendation
If you're planning an addition or new construction, hire an architect and an interior designer as early as possible. Collaboration almost always leads to a stronger result.
If you're remodeling within your existing footprint, an interior designer may be the best place to start. Depending on the scope, your designer can determine whether an engineer or architect should be brought into the project.
Every project is different.
The goal isn't deciding which professional is "better." It's building the right team at the right time.
When everyone collaborates early, homeowners end up with spaces that are more functional, more beautiful, and better aligned with the way they actually live.
And when you're making one of the largest investments in your home, that's exactly how it should be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an architect for a kitchen remodel?
Not always. If you're remodeling within the existing footprint of your home and aren't making major structural changes or adding square footage, you may not need an architect. Many kitchen remodels can be successfully designed by an interior designer, who can work with a structural engineer if engineering is required. Every project is unique, so it's worth having a professional evaluate your scope before deciding who should be involved.
Can an interior designer create floor plans?
Yes. Interior designers regularly create space plans and floor plans that improve how a home functions. Depending on the project, we may redesign kitchens, bathrooms, living spaces, and entire homes within the existing footprint. If structural changes or additions are involved, we collaborate with architects and engineers to ensure the design is both beautiful and buildable.
Should I hire an interior designer before buying a home?
If you're considering purchasing a home that needs remodeling, absolutely. Walking through a property with an interior designer before closing can help you understand what's possible, identify potential challenges, develop realistic renovation budgets, and determine whether the home truly fits your long-term goals.
Can I hire an architect and an interior designer at the same time?
Yes—and for new construction or home additions, it's often the ideal approach. Architects and interior designers bring different areas of expertise to a project. When we collaborate from the beginning, we can make sure the home's architecture, floor plan, functionality, and interior design all work together seamlessly before plans are finalized.
Do I need an architect if I'm removing a wall?
It depends on whether the wall is structural. In many cases, an interior designer can develop the layout and overall design while a structural engineer determines whether the wall is load-bearing and specifies the appropriate structural solution. If your project also includes an addition or significant exterior changes, an architect is typically needed as well.
What's the difference between an architect and an interior designer?
Architects focus on the structure of a home, building systems, code requirements, permits, and the relationship between the home's interior and exterior architecture. Interior designers focus on how the home functions and feels from the inside—space planning, cabinetry, lighting, furniture placement, finishes, and creating spaces that support the way you live every day. The best projects happen when both professionals collaborate early in the design process.
Can hiring an interior designer save money during a remodel?
In many cases, yes. A completed design package gives your contractor detailed plans, finish selections, and specifications before construction begins. This often results in more accurate bids, fewer assumptions during estimating, and fewer costly change orders once work is underway. It also helps ensure your investment is being spent on solutions that improve both your daily life and your home's long-term value.
How do I know which professional I need first?
The easiest way is to schedule a consultation before hiring anyone. After learning about your goals, budget, and the scope of your project, I can help you determine whether you need an architect, a structural engineer, an interior designer—or a collaborative team from the start. Beginning with the right professionals can save time, reduce unnecessary costs, and lead to a much better finished home.
