When Should You Hire an Interior Designer During a Remodel?
If you're planning a remodel or new construction project, one of the most important decisions you'll make is when to bring an interior designer onto your team.
Most homeowners assume they should hire an architect first, finalize plans, obtain permits, hire a contractor, and then bring in a designer to select finishes and furnishings.
In reality, waiting too long to hire an interior designer is one of the biggest mistakes I see homeowners make.
The earlier a designer is involved, the more opportunity there is to create a home that not only looks beautiful but also supports the way you actually live.
The Biggest Misconception About Remodels
Many homeowners believe that once architectural plans are complete, the hard decisions have already been made.
The truth is that architects and interior designers solve different problems.
Architects are responsible for creating a floor plan that functions structurally and translates well to the exterior of the home. They are balancing engineering requirements, city regulations, building codes, and curb appeal.
An interior designer approaches the project from a different perspective.
Before I ever think about materials or colors, I want to understand how my clients live.
Do they host game nights?
Do they cook elaborate meals?
Do they need space for kids to spread out and do homework?
Do they work from home?
Do they entertain large groups?
Do they need a hidden coffee station, a walk-in pantry, or additional storage?
These lifestyle considerations often influence the floor plan itself.
When a designer is brought in early, those insights can be incorporated into the plans before they are finalized and submitted for permits.
The Best Time to Hire an Interior Designer
The ideal time to hire an interior designer is during the architectural planning phase and before hiring a contractor.
At this stage, there is still flexibility to make meaningful improvements without creating delays or expensive redesigns.
This is when I can help shape:
Furniture placement
Room flow and circulation
Kitchen and cabinet layouts
Pantry and storage solutions
Lighting plans
Bathroom layouts
Material selections
Built-ins and custom millwork
These decisions impact how a home functions every day, yet they are often overlooked when plans are developed without an interior designer involved.
What Happens When You Wait Too Long?
By the time plans are approved and permits are issued, many opportunities have already been lost.
While changes can still be made, they often become significantly more expensive.
I frequently see situations where:
Furniture layouts don't make sense
Walkways are too tight
Rooms feel awkward to use
Storage opportunities were missed
Cabinet layouts don't support how the family cooks
Lighting plans don't align with furniture placement
Spaces don't reflect the client's actual lifestyle
Many of these issues feel like obvious fixes once they're discovered, but making changes after approval often requires revising plans, resubmitting documents, and increasing costs.
How Hiring a Designer Early Can Save You Money
Many homeowners assume hiring a designer early adds to the budget.
In many cases, it does the opposite.
When a designer is involved before contractor bids are finalized, contractors can price a more complete and accurate scope of work.
This often results in:
Fewer change orders
More accurate bids
Fewer construction surprises
Better budget allocation
Reduced costly mistakes
A designer can also help identify where it makes sense to invest and where you can save without sacrificing the overall vision.
A Real Client Example
One of my Manhattan Beach clients brought me into the project while she was still working with her architect.
After going through my discovery process, I learned more about how she lived and what would make her daily life easier.
During those conversations, it became clear that she would greatly benefit from a pantry.
The original plans didn't include one.
Working alongside the architect, we were able to reconfigure the layout without making structural changes. Not only were we able to incorporate a pantry, but we also created a larger walk-in closet that significantly improved the home's functionality.
Neither solution required major redesign work because we caught the opportunity early.
Had the plans already been approved and permitted, those improvements would have been far more difficult and expensive to implement.
My Approach to Remodels and New Construction
Every project begins with understanding the people who will live there.
I want to know how you spend your mornings.
How you entertain.
What frustrates you about your current home.
What habits, routines, and experiences your home needs to support.
From there, I design around your lifestyle while carefully considering flow, functionality, and long-term value.
My background is somewhat unique. I hold a degree in Construction Management, which allows me to collaborate effectively with architects, engineers, and contractors. I understand how to read plans, speak the language of construction, and bridge the gap between design vision and execution.
My experience in real estate also gives me a strong understanding of resale value, helping clients make strategic decisions about where to invest and where to save.
The result is a home that feels beautiful, functions effortlessly, and supports the life you want to live.
Final Thoughts
If you're planning a luxury remodel, whole-home renovation, or new construction project, don't wait until plans are finished to hire an interior designer.
The most impactful design decisions often happen long before finishes are selected.
Bringing a designer into the process during architectural planning allows your home to be designed around the way you live, helps prevent costly mistakes, and creates a more thoughtful result from the very beginning.
If you're planning a remodel in Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, or the South Bay, I'd love to help you create a home that supports your lifestyle and feels uniquely yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hire an architect or an interior designer first?
For most remodels and new construction projects, it's beneficial to involve both early in the process. Architects focus on the structure, building systems, and exterior design of the home, while interior designers focus on how the home functions for your daily life.
An interior designer can help identify opportunities related to furniture layouts, storage, kitchen functionality, lighting, and room flow before plans are finalized. The earlier both professionals collaborate, the more cohesive the final result tends to be.
When is the best time to hire an interior designer?
The ideal time is during the architectural planning phase and before contractor bidding begins.
This allows the designer to influence the floor plan, cabinet layouts, lighting plans, storage solutions, and overall functionality before plans are submitted for permits.
Is it worth hiring an interior designer before construction starts?
In many cases, yes.
Hiring a designer early can help reduce costly changes during construction, improve contractor bid accuracy, prevent missed opportunities, and create a home that better supports your lifestyle.
Can an interior designer help save money on a remodel?
A designer can help homeowners avoid expensive mistakes, reduce change orders, and make more strategic decisions about where to invest and where to save.
While hiring a designer is an investment, it often helps create a more efficient construction process and a more successful final result.
What does an interior designer do during a remodel?
Depending on the project scope, an interior designer may assist with:
Space planning
Kitchen and bathroom layouts
Cabinet design
Lighting plans
Material and finish selections
Furniture planning
Custom millwork design
Coordination with architects and contractors
Construction site visits
The goal is to ensure the home functions well and feels cohesive from room to room.
Can an interior designer work with my architect and contractor?
Absolutely.
One of the most valuable aspects of hiring a designer early is the collaboration between the architect, designer, contractor, and homeowner.
When everyone is working together from the beginning, projects typically run more smoothly and decisions can be made more efficiently.
What happens if I hire a designer after plans are approved?
A designer can still provide significant value, but some opportunities may already be limited.
Once plans have been approved and permitted, making layout changes can become more expensive and time-consuming. That's why many designers recommend getting involved before plans are finalized.
How do I know if my remodel needs an interior designer?
If you're remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, multiple rooms, an entire home, or building a custom home, working with an interior designer can help ensure the finished space is functional, cohesive, and tailored to your lifestyle.
The larger and more complex the project, the more valuable early design planning becomes.
Do interior designers increase home value?
Thoughtful design can contribute to a home's appeal and functionality, which can positively impact resale value.
A designer can also help homeowners prioritize investments that improve both daily living and long-term value, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, primary suites, and common living spaces.
What should I bring to an initial consultation with an interior designer?
Helpful items include:
Inspiration photos
Architectural plans (if available)
A list of frustrations with your current home
Your wish list for the new space
Preliminary budget information
A realistic timeline
The more information you can share about how you live, the better your designer can create solutions that support your lifestyle.
