Architect or interior designer for full refurb?

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

Hi,

Trying to work out if I need an architect or an interior designer.

We are refurbishing a house in Hove, East Sussex, it needs everything, windows, plumbing, electrics etc.

I need someone to pull the project together in terms of not only what colours etc. we go for, but flooring, where to layout furniture, plug sockets, lighting. Also do we re-use the old skirting, what style of windows to go for. We might have to move a door to get a good layout in the front room.

We are (most likely) knocking a wall & chimney down to create an open plan kitchen / diner.

Proposed rear layout, although we might consider a small extension as knocking down the chimney is super expensive.

It would be great to give something to the builders to work from.

This is why I’m confused about which service I need, happy to take recommendations, I’ve looked at online interior designers but they seem to charge per room, which is not what we’re looking for.

Looking forward to your comments!

Thanks. Rich

Featured Answer

Daisy England

4 years ago

A decent builder should be able to help and advise accordingly. I wouldn’t want to pay an architect for a service where they’re not really needed. You need to do some homework in relation to what you want for flooring and where you want furniture etc or you might find that whoever you use will try and persuade you to go with what they like as opposed to what you like.

The same applies for your style and colour of windows. It’s your choice.

A decent builder should also be able to act as Project Manager.

Comments (13)

Rich G
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks for your comment. Though I don't have much faith in my builder picking out which taps we should go for. I assume you mean for the structural layout? Quite honestly I don't think my builder is the right person to ask about any of the questions I have, maybe plug / socket layout but that's it.

I've done plenty of homework, the issue is, I have 100 decisions to make whilst running a business and looking after a young family, so hoping to get some of that weight taken away and good to know what options are out there and also what it is we need to choose.
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At No 19
4 years ago
An interior designer with lots of experience in renovation projects backed up by a structural engineer is probably exactly what you need. I do this type of thing all of the time, but sadly am based much too far away. If you haven’t done so already I’d suggest searching for an interior designer in your area on Houzz, several should pop up and you can look at their portfolios to find the closest match. Hope all goes well.
Daisy England
4 years ago
That’s just what I’m saying .... I wouldn’t let my builder choose my taps. Some choices need to be made solely by you because everyone’s opinion is different.

I presume you’ve already chose a builder from what you’ve said.

There are builders out there who work as Project Manager too. My husband does it and is currently doing something very similar to what you describe

His current Contract is around £80k so a lot or work involved with walls coming down, RSJs going in, flooring, new kitchen. He has advised his customer and led them in the right direction but personal choices such as light fittings and kitchen fascias have been made by them.

In short what I’m saying is you choose your more personal items and let the builder offer his experience for the construction side of things.
Jonathan
4 years ago
I also think you need a designer.
Also taking out a chimney breast should be £1500 per floor and much less than an extension
H TM
4 years ago
Maybe someone like Marina Cobra she’s local. https://macconvilles.com/people/marina-cobra
Rich G thanked H TM
PRO
Roger Connolly
4 years ago
Probably an interior designer who has a track record of these types of projects. Have a look at their work and choose one who has a style that you like. As you say, there are a hundred decisions to be made and it is very demanding. A good interior designer will have access to a structural engineer. Opening out the room can be more in the domain of the architect but your description is mainly about small detail which sounds more suited to an interior designer. A good interior designer should be able to handle opening and removing walls possibly even consulting with an architect if they decide that it is necessary. The key word here is “experienced”.
Rich G thanked Roger Connolly
PRO
Brandler London
4 years ago
If I remember correctly Rich, you already have a builder on site. In this case an experienced interior designer would be my advice.

We are a residential design & build contractor, as well as cabinet maker, and provide the architectural and design support to our Clients, however most builders do not have this service.
PRO
OnePlan
4 years ago
Hi Rich G - We do freelance concept planning ( as you know - we have chatted ) and touch lightly on interior design ( we have various colours from F&B for example in our software ) - but it’s more space planning and getting the technical bits sorted so you have a tangible set of plans to get quotes and for your team to work to .
PRO
Roger Connolly
4 years ago
This interior designer works remotely so may be more affordable.

https://kerrybryaninteriors.co.uk/
PRO
Schmidt Dorking
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
If there aren't major wall and structural changes, then you don't need an architect. But, for extensions you will need planning permission, which doesn't always have to be with an architect. The other things, like electrics and plumbing, a builder will be able to advice on the matter. You can always look for builder designers as well.

For fixtures, furniture, colour, decor etc then an interior designer can help you. But you might not need neither the architect or interior designer, depending on what you want to do.

For the kitchen, give us a ring and we can do the design, quote, deliver and install the kitchen. Come and visit us at Dorking ;)

Contact us on the 01306735735 and info@schmidt-dorking.com

Our address is the: Schmidt Dorking, 40 West Street, Dorking RH4 1BU
PRO
Oui Design London
4 years ago
Hi Rich, to establish the best living space, an interior architect is the best way to go, you can put forward what you're hoping to achieve and the designer should be able to draw you up a plan, the discussions that follow will hopefully achieve the best solution for your space. If you're knocking walls down it's safest to get an engineer in as well as building control, the engineer will give you a safe plan to work with, builders have wonderful ideas too but it's always best to get the seal of approval from a qualified engineer, building control will oversee that the builders have carried out the plans correctly, after that the interior architect should be holding your hand to find you the best solutions to kit you out, happy days!
Rich G
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks all, we’ve come to the conclusion that we need an architect first as we’re toying with changing the layout so trying to find one now.

I’ve posted a more focussed layout question here https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/5782342/kitchen-diner-living-room-layout-help would love to hear your thoughts!

Architect or interior designer for full refurb?

Daisy England

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Rich G
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Architect or interior designer for full refurb?

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