Help understanding scope of architect's role vs design guidance
I feel very ignorant, but we've hired a lovely architect to help us draw up a fairly significant remodel to our house. It occurred to me that though they're helping with structural needs, they are aren't focused on the feel of interiors in maybe the way an interior designer would. I realize another service provider will likely blow our budget, but is there a value to working with both an architect and an interior designer? Is that what people do if they can afford to? Is there a value in allocating part of a budget to help with this early on in the architecture process? Thanks for sharing your experiences doing it one way or another or neither ways. We are already committed to working with the architect so we don't want a 'design build' approach.
Thanks!
Parent Replies
We recently did an ADU project where we worked with an architect who paid attention to making the new structure mirror the feel of our existing house. Our architect made some recommendations about fixtures, etc., but we chose them all ourselves. That was at times fairly overwhelming (would you believe there are 10,000s of options for various light fixtures, many of them nearly identical???), but we have ended up with a finished space that suits our aesthetic well. We chose our own tile, between different flooring options, what kind of wood for the interior, paint colors, countertop material, kitchen & bathroom fixtures and appliances, etc. Our contractor was also helpful in sorting through options, but final decisions were always up to us. I don't wish we had hired a designer, though at times during the project I wondered if we should have. In the end I'm happy with the result and glad that we had the freedom to make some choices that a professional designer might find a little wonky, just because they're what we like! And it doesn't hurt to have saved the money either :)
I'm in the same spot and have found it invaluable to be working with an interior designer. I showed her some inspiration Pinterest boards I made and she toured my house to discuss aesthetics and she's already coming up with great ideas. She even helped my architect get "unstuck" when we couldn't quite figure out where to put a second bathroom- she came up with a great solution. Having her involved has also helped the contractors come up with more accurate bids. I'm still in the early process- I'm at the permitting phase- but it feels great to have her in the mix and it feels worth the extra cost. Her name is Meghan and she is at: https://www.skycitydesign.com
We have done several big renos and so we knew what we wanted in the space. I'm not sure you need more help, many architects are artistic in my experience, can you discuss with your person issues like light and flow for the spaces they are designing? For example, we knew we did not want windows overlooking the apartment next door, so we did a massive window and many small ones to compensate for the lack of light on one side of a room, things like that. You know your space better than anyone, and I bet you can help guide this part. One thing that helps if you have not done a project like this is to look at LOTS of photos of spaces that you like and find what is a common thread -and then discuss with your architect. Alternately you could bring in a designer to just get a feel for your plans and make suggestions, just on a consulting basis, for probably not much extra $$. Good luck with your project!
Retired architect responding here.
Architects are like all other licensed professionals—they have their areas of interest and strength. The license gives the client assurance that the architect has training and competence in health and human safety in building related issues. Design style is what most clients think of when they hire an architect, and that is a big part of training, but that's not what distinguishes an architect from an interior designer. Note that anyone can call themselves an interior designer; whereas a person must have gone through the licensing process and hold an active license to call themselves an architect. Architectural training is both design and technical. Some architects are more skilled and focused on one than the other; some do both quite well. It's also important to understand the contract you signed with the architect with regard to the extent of their scope of services. I find it's quite common these days that "full scope" contracts are more the exception than the norm. Sounds like a conversation to clarify might be in order.
The level of interior design interest and skill varies among architects. It sounds like you are not confident that your architect can satisfy your vision. It's quite common for particularly high-end clients to hire a team that includes both an architect and an interior designer. Consider talking with your architect about this. They may have interior designers that they've worked well with that they can recommend. It's important that roles and scope are clearly defined (who's designing the cabinets, selecting the paint colors, plumbing and lighting fixtures and fittings, etc.) At the very least, the architect and interior designer should coordinate on anything that is permanently attached to the building.
I hope that helps.
Adding on to my previous reply, this resource may be helpful to you: American Institute of Architects How to Work with an Architect.
Since I am not an industry professional, just a mom who co-built our house three decades ago, this is a philosophical opinion.
The writer asks to understand "the scope of an architect's role vs. design guidance".
My definition of the role of the architect would be: to design the building/remodel, top down, so that it is structurally sound; compliant with building codes; and sufficiently pleasing to the client's eye.
I have seen many examples whee the architect accomplished all these objectives, yet the interior experience of the structure was somehow disappointing.
When we amateurs, my husband and I, designed our house, our good friend the architect handed us a tome called A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander.The late Professor Alexander was much beloved at UCB.
We chose his theme "Windows Looking Out On Light". Well, we got the windows, we got the light - but that vision did not prevent us from building a crappy floor plan.
Interior decor is ephemeral, but you are usually stuck with a floor plan for the life of the house.
By all means capitalize on beautiful views. But also visualize the way you will be using each room. Choose orientations and lay out space to follow function.
IMHO architects typically do not visualize interiors the way home owners do. The client will need to guide the architect.
We learned many lessons. Among them:
I hope you enjoy the creative process of your remodel and are satisfied with the results.
As a residential interior designer, I will simply point out that there is plenty of overlap in the two professions, but (1) they are distinct professions, and whenever possible, having experts from both disciplines is best; (2) the earlier in the process you involve the interior designer the better (think of it this way: it can't hurt, right?); and (3) every individual professional will have their particular strengths, so you'll want to ensure those align with your priorities and your project's needs. Good question; thanks for asking; and hope that's helpful!