Do I Need an Architect for That?!

As Interior Designers, one of the most frequent questions we get is, "Do I need an Architect for that?!" 

The answer might surprise you.

While Architects are essential for some projects, you might be surprised to find out how many things your trusty Interior Designer can handle just as well (if not better)!

Let's dive into some common home projects and see when you really need to call in an Architect and when an Interior Designer is the pro you need.

KITCHENS

NOPE.

Interior Designers are kitchen experts. We design things down to the inch, are hyper-focused on function and meeting your exact needs.

Are you left or right-handed? Is meal prepping part of your routine? Where do kids’ lunchboxes and the endless supply of paper they bring home from school go? What about your everyday dishes, kitchen utensils, your oversized air fryer, and myriad of spices?

We've got you covered with every organizational optimization that’s out there, and will advise you on which you need (and which you can pass on) to get you to your ideal kitchen.

It’s cliché, but Kitchens are the heart of the home, and no other room in the house tends to have as much impact on your quality of life. Kitchen design requires an understanding of how you use the space daily (and how you’d like to be using it in the future). We optimize every inch, ensuring that your kitchen not only looks beautiful but works beautifully too.

REMOVING A WALL

NOPE.

Yes, even if the wall is load-bearing. You don't need an Architect. You actually need a Structural Engineer.

An Interior Designer can help you optimize your floor plan with layout options, and then bring on an Engineer (you know, to make sure the house stands up).

Your Designer will collaborate with the Engineer to ensure that your design dreams don’t compromise your home’s integrity.

BATHROOMS

NOPE.

Moving around the plumbing? Taking out the tub and enlarging the shower? Adding a window? Changing the entire layout? You don’t need an Architect for that. Your friendly neighborhood Interior Designer has you covered.

Bathrooms are another area where Interior Designers shine. From selecting durable, beautiful materials to optimizing the layout for both function and aesthetics, we can handle it all.

Oh, and if your project or city requires permitting, a licensed Interior Designer can do those drawings for you. Be sure to check with your local and state rules on this, as it varies.

CHANGING YOUR ENTIRE LAYOUT

NOPE.

You can use an Architect here, but Interior Designers are space plan experts. There’s nothing we enjoy more than optimizing your floor plan to serve your needs (literally, it’s my favorite part of my job). You should see what this house and floor plan looked like before! You won't believe it. Seriously.

When it comes to reimagining your home’s layout, Interior Designers excel at creating spaces that flow beautifully and function perfectly. We consider how you move through your space and how each room connects to the next, ensuring your home feels cohesive and inviting.

FIREPLACE

NOPE.

This one is funny to us. No, your Interior Designer can totally handle refacing or updating your fireplace for you. Even if we're changing out the insert, or moving it to a different wall, like we did here.

Fireplaces are focal points in a room, and updating them can make a huge impact. Whether it’s selecting new materials for the surround, adding built-ins, or simply refreshing the mantel, we have the skills to transform your fireplace into the focal point you’re after.

HOME ADDITION

YES.

Anytime we are piercing the envelope of your house (by expanding out or up), we’ll need to bring in an Architect. Beyond making it look good, they’ll handle the design of the framing, roof, and coordinate the foundation with the Structural Engineer. Plus, they’ll handle the Permit drawings that the city requires for this type of project.

On our projects, we as the Designers will typically begin with a space plan layout showing the various options and room sizes. Then we’ll work with an Architect to fine-tune all of those details and make sure it looks great with your existing home (and, you know, stands up and keeps the rain out).

NEW BUILD

FOR SURE.

Probably self-explanatory, but we’ll for sure need an Architect to design your dream home from scratch.

But! Bring your Interior Designer to the party at the beginning to ensure you’re making the right decisions, choosing the best layout, and more.

In addition to all the detailed space planning, cabinetry design, and layout expertise that Interior Designers bring, we are also deeply connected to the human elements of how people and families use space. And (of course) when it comes to the look and feel, aesthetics, material selection, fixtures, and every single thing you see (and many you don't) - those lie squarely inside of an Interior Designer's zone of genius.

You can never gather the Team too early. Oh, and to that point…

ASSEMBLING YOUR DREAM TEAM

Ready to assemble your Dream Team? Grab your free Project Planning Guide below, full of even more helpful info to get your project started right. Our guide covers everything from setting priorities and budgeting to scheduling and execution.

grab your guide

Hopefully, this breakdown has clarified when you need an Architect and when your Interior Designer can handle it all. And if you’re new around here, we’d love for you to join us on Instagram where we share all things home design.