monixdenix
join:2008-11-06
11261-6621
| Remodeling home.consult architect or interior designer first
I am planning on remodeling our very tiny galley kitchen and adjoining family room by expanding out about 8 feet. The problem is, neither one of us has an eye for what goes together. We both know what we like/don't like when we see it, but just aren't creative enough to coordinate things on our own.
So, are we better off getting an interior designer's perspective first, or hiring an architect? Are architects trained in any way to help people decide on things like what countertop color looks best with a particular cabinetry color? On the flip side, would an interior designer be aware of things like plumbing & electrical requirements/codes? This is the home we plan on staying in for at least the next 15 years, until our children finish school, so we'd like to make it very much "ours".
Can anyone help? |
|
robbin
Premium,MVM
join:2000-09-21
Leander, TX
| Personally I would start with the architect. You need to design the structure before you decorate it. Many architects I have worked with in the past have good working relationships with designers they have worked with in the past. Once you find an architect you like they should be able to help you with finding a designer. I think that it is beneficial if the architect and designer have worked together before as they already have experience in working together. |
|
CylonRed
Premium,MVM
join:2000-07-06
Bloom County | I agree as well. |
|
Sweet Witch
Be the flame, not the moth.
Premium,MVM
join:2003-07-15
Gallifrey
 ·Comcast
| reply to monixdenix
Designing the interior goes hand-in-hand with the structure of the addition. We used an interior designer for the addition on my mother's house. Their software does the work of the general architect but they have the eye to take the design into account as well. The designer will know the best placement of the appliances, doors, table, etc. They can also get deals on the above that an architect can't when you're purchasing things.
Whichever you go with, make sure they know what you want. Does a friend have a kitchen you like all or part of? Take pictures. See something in a magazine you like? Rip out the page. Give the person as much information as possible.
--
"While you can teach an old dog new tricks, you simply can't teach him to be a cat."
"Are you my Mummy?" |
|
robbin
Premium,MVM
join:2000-09-21
Leander, TX
| said by Sweet Witch  :We used an interior designer for the addition on my mother's house. Their software does the work of the general architect but they have the eye to take the design into account as well. The designer will know the best placement of the appliances, doors, table, etc. They can also get deals on the above that an architect can't when you're purchasing things. I totally disagree with all you have said. If you are just using software that "does the work of a general architect" then you might just as well hire a general contractor. An architect's training is much more rigorous than that of an interior designer. The architect will definitely "know the best placement of the appliances, doors, table, etc". As far as deals, any contractor can get the same prices on anything but the table. Use each professional for their intended purpose -- I would never suggest that an interior designer should plan an addition. It may be cheaper, but it's not the best use of their skills! |
|
Sweet Witch
Be the flame, not the moth.
Premium,MVM
join:2003-07-15
Gallifrey
·Comcast
| said by robbin :
I totally disagree with all you have said. If you are just using software that "does the work of a general architect" then you might just as well hire a general contractor. An architect's training is much more rigorous than that of an interior designer. The architect will definitely "know the best placement of the appliances, doors, table, etc". As far as deals, any contractor can get the same prices on anything but the table. Use each professional for their intended purpose -- I would never suggest that an interior designer should plan an addition. It may be cheaper, but it's not the best use of their skills!
And you're entitled to your opinion, just as I am.
--
"While you can teach an old dog new tricks, you simply can't teach him to be a cat."
"Are you my Mummy?" |
|
Sweet Witch
Be the flame, not the moth.
Premium,MVM
join:2003-07-15
Gallifrey
·Comcast
1 edit | reply to monixdenix
Here are some links that talk about the differences between an architect and an interior designer:
»www.adriennechinn.co.uk/offshoot···le03.htm
»interiordesign.tribe.net/thread/···28a82944
»askville.amazon.com/difference-a···=3973753
--
"While you can teach an old dog new tricks, you simply can't teach him to be a cat."
"Are you my Mummy?" |
|
robbin
Premium,MVM
join:2000-09-21
Leander, TX
| reply to Sweet Witch
said by Sweet Witch : And you're entitled to your opinion, just as I am. Thanks -- My professional opinion is derived from 30 years of working in the trades and working directly with both architects and interior designers. If you truly believe that the interior designer can take the place of the architect because they have a "program" which "does the work of the architect" then there is really no reason to continue the discussion as you do not have even a basic grasp of what a good architect provides with their service.
Use the architect to design the structure and then use the designer to select the colors, patterns, finishes, etc, etc, etc. |
|
JoeG4
join:2001-12-16
945941 | reply to monixdenix
Agreed, architecture is my 2nd major, I can happily say that many architects would be happy to do what you want to do. |
|
