There is a lot of overlap between the different service professionals you may find yourself working with on various home projects.

An architect is generally responsible for the structure of a space, like a house or an addition. An interior decorator is responsible for the look of a space and may help with choosing things like furniture, pillows, curtains, and rugs. An interior designer is also concerned with the functionality of a space. An interior designer may also do some decorating, but an interior decorator is not necessarily trained in design.

According to Architectural Digest, an interior designer focuses on “how a space makes us think, feel, and act.” You can also see this perspective in the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) statement that “Design impacts lives.”

When you hire an interior designer, start by asking friends and family if they have worked with a designer they liked. Designing your home is a personal project, and you’ll want to work with someone you connect with and who you feel understands you and your priorities.

Before you meet with prospective interior designers, consider your project. Think about what you want the space to look like – and how you want it to make you feel.

A picture is worth a thousand words and can help guide your conversations. Find images that evoke the feelings you want to feel in your space. Is the room light and airy? Or does it have a darker, more luxurious feel? Do you like overstuffed furniture or sleek minimalist choices? Collect paint chips and fabric swatches in color palettes and find photos of furniture or accessories you love.

When you have an initial consultation with a potential interior designer, ensure you are clear on the scope of your project. You also want to get all pricing and estimates in writing.

There are several different ways that interior designers charge, sometimes combining more than one of these options:

• A flat fee for a complete project
• An hourly fee for actual hours worked on a project
• Price per square foot of the project
• Markups on furniture, accessories, or construction costs

In all cases, it’s important that you can communicate well with your interior designer and understand what the project will include. You also want to ensure timelines and details are included in a written contract.

If you are also working with an architect and/or interior decorator, ensure that all people involved understand each others’ roles and who will be doing what as part of the project. Don’t forget to figure out with your team who will be responsible for managing the work done for the project, who will handle permits and inspections, and who will work with your contractors.

These roles may change based on the nature of the project. If you are doing a full addition to your home, your architect may take the lead. If you are adding or removing a wall from a room, you may need an architect to make sure it is still structurally sound, but the interior designer may take the lead concerning the changes you want for the space.

For more information:

• An interior designer is all about designing the space inside a home or other building. You may also need an architect and a contractor for large projects involving structural changes. 
• Some projects you may want to discuss with your interior designer include painting, new windows, and patios or decks.
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