Do I need to hire an Interior Designer if I have an Architect?
I’m often asked whether it’s necessary to hire an interior designer/interior architect when an architect is already involved in a project. The short answer is yes, our roles complement each other but are distinct, ensuring no overlap of fees or responsibilities.
The common misconception is that the interior designer comes in at the end of a project to look at furniture and colours but this is a mistake.
I’m often asked whether it’s necessary to hire an interior designer/interior architect when an architect is already involved in a project. The short answer is yes, our roles complement each other but are distinct, ensuring no overlap of fees or responsibilities.
The common misconception is that the interior designer comes in at the end of a project to look at furniture and colours but this is a mistake.
The Role of the Architect
An architect is responsible for designing the structure of your building. They focus on the exterior form, layout, and necessary planning permissions. Their work ensures that the building complies with local regulations, meets structural integrity standards, and harmonizes with its surroundings. Once these elements are finalised, the architect’s role is largely complete.
However, there’s still a long way to go with the design to create a home that suits your lifestyle and personal preferences. Although the architect will always plan the internal space layout, and are happy to work on the fixed surfaces for the next stage of the project, this can be a good time for the client to move these responsibilities to the interior designer or interior architect, as we go into more detail, really getting involved in your lifestyle and how you want to feel in your home.
Our Role as Interior Designers
Once the structure is designed, we focus on optimising and personalising the internal space. Below are the important elements needed to get a more accurate estimate.
Internal Space Planning We analyse how you live, work, and relax to ensure your home meets your unique needs. By designing the interiors and understanding the furniture layouts from the outset, we normally have to shift walls, resize rooms, or alter door openings to improve flow and functionality. If we come to a project once it is all built, we are limited with what we can do to create the perfect layout for you.
Detailed Drawings for Builders Before you appoint a builder, we create a comprehensive set of technical drawings. These include:
Lighting Design: Placement of fixtures to enhance ambiance and functionality.
Electrical Layouts: Locations of switches, sockets, and wiring plans.
Tile Layouts: Detailed plans for flooring and wall finishes.
Plumbing Layouts: Placement of pipes, sinks, and sanitaryware.
These documents ensure your builder has precise guidelines, minimising guesswork and allowing for more accurate pricing.
Tailored Design Features From bespoke joinery to custom furniture, we design elements that add personality and luxury to your home. We also focus on materials and textures that align with your vision while considering sustainability and quality.
Why Work With an Interior Designer After the Architect?
No Duplication of Fees or Work: Once the architect’s structural design is complete, you no longer need their services. We take over from this point, ensuring a seamless transition.
Client-Centric Approach: While architects design the shell and initial layout, we prioritise how you’ll use and experience the space.
Efficiency and Cost Savings: By completing all design work before construction begins, we prevent costly changes during the build process.
Collaborating for a Cohesive Home
Architects and interior designers each bring specialised skills to a project. By allowing us to step in after the structural design phase, you benefit from a home that’s not only architecturally sound but also perfectly tailored to your lifestyle. From internal layouts to finishing touches, we ensure every detail works in harmony, leaving you with a space you’ll love for years to come.
If you’re planning a new build or renovation and wondering how to navigate the design process, feel free to reach out. We’d be delighted to guide you through creating a home that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
The benefits of using natural stone vs porcelain
I am passionate about all stone, natural or manmade, for me it adds a timeless beauty and elegance in design. Natural stone has always captivated me with its unique veining, rich colours, and unparalleled durability. Each piece tells a story of the earth's history, adding a sense of authenticity and luxury to any space.
However, in my journey through the design industry, I've discovered the incredible benefits of using porcelain that have made it a go to choice for many projects.
I am passionate about all stone, natural or manmade, for me it adds a timeless beauty and elegance in design. Natural stone has always captivated me with its unique veining, rich colours, and unparalleled durability. Each piece tells a story of the earth's history, adding a sense of authenticity and luxury to any space.
However, in my journey through the design industry, I've discovered the incredible benefits of using porcelain that have made it a go to choice for many projects.
Below I discuss the benefits of both options and my recommendations.
The benefits of using porcelain:
Durability & Strength Porcelain tiles are incredibly hard and durable, resistant to scratches and cracks. This makes them perfect for high traffic areas and busy households.
Low Maintenance Unlike natural stone, which often requires sealing and special care, porcelain is low maintenance. It's resistant to stains, water, and chemicals, making cleaning simple with no accidental damage with household cleaners.
Versatile Design Options Porcelain tiles come in an array of colours, finishes, and styles that can mimic the look of natural stone, wood, and other materials. This versatility allows for creative freedom and endless possibilities in achieving your desired aesthetic without compromising on practicality.
Eco-Friendly Choice Porcelain production has become more environmentally friendly, with many manufacturers adopting sustainable practices. Additionally, porcelain's longevity reduces the need for replacements, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Cost-Effective While natural stone can be a significant investment, when it comes to floor and wall tiles, porcelain offers a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing style or quality. Its long lifespan also means fewer replacement costs over time. However, for kitchen work tops or bespoke furniture sometimes porcelain can be the same price as natural stone so it is always worth cross checking.
The benefits of using natural:
Timeless Elegance: Natural stone offers a classic, luxurious look that adds value and sophistication to any interior space.
Unique Patterns: Each piece of natural stone is one of a kind, with distinct veining and colour variations that create a bespoke aesthetic.
Durability: Many natural stones, such as granite and marble, are highly durable and can withstand heavy use when properly maintained. You’ll notice in Europe that all many door steps and window frames are made from marble and have been open to the elements for hundreds of years. However, for kitchens and bathroom use, no chemicals can be used for cleaning which puts some people off.
Natural Insulation: Stone materials like marble and travertine offer excellent thermal properties, helping maintain coolness in warmer climates.
Aging Gracefully: Over time, many stones develop a patina, adding character and depth to their appearance.
Choosing Between Porcelain and Natural Stone
Porcelain is an excellent choice for many homes, offering impressive durability and low maintenance. Its resistance to damage from cleaning products means you don't need to worry about using harsher solutions during everyday cleaning. Additionally, porcelain comes in a wide range of beautiful colours and styles, many of which mimic the appearance of natural stone.
However, while porcelain can replicate the look of natural stone, and there are many wonderful options, it often lacks the organic beauty and character that real stone brings to a space, and you may not find what you are looking for. If you're drawn to the uniqueness of natural stone, it can be a stunning choice, just keep in mind the maintenance required to keep it looking its best.
Understanding Natural Stone Maintenance and Durability
Not all natural stones are created equal when it comes to durability:
Marble: Gorgeous and luxurious, marble is perfect for making a statement, but it is softer and more porous than other stones. This means a marble kitchen countertop, for instance, can be susceptible to staining from red wine, lemon juice, or acidic products. Regular sealing can help protect it, but you'll need to be mindful of spills.
Quartzite: For kitchens and bathrooms this is a fantastic alternative to marble, quartzite is incredibly hard wearing and resistant to scratching and staining. It combines the beauty of natural stone with greater practicality, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens. You still should use natural cleaning products but this is much easier to maintain and less likely to stain.
Granite: Another durable choice, granite is resistant to heat, scratches, and stains when sealed properly, making it versatile for both kitchens and bathrooms.
Cleaning and Caring for Natural Stone
Unlike porcelain, natural stone requires specific care:
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Cleaning natural stone with abrasive or acidic cleaning products can damage the surface. Instead, use mild soapy water for daily cleaning, similar to caring for other modern materials like wooden or concrete floors.
Regular Maintenance: Many stones, such as marble and limestone, benefit from routine sealing to maintain their appearance and resistance to stains.
By choosing the right stone for the right application and understanding its care needs, natural stone can add a level of beauty and authenticity that is unmatched by porcelain. The choice ultimately comes down to balancing aesthetics with practical considerations for your lifestyle.
The art of lighting design
Lighting is often the unsung hero of interior design. Even before a room is completed with it’s finishes and furniture, lighting has the power to transform a space, evoke emotion, and enhance architectural features.
Lighting is one of the most impactful elements in interior design. It enhances the architectural features of a space, highlights textures, and creates depth and dimension. Thoughtful lighting design can make a small room feel expansive or add intimacy to a large open plan area. Without the right lighting, even the most beautifully furnished room can feel flat.
The art of Lighting Design
Lighting is often the unsung hero of interior design. Even before a room is completed with it’s finishes and furniture lighting has the power to transform a space, evoke emotion, and enhance architectural features.
Lighting is one of the most impactful elements in interior design. It enhances the architectural features of a space, highlights textures, and creates depth and dimension. Thoughtful lighting design can make a small room feel expansive or add intimacy to a large open plan area. Without the right lighting, even the most beautifully furnished room can feel flat.
Lighting as an Emotional Experience
Lighting does more than illuminate a room; it sets the mood. Imagine a softly lit dining room with a statement chandelier that casts intricate patterns across the ceiling, or a modern living room with adjustable LED strips that transition from warm to cool tones throughout the day. Custom lighting allows you to control not only the brightness but also the ambiance and energy of your spaces.
Tailored to Your Space
Every room has unique requirements, and it’s really important to create the lighting design before any building work starts. The importance of working with an interior designer at the very beginning of the project ensures that the architecture, purpose, flow of a space , and final design is coordinated with the lighting design. Understanding the functionality of the space will ensure that every area has the right lighting to define it, whether task, ambient or accent. For example, a minimalist staircase can be transformed into a sculptural centrepiece with the right combination of concealed LEDs and pendant lights. Similarly, a marble clad bathroom can become a sanctuary with layered lighting that highlights textures, materials, zones and features.
Layered Lighting for Maximum Impact
In our designs we will always use a layered lighting approach to balance functionality and ambiance. This involves three main types of lighting:
Ambient Lighting: The general illumination that sets the tone for a space.
Task Lighting: Focused light for activities such as reading, cooking, or working.
Accent Lighting: Highlights specific architectural or decorative features, such as artwork or textured walls.
Balancing these layers ensures a space is both practical and visually appealing.
The Importance of Tailored Lighting Solutions
No two spaces are the same, and lighting should reflect the unique characteristics of your home and lifestyle. We will evaluate factors such as room size, natural light availability, and your specific needs to create a customized lighting plan. For instance, a modern kitchen might require bright, crisp task lighting, while a bedroom benefits from soft, warm illumination.
Technical Expertise Matters
Lighting design involves more than selecting beautiful fixtures. It requires technical knowledge to ensure proper placement, electrical planning, and the integration of dimmers or smart controls. We will work with lighting specialists and electricians to ensure that your space is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and energy efficient.
The Role of Lighting in Mood and Wellness
Lighting has a profound impact on our mood and well-being. Poorly lit spaces can feel uninviting, while thoughtfully designed lighting can create a sense of calm, focus, or energy.
How we can help you with you Lighting Design
Expertise in Planning: We understand how to layer light effectively and choose fixtures that complement your overall design.
Access to Unique Resources: We have access to high quality, bespoke lighting options that are often unavailable to the general public.
Seamless Integration: We can ensure that lighting works harmoniously with architectural elements, furniture, and decor.
Time and Cost Efficiency: By managing the process from concept to installation, we save you time and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Lighting Design as an Investment
Good lighting design is an investment in your home and quality of life. It adds value to your property, enhances your daily experience, and creates a lasting impression. Whether it’s a statement chandelier in the dining room or discreet integrated LEDs in a minimalist living space, the right lighting can transform how you live.
Final Thoughts
Lighting design is a nuanced and essential part of creating a beautiful and functional home. Partnering with an interior designer ensures that every aspect of your lighting plan is thoughtfully considered and expertly executed. From selecting the perfect fixtures to optimizing energy efficiency, we can help you achieve a space that is as practical as it is stunning.
If you’re ready to elevate your home with exceptional lighting design, working with an interior designer is the first step towards achieving your vision.
