I had a client in to see me last week who has booked again for this week (utilising our Design 121 service, where clients just pay by the hour and easily book instantly online). She is building a new house and has an architect on board that is ‘also an interior designer’.
After looking at the plans, I can tell you that this architect is no interior designer.
For starters, the lighting plan is a grid of spotlights, in most of the bathrooms the loo faces the door, the towel rails aren’t next to the shower and the kitchen layout is terrible. Where the oven has been sited on the kitchen design is where the SVP is, so there isn’t actually space for the appliance… The windowsill heights aren’t appropriate for the clients needs for the uses of the space and no thought has been given to traffic flow, circulation space, window treatments, pinch points or existing furniture and artwork.
Hence why my client is now my client. This is their forever home and she wants to get it right.
Now this isn’t to say all architects can’t be interior designers also, I know some incredible architects that are very detail orientated and have a really beautiful aesthetic to the interiors of their buildings, so the answer isn’t straightforward – but if you’re on the fence about who to hire for your project, here are my top tips (not ten this week, I mean it’s September and we’re all busy with the ‘back to school’, but this is definitely worth the couple of minutes to read);
Architects: The Big Picture Thinkers
Architects are trained to think holistically about the built environment. They design structures that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound, functional, and compliant with building regulations. Many architects are indeed detail-oriented and capable of designing stunning interiors that complement the building’s architecture. They consider the flow of spaces, light, materiality, and how the design interacts with the environment around it.
However, architects are often more focused on the “big picture” – the overall structure, layout, and form of a building. They are adept at integrating the functional requirements of a space, such as circulation, safety, and sustainability, with creative architectural design. They aren’t often concerned that your partner is 6ft 7 and needs a large, deep sofa, or that you love to cook socially so need a large prep space on your kitchen island, or that you own a pair of knee high boots you need space for in your wardrobe, or that you have arthritis so need lever taps and door handles to make day to day life a bit easier.
Interior Designers: The Minutiae Masters
Interior designers, on the other hand, specialise in the finer details. They live and breathe the intricacies of colour palettes, fabric textures, furniture layouts, and decorative elements. They think about how people interact with spaces on a granular level. They are experts in optimising space usage, selecting materials, and curating furniture and decor that aligns with the client’s vision and lifestyle.
Moreover, interior designers have access to amazing trade discounts on furniture, materials, and accessories that they can pass on to their clients – a potential cost-saving benefit that many might overlook. They are involved in the project day in and day out, focusing on how the space feels and functions in its final form, which can lead to a more refined and personalised end result.
Two Pairs of Eyes Are Better Than One
Just like a great restaurant thrives on a diverse team – with a head chef, a pastry chef, and sous chefs all bringing different skills to the table – a successful design project often benefits from multiple perspectives. An architect may be the equivalent of the head chef, orchestrating the overall vision, while an interior designer might be the pastry chef, adding the finishing touches that bring everything together.
While an architect can certainly handle interior design tasks, their chocolate eclairs (or in this case, their selection of finishes or lighting) may not be as perfected as those of an interior designer (pastry chef) who specialises in that area. The collaboration between these two professionals can result in a richer, more comprehensive design solution, where the structural elements of a building are seamlessly integrated with the aesthetic and functional details of the interiors. A deliciously constructed meal from start to finish.
The Case for Combining Roles
There are certainly scenarios where hiring an architect who also offers interior design services can lead to savings. For smaller projects or those with a tightly controlled budget, working with one professional can reduce fees, minimise the need for multiple meetings, and create a more streamlined communication process.
An architect with a solid grasp of interior design can deliver a cohesive vision, especially when the interior and exterior elements need to be intricately aligned. This approach can work particularly well when the project calls for a minimalist or uniform design philosophy.
However, if you’re working with an architect and they’re charging you hourly for design fees, you probably won’t be making the savings on product purchases that you would be with an interior designer who has access to trade discounts.
The Case for Specialised Design Teams
The complexity of many projects often means that a collaborative approach yields the best results. When an architect and an interior designer work together, they can bring a wider range of ideas, expertise, and creativity to the table. Each professional can focus on their area of strength – the architect on structural and spatial design, and the interior designer on the intricacies of the interiors.
This dual approach can often lead to better problem-solving, more innovative design solutions, and ultimately, a more satisfying end result for the client. While there may be two sets of fees, the combined expertise can lead to cost savings in other areas, such as avoiding costly mistakes, leveraging trade discounts, and ensuring the project is completed to a high standard.
Us designers (whether architects or interiors) usually work really well together and have each others backs, not needing to worry the client about design flaws. Like in the case of the oven sited with the SVP above – usually I wouldn’t have mentioned that to the client and would have just emailed the architect to highlight it and make the adjustment. We all fuck up sometimes, we work long hours and oversights happen (like I said, two pairs of eyes are better than one).
The Best of Both Worlds
Ultimately, the decision depends on the specific needs of your project. If you’re looking for a unified approach with streamlined communication and a singular vision, an architect who also does interior design might be the right fit. However, if you want a project where every element, from the foundation to the final throw pillow, is meticulously curated by experts in their respective fields, investing in a team that includes both an architect and an interior designer is likely to provide a better overall outcome.
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